Tesamorelin
GHRH Analog | Visceral Fat Reduction
Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved synthetic GHRH analog designed for HIV-associated lipodystrophy treatment. It provides selective visceral fat targeting with 15-20% visceral fat reduction in clinical trials while preserving subcutaneous fat.
Mechanism of Action
Subcutaneous injection provides optimal bioavailability for GHRH receptor binding and pulsatile GH release stimulation, selectively targeting visceral adipose tissue while sparing subcutaneous fat.
Key Benefits
- FDA-approved formulation
- Selective visceral fat targeting (15-20% reduction)
- Proven clinical efficacy
- Standardized dosing
- 37% liver fat reduction in NAFLD
- Preserved subcutaneous fat
HADGIFTNSYRKVLGQLSARKLLQDIMSRQQGESNQERGARARLHistidine
Position 1
Alanine
Position 2
Aspartic Acid
Position 3
Glycine
Position 4
Isoleucine
Position 5
Phenylalanine
Position 6
Threonine
Position 7
Asparagine
Position 8
Serine
Position 9
Tyrosine
Position 10
Arginine
Position 11
Lysine
Position 12
Valine
Position 13
Leucine
Position 14
Glycine
Position 15
Glutamine
Position 16
Leucine
Position 17
Serine
Position 18
Alanine
Position 19
Arginine
Position 20
Lysine
Position 21
Leucine
Position 22
Leucine
Position 23
Glutamine
Position 24
Aspartic Acid
Position 25
Isoleucine
Position 26
Methionine
Position 27
Serine
Position 28
Arginine
Position 29
Glutamine
Position 30
Glutamine
Position 31
Glycine
Position 32
Glutamic Acid
Position 33
Serine
Position 34
Asparagine
Position 35
Glutamine
Position 36
Glutamic Acid
Position 37
Arginine
Position 38
Glycine
Position 39
Alanine
Position 40
Arginine
Position 41
Alanine
Position 42
Arginine
Position 43
Leucine
Position 44
Weight Loss
- HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy
FDA-approved indication showing 15-20% visceral fat reduction in clinical trials.
- Selective Visceral Fat Targeting
Unique mechanism that reduces dangerous visceral fat while sparing subcutaneous fat.
- Sustained Fat Loss
Maintained weight loss with continuous treatment over 52+ weeks in clinical studies.
Metabolic
- Triglyceride Reduction
12.3% reduction in triglyceride levels.
- Cholesterol Profile Improvement
7.2% improvement in cholesterol markers.
- NAFLD Treatment
37% liver fat reduction over 12 months.
Body Composition
- Lean Mass Preservation
Preserves lean muscle mass during fat loss.
- IGF-1 Elevation
26% increase in IGF-1 levels.
Subcutaneous injection to abdomen (avoid navel ±2 inches). Evening injection preferred for GH circadian rhythm alignment.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIV Lipodystrophy (FDA-approved) | 1.4mg | Once daily | SubQ |
| Visceral Fat Reduction | 2mg | Once daily | SubQ |
| Anti-aging/Body Composition | 1-2mg | 5-7x weekly | SubQ |
| NAFLD Treatment | 2mg | Once daily (12 months) | SubQ |
| Cognitive Enhancement | 1mg | Once daily (20 weeks) | SubQ |
Reconstitution Instructions
- Tesamorelin lyophilized powder
- Sterile water (Egrifta SV) or Bacteriostatic water (Egrifta WR)
- Insulin syringes
- Alcohol prep pads
- 1 Allow vial to reach room temperature
- 2 Egrifta SV: Add 0.5mL sterile water to 2mg vial - use immediately
- 3 Egrifta WR: Add 1.3mL bacteriostatic water to 11.6mg vial - stable 7 days
- 4 Gently swirl (don't shake vigorously)
- 5 Withdraw appropriate dose (~0.35mL for 1.4mg)
- 6 Inject SubQ, rotating sites
- 7 Store reconstituted WR at room temperature up to 7 days
Synergistic GH stimulation; monitor IGF-1 levels.
Combined use may elevate IGF-1 supraphysiologically.
Similar mechanism; risk of excessive effects at higher doses.
3.3-fold diabetes risk increase; monitor glucose closely.
May mitigate glucose intolerance associated with tesamorelin.
Decreases corticosteroid effectiveness.
Blocks GH release, negates tesamorelin effects.
Redundant; risk of acromegaly-like effects.
IGF-1 levels begin to rise, possible mild water retention or joint discomfort
Early metabolic changes; improved energy/sleep
Visible visceral fat reduction begins, waist circumference may decrease
Peak effects achieved with significant body composition improvements
Common Side Effects
- Injection site reactions (17%)
- Joint pain (13%)
- Water retention
Stop Signs - Discontinue if:
- Development of diabetes or severe glucose intolerance (HbA1c ≥6.5%)
- Signs of malignancy
- Severe hypersensitivity reactions
- Excessive IGF-1 elevation (>2 SD above normal) with acromegaly symptoms
Contraindications
- Active malignancy
- Pituitary disorders
- Pregnancy
Good Signs
- FDA-approved formulations (Egrifta SV/WR from licensed pharmacy)
- White crystalline powder (uniform, cake-like)
- Clear reconstituted solution (colorless, no particles)
- Proper packaging (sealed vials, intact stoppers)
Warning Signs
- Compounded formulations may have quality/potency variability
Bad Signs
- Discolored or cloudy solution (yellow/brown indicates degradation)
- Visible particles or precipitate
- LIPO-010 FDA Pivotal Trial(2010)
Significant visceral adipose tissue reduction (-24 ± 41 cm² vs +2 ± 35 cm² placebo, p < 0.001) in HIV patients over 26 weeks.
- CTR-1011 Extended Safety Study(2011)
69% achieved ≥8% VAT reduction vs 33% placebo at 26-52 weeks.
- NAFLD Treatment Trial(2019)
37% liver fat reduction over 12 months with fibrosis progression prevention.
- Cognitive Enhancement Study(2012)
Improved executive function and verbal memory in healthy elderly and mild cognitive impairment cohorts at 1mg daily.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.