Tesamorelin
About
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) developed by Theratechnologies to stimulate the body's production and release of growth hormone (GH). It was approved by the FDA in 2010 (trade name Egrifta) for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Research has also explored its effects on peripheral nerve health and cognition.
Research Applications
- Abdominal fat reduction
- Peripheral nerve health
- Cognitive health
Mechanism of Action
Tesamorelin binds the growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors of the anterior pituitary gland, stimulating the secretion of growth hormone.
Molecular Info
- Class
- Peptide
- Structure
- Stabilized analog of human GHRH (TH9507)
- Target
- Growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors of the anterior pituitary
- Primary research areas
- Abdominal fat reduction, peripheral nerve health, and cognition
Dosing Guidance
- Range
- Clinical references cite 2 mg subcutaneously for HIV-associated lipodystrophy and a typical research amount around 1 mg per injection.
- Frequency
- Clinical references describe daily injection, commonly up to five nights per week.
- Timing
- Clinical references describe injection late at night, at least 90 minutes after eating.
- Cycle length
- Cycle length is not consistently defined across the available research references.
- Notes
- These details are educational context only. Protocol values are examples and should not be treated as medical instructions.
Known Risks
- Injection-site pain reported
Regulatory & Evidence Status
- Evidence level
- Well studied within its approved indication; evidence outside it is limited.
- FDA status
- Approved (Egrifta, 2010) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy; other uses are investigational.
- WADA status
- Prohibited.
- Availability
- Prescription medication.
Protocols
Example reconstitution math only. These are educational values, not medical instructions.
Standard Tesamorelin Protocol
Example calculation values using a 5 mg vial, 2 mL bacteriostatic water, and a 1 mg (1000 mcg) target amount.
- Vial
- 5 mg
- Water
- 2 mL
- Target
- 1000 mcg
- Syringe
- U-100 · 100 units
These example values cover reconstitution math only; scheduling, route, and administration decisions are not included.
References
Tesamorelin
Drugs · 2011
DOI: 10.2165/11202240-000000000-00000
37 new drugs achieved FDA approval in 2022
Chemical & Engineering News · 2023
DOI: 10.47287/cen-10103-feature1
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
SpringerReference
DOI: 10.1007/springerreference_32222
Growth Hormone and Athletes
Sports Medicine · 1987
DOI: 10.2165/00007256-198704020-00004
Tesamorelin: A hope for ART-induced lipodystrophy
Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences · 2011
DOI: 10.4103/0975-7406.80763
Metabolic Effects of a Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor in Patients with HIV
New England Journal of Medicine · 2007
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa072375
Predictors of Treatment Response to Tesamorelin, a Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor Analog, in HIV-Infected Patients with Excess Abdominal Fat
PLOS ONE · 2015
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140358
Therapeutic augmentation of the growth hormone axis to improve outcomes following peripheral nerve injury
Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets · 2016
DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2016.1188079
Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Effects on Brain γ-Aminobutyric Acid Levels in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Healthy Aging
JAMA Neurology · 2013
DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.1425
WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency)
The SAGE Dictionary of Sports Studies · 2008
DOI: 10.4135/9781446212172.n334
The Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analogue, Tesamorelin, Decreases Muscle Fat and Increases Muscle Area in Adults with HIV
The Journal of Frailty & Aging · 2019
DOI: 10.14283/jfa.2018.45
Qualitative identification of growth hormone-releasing hormones in human plasma by means of immunoaffinity purification and LC-HRMS/MS
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry · 2016
DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-9377-3
For research and educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide. All calculations should be independently verified.
