Tesamorelin
Also known as Egrifta
An FDA-approved GHRH analog originally developed to reduce visceral adiposity in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Tesamorelin strongly stimulates GH release and has been shown to reduce abdominal fat, improve cognitive function, and enhance lipid profiles.
| Typical dose | 1-2 mg |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Once daily |
| Half-life | ~26 minutes (but effect duration 6-8 hours) |
| Cycle length | 12-26 weeks |
| Research level | extensive |
| Prescription required | Yes |
Mechanism of action
Acts on GHRH receptors to stimulate GH secretion from the anterior pituitary. The sustained GH elevation promotes lipolysis of visceral fat and improves IGF-1 levels.
What this means in practice
Tesamorelin has the strongest clinical file of any GHRH analog here: it's FDA-approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, so its pharmacology is documented to a standard the rest of this library can't match. That approval is specific and narrow, and its use outside that indication is off-label. Mechanistically it's a stabilised GHRH analog, so it stimulates the pituitary rather than supplying growth hormone directly — meaning it works with the body's own pulsatile release rather than overriding it.
Reported side effects
- Injection site reactions
- Joint pain
- Peripheral edema
- Paresthesia
Commonly stacked with
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