Tesamorelin

Overview

Tesamorelin (brand names Egrifta and Egrifta SV) is a stabilized synthetic analog of human growth-hormone-releasing hormone, GHRH(1-44), carrying an N-terminal trans-3-hexenoic acid group that resists enzymatic breakdown. It is the only GHRH analog with FDA approval — granted in 2010 for HIV-associated lipodystrophy (excess visceral abdominal fat). Use outside that indication is off-label and not established.

Mechanism of Action

Tesamorelin binds GHRH receptors on anterior-pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating endogenous pulsatile growth-hormone release and a downstream rise in IGF-1 that preferentially mobilizes visceral adipose tissue. The N-terminal trans-3-hexenoic acid modification confers resistance to dipeptidyl peptidase IV, extending plasma half-life relative to native GHRH(1-44) and to sermorelin (GRF 1-29).

Research Summary

FDA approval (NDA 022505) was based on two Phase 3 trials reported by Falutz et al. (NEJM, 2007; PMID 18057338) and the pooled 52-week safety extension, showing ~15-18% reduction in visceral adipose tissue with improved triglycerides in HIV patients with abdominal fat accumulation. Stanley et al. (JAMA, 2014; PMID 25038357) demonstrated concurrent reductions in visceral and liver fat (NAFLD). Baker et al. (Arch Neurol, 2012; PMID 22869065) reported favorable effects on executive function in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment at 1 mg/day for 20 weeks — note this cognition signal was in MCI / healthy older adults, not specifically APOE4-positive individuals. Current label dose is 1.4 mg SubQ daily (Egrifta SV); legacy Egrifta used 2 mg/day. Off-label use for general body composition in non-HIV populations is common but outside the FDA label.

Vendors selling Tesamorelin

Scored vendors carrying Tesamorelin, ranked by trust grade. Grades are computed from indexed Certificates of Analysis. Full $/mg pricing is on the comparison page.

Prescribers who offer Tesamorelin

107 prescribers in our directory work with Tesamorelin, each confirmed from their own website. Peptides like Tesamorelin require a prescription from a licensed provider.

Reported Side Effects

• Injection site reactions — erythema, pruritus, hematoma (most common)
• Arthralgia and extremity pain
• Peripheral edema
• Myalgia
• Paresthesia
• Elevated IGF-1; GH-axis changes may theoretically support growth of occult malignancy

Biomarkers researchers track for Tesamorelin

These biomarkers appear in the research literature as measures of response and safety for this compound.

Related Peptides

Research Guides

• Cheapest verified Tesamorelin: live prices, vendors & COA data

Compare Tesamorelin with Others

Research References

• Falutz J, et al. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(23):2359-2370.
• Stanley TL, et al. Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation. JAMA. 2014;312(4):380-389.
• US FDA. Egrifta SV (tesamorelin) prescribing information (NDA 022505).

Frequently asked questions

Has Tesamorelin been independently lab-tested?

Disclosed Labs has collected 178 Certificates of Analysis (COA) for Tesamorelin from 14 independent testing labs. 46 vendors have submitted material for testing. Products average 99.5% tested purity across the corpus. Full testing data is available at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/peptides/tesamorelin/testing.

What is the average purity of Tesamorelin on the market?

Based on 178 COAs analyzed by Disclosed Labs, Tesamorelin products average 99.5% (±0.4%) tested purity. Individual vendor results vary; see per-vendor COA data at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/peptides/tesamorelin/coas.

Which labs have tested Tesamorelin?

Independent labs that have tested Tesamorelin include: ILS Labs (Grade A), Ethos Analytics (Grade B). Full lab credibility grades and profiles are at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/labs.

Where can researchers source Tesamorelin?

8 vendors with Disclosed Labs trust grades currently list Tesamorelin, including Glacier Aminos, Ion Peptide, Voltera Sciences. Compare live prices and lab-verified COAs at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/prices/tesamorelin.

Which prescribers offer Tesamorelin with a prescription?

107 prescribers in the Disclosed Labs directory work with Tesamorelin, each confirmed from their own website. Tesamorelin requires a prescription from a licensed provider. Browse them at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/prescribers?peptide=Tesamorelin.

How does Tesamorelin work?

Tesamorelin binds GHRH receptors on anterior-pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating endogenous pulsatile growth-hormone release and a downstream rise in IGF-1 that preferentially mobilizes visceral adipose tissue. The N-terminal trans-3-hexenoic acid modification confers resistance to dipeptidyl peptidase IV, extending plasma half-life relative to native GHRH(1-44) and to sermorelin (GRF 1-29).

What does the research say about Tesamorelin?

FDA approval (NDA 022505) was based on two Phase 3 trials reported by Falutz et al. (NEJM, 2007; PMID 18057338) and the pooled 52-week safety extension, showing ~15-18% reduction in visceral adipose tissue with improved triglycerides in HIV patients with abdominal fat accumulation. Stanley et al. (JAMA, 2014; PMID 25038357) demonstrated concurrent reductions in visceral and liver fat (NAFLD). Baker et al. (Arch Neurol, 2012; PMID 22869065) reported favorable effects on executive function in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment at 1 mg/day for 20 weeks — note this cognition signal was in MCI / healthy older adults, not specifically APOE4-positive individuals. Current label dose is 1.4 mg SubQ daily (Egrifta SV); legacy Egrifta used 2 mg/day. Off-label use for general body composition in non-HIV populations is common but outside the FDA label.