Educational reference only. Not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any protocol.
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin Acetate (TH9507)
What it is
A synthetic 44-amino-acid modified GHRH analogue with a trans-3-hexenoic acid group at the N-terminus conferring enhanced resistance to DPP-IV enzymatic degradation. Tesamorelin is FDA-approved (as Egrifta) for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy, making it the only GH secretagogue with an active FDA-approved indication. It has been studied in Phase 3 randomized controlled trials demonstrating selective reduction of visceral adipose tissue and is discussed in optimization communities in the context of body composition, metabolic health, and anti-aging protocols.
Community-reported ranges
Ranges sourced from FDA prescribing information (Egrifta labels), published Phase 3 clinical trial data, and community forums. Not dosing guidance.
Reported dose range
1000–2000 mcg
Estimated half-life
~26-38 minutes (varies by formulation and population)
Source: FDA prescribing information (Egrifta / Egrifta SV / Egrifta WR labels, NDA 22-505)
Reported cycle length
8–12 weeks on
4 weeks off
Route
subcutaneous
Common vial sizes
2mg
Reported timing
Before bedtime, fasted (≥90 min after last meal)
Reported frequency
1x daily
Frequently discussed alongside
Based on community forum discussions. Not a recommendation to combine compounds.
Ipamorelin
Most popular GHRH + GHRP stack for synergistic GH release
Sermorelin
Shorter, less potent GHRH analogue often compared as a lower-cost alternative
CJC-1295
Similar GHRH analogue class; sometimes used interchangeably in community protocols
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
Discussed as an oral bridge option during off-cycles from injectable GHRH protocols
Published research
Tesamorelin was evaluated in pooled Phase 3 RCTs (Falutz et al. 2010, PMID 20554713) demonstrating significant reduction of visceral adipose tissue in HIV lipodystrophy. Stanley et al. (2014, PMID 25038357) showed reduction of liver fat in a JAMA-published RCT. Clemmons et al. (2017, PMID 28617838) studied metabolic effects in type 2 diabetes. The FDA-approved dose is 1.4 mg (Egrifta SV) or 1.28 mg (Egrifta WR) daily via subcutaneous injection. Community-reported off-label use ranges are derived from clinical dosing and published literature.
Falutz J et al. Effects of tesamorelin (TH9507), a growth hormone-releasing factor analog, in HIV-infected patients with excess abdominal fat: a pooled analysis of two multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 trials.
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Stanley TL et al. Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial.
JAMA
Clemmons DR, Miller S, Mamputu JC. Safety and metabolic effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue, in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
PLoS ONE
Reported side effects
From community self-reports. Not from controlled studies.
From FDA prescribing information and clinical trials (>5% incidence): arthralgia, injection site reactions (erythema, pruritus, pain — 25% vs 14% placebo), pain in extremity, peripheral edema, myalgia. Warnings include hyperglycemia/glucose intolerance, hypersensitivity reactions (~4%), fluid retention, anti-drug antibody formation (~49.5% at 26 weeks without significant efficacy impact), and contraindication in active malignancy and pregnancy. Community users have reported water retention in early weeks, carpal tunnel-like symptoms, and morning joint stiffness.
Regulatory status
FDA (United States)
FDA-approved. NDA 22-505, initially approved November 10, 2010. Current formulations: Egrifta SV (2 mg/vial, 1.4 mg daily) and Egrifta WR (11.6 mg/vial, 1.28 mg daily, approved March 2025). Reclassified as a biologic under BPCIA in March 2020 — cannot be legally compounded by 503A pharmacies.
Health Canada
DIN 02423677 approved April 29, 2014 (Egrifta, 2 mg/vial). Status listed as 'Cancelled Pre Market' as of July 13, 2023, likely related to formulation transition.
WADA (Competitive Athletes)
Prohibited at all times under S2.2.4 — Growth Hormone Releasing Factors. Specifically named alongside sermorelin. Classified as a Specified Substance.