GHRH Analog

Tesamorelin

FDA-approved product existsWeight & metabolicGH axis & hormones
6.0/10

BioHarmony verdict

Worth trying

Tesamorelin is a stabilized GHRH analog that reduced visceral adipose tissue in the landmark Falutz 2007 HIV lipodystrophy Phase 3 trial and has newer support for hepatic fat reduction, but cost, daily injections, reversibility, cancer contraindications, and anti-doping prohibition keep the score at 6.0-6.5/10.

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What is Tesamorelin?

Tesamorelin is a prescription peptide that mimics growth hormone-releasing hormone and stimulates the pituitary GHRH receptor. Instead of injecting growth hormone directly, tesamorelin amplifies endogenous pulsatile GH release and raises downstream IGF-1. The practical result is a selective lipolytic signal that reduces visceral adipose tissue in the FDA-approved HIV lipodystrophy population while largely preserving subcutaneous fat.

From the BioHarmony report, reviewed 2026-09-19.

How it is thought to work

Binds pituitary GHRH receptors and amplifies endogenous pulsatile GH release, raising IGF-1 while preserving somatostatin-mediated negative feedback.

Safety watch-outs

  • Severe edema or carpal tunnel symptoms
  • Fasting glucose drift upward

Full risk profile in the BioHarmony report.

Dosing as published

Approved labelEGRIFTA SV prescribing information for reduction of excess abdominal fat in the approved HIV-associated lipodystrophy population
PopulationAdults with HIV and lipodystrophy for whom the approved indication and limitations apply
Dose1.4 mg (0.35 mL of the reconstituted solution)
RouteSubcutaneous injection into the abdomen
FrequencyOnce daily
DurationAs directed in the approved prescribing information
PreparationReconstitute one 2 mg EGRIFTA SV vial with 0.5 mL of the supplied sterile water. Roll the vial gently for 30 seconds; do not shake. Withdraw 0.35 mL and use immediately, then discard unused solution and diluent.
Source: Dosage and Administration sections 2.1-2.3
Approved labelEGRIFTA WR prescribing information for reduction of excess abdominal fat in the approved HIV-associated lipodystrophy population
PopulationAdults with HIV and lipodystrophy for whom the approved indication and limitations apply
Dose1.28 mg (0.16 mL of the reconstituted solution)
RouteSubcutaneous injection into the abdomen
FrequencyOnce daily
DurationAs directed in the approved prescribing information
PreparationReconstitute one 11.6 mg EGRIFTA WR vial with 1.3 mL of the supplied bacteriostatic water (8 mg/mL). Swirl; do not shake. One mixed vial provides seven daily doses and is discarded 7 days after mixing.
Source: Dosage and Administration sections 2.1-2.2; Dosage Forms and Strengths section 3

More reported protocols

Members

Members can compare additional reported doses, schedules, and preparation notes.

Educator coverage (4)

Attributed viewpoints, separate from primary research.

Trust & sourcing

US approvalFDA-approved product exists
CompoundingApproved product exists; compounded copies are not FDA approved
Last checked2026-07-13
Next review2026-10-11

FDA-approved tesamorelin is available as two non-interchangeable formulations, Egrifta WR and Egrifta SV, for reducing excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy; neither is indicated for weight-loss management.

Primary sources

  1. 6.5/10MOTS-cWorth tryingWeight & metabolicNot FDA approvedMOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide discovered in Lee 2015 that activates AMPK through the folate and purine pathway.
  2. 6.2/10IpamorelinWorth tryingRecoveryNot FDA approvedIpamorelin is a selective growth-hormone secretagogue with strong receptor selectivity but almost no human efficacy data: its only completed human efficacy trial…
  3. 6.1/10TirzepatideWorth tryingWeight & metabolicFDA-approved product existsTirzepatide is a once-weekly subcutaneous dual GIP plus GLP-1 receptor agonist with unusually large weight-loss and glycemic effects.
  4. 6.0/10Semaglutide (GLP-1 Agonist)Worth tryingWeight & metabolicFDA-approved product existsSemaglutide is a prescription GLP-1 receptor agonist that produced 14.9% mean weight loss in STEP-1 and cut 3-point MACE by 20% in SELECT, but the 6.0-6.5/10 score holds…

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