Tesofensine

Overview

Tesofensine (NS2330) is a small-molecule triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine — it is not a peptide. NeuroSearch originally developed it for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, where it failed to show benefit, and Saniona repositioned it for obesity research. It is not FDA-approved in the US.

Mechanism of Action

Tesofensine inhibits presynaptic reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, elevating synaptic monoamine tone. Appetite suppression and a modest rise in energy expenditure are driven primarily by noradrenergic and dopaminergic signaling in hypothalamic and reward circuits. Higher exposures carry a disproportionate cardiovascular signal, which shaped later trial design.

Research Summary

Pivotal Phase 2 (Astrup et al., Lancet 2008, n=203, 24 weeks, Denmark) showed placebo-subtracted weight loss of 4.5%, 9.2%, and 10.6% at 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/day — roughly twice orlistat at 0.5 mg. (The Lancet issued an expression of concern about that trial in 2013.) Saniona's Mexico partner Medix ran a Phase 3 registration study that met its primary endpoint; Medix filed with COFEPRIS in May 2023 with supplemental data submitted in 2024. As of April 2026 a final Mexican approval decision is still pending — the commonly repeated '2022 Mexico approval' claim is inaccurate. Tesomet (tesofensine + metoprolol, intended to blunt cardiovascular signal) is in development for hypothalamic obesity and Prader-Willi syndrome.

Vendors selling Tesofensine

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

Prescribers who offer Tesofensine

6 prescribers in our directory work with Tesofensine, each confirmed from their own website. Peptides like Tesofensine require a prescription from a licensed provider — telehealth options are available.

Reported Side Effects

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Anxiety / mood change
• Elevated heart rate
• Elevated blood pressure

Biomarkers researchers track for Tesofensine

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

Related Peptides

Compare Tesofensine with Others

Research References

• Astrup A, et al. Effect of tesofensine on bodyweight loss, body composition, and quality of life in obese patients: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2008;372(9653):1906-1913.
• Sjodin A, et al. The effect of tesofensine on appetite sensations and energy metabolism. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;92(6):1495-1503.

Frequently asked questions

Has Tesofensine been independently lab-tested?

Disclosed Labs has collected 18 Certificates of Analysis (COA) for Tesofensine from 7 independent testing labs. 12 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/tesofensine/testing.

What is the average purity of Tesofensine on the market?

Based on 18 COAs analyzed by Disclosed Labs, Tesofensine products average 99.5% (±0.7%) tested purity. Individual vendor results vary; see per-vendor COA data at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/peptides/tesofensine/coas.

Which labs have tested Tesofensine?

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

Where can researchers source Tesofensine?

4 vendors with Disclosed Labs trust grades currently list Tesofensine, including Instant Peptides, Peptide Supply Co., Optima Supply. Compare live prices and lab-verified COAs at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/prices/tesofensine.

Which prescribers offer Tesofensine with a prescription?

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

How does Tesofensine work?

Tesofensine inhibits presynaptic reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, elevating synaptic monoamine tone. Appetite suppression and a modest rise in energy expenditure are driven primarily by noradrenergic and dopaminergic signaling in hypothalamic and reward circuits. Higher exposures carry a disproportionate cardiovascular signal, which shaped later trial design.

What does the research say about Tesofensine?

Pivotal Phase 2 (Astrup et al., Lancet 2008, n=203, 24 weeks, Denmark) showed placebo-subtracted weight loss of 4.5%, 9.2%, and 10.6% at 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/day — roughly twice orlistat at 0.5 mg. (The Lancet issued an expression of concern about that trial in 2013.) Saniona's Mexico partner Medix ran a Phase 3 registration study that met its primary endpoint; Medix filed with COFEPRIS in May 2023 with supplemental data submitted in 2024. As of April 2026 a final Mexican approval decision is still pending — the commonly repeated '2022 Mexico approval' claim is inaccurate. Tesomet (tesofensine + metoprolol, intended to blunt cardiovascular signal) is in development for hypothalamic obesity and Prader-Willi syndrome.