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Tesamorelin

71
evidence score
peptide
Prescription Only
99 studies
EgriftaTH9507tesamorelin acetate

Tesamorelin is a stabilized synthetic analog of GHRH, FDA-approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy (excess visceral fat). It reduces visceral adipose tissue by 15–20% via sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation. Off-label interest for body composition, anti-aging, and cognitive function — particularly given data suggesting IGF-1 may support hippocampal function. Unlike CJC-1295, it has a defined clinical evidence base from placebo-controlled trials.

Evidence

Moderate evidence

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

Approved

Last Sync

Feb 19, 2026

Last Reviewed

Not reviewed yet

Physician Notes

2mg pre-sleep is the standard dose. No carbs 45-60 minutes prior (insulin blunts GH release). Works better in females than ipamorelin (GHRH pathway vs ghrelin pathway). Stack with ipamorelin for synergistic GH pulse.

FDA Status:FDA-approved (Egrifta) for HIV lipodystrophy. Compounded versions available via 503A.

Monitoring

  • IGF-1 q3mo
  • Fasting glucose/HbA1c (GH can affect insulin sensitivity)
  • Joint symptoms (excess GH signal)

Contraindications

  • Active malignancy
  • Active pituitary pathology
  • Pregnancy
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Dosing

Typical
2 mg
1 mgRange2 mg
FrequencyOnce daily subcutaneous

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Pharmacology

Half-life~26 minutes; effects sustained via continuous GH stimulation
Onset4–8 weeks for body composition changes
DurationEffects require ongoing dosing; reverse within weeks of discontinuation
Routes
subcutaneous

Evidence Score

71
Level B — Moderate
99 studies indexed · 1 meta-analysis
Scoring Factors
Volume(24%)~40/100
Quality(24%)~46/100
Sample Size(12%)~96/100
Consistency(14%)~96/100
Replication(8%)~96/100
Recency(18%)~96/100

Scores estimated from study counts. Exact breakdown computed after research sync.

Evidence Levels
AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs
BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis
CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only
DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Tesamorelin is currently categorized as a peptide compound.

Evidence is moderate (71/100): promising signal from 99 indexed studies, but context and population still matter.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

Stabilized GHRH analog binding pituitary GHRH receptors; stimulates GH/IGF-1 production, reducing visceral fat via lipolysis

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

  • Level A: Body composition, hepatic fat, metabolic, and safety outcomes of Tesamorelin, a GHRH analogue, in HIV-associated lipodystrophy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
  • Level B: Effects of Tesamorelin on Neurocognitive Impairment in Persons With HIV and Abdominal Obesity.
  • Level B: Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial.

Compound Profile