Tesamorelin
Egrifta
FDA-approved GHRH analog (Egrifta) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. VAT data is that label. Not a general-population fatty-liver cure and not weekly CJC-1295.
Use-case scores
0–10 against the evidence we have, not a gym ranking. Hidden domains do not apply here.
- Metabolic / weight8/10
Labeled VAT reduction in HIV lipodystrophy. Ceiling 9 for approval; haircut because that label is not a gym visceral-fat protocol and a 2 mg cake is not Egrifta.
Compound card
- Sequence
- Trans-3-hexenoyl-GHRH(1-44)
- Class
- FDA-approved GHRH analog (Egrifta) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy
- Formula
- C221H366N72O67S1
- Status
- FDA-approved
How it works
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of GHRH(1-44) with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminal for enhanced stability. It is the only FDA-approved GHRH analog (Egrifta), approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy (excess visceral and truncal fat).
Tesamorelin binds GHRH receptors in the pituitary, stimulating pulsatile Growth Hormone release. Unlike exogenous GH, it preserves the natural pulsatile GH rhythm and hypothalamic feedback loop. VAT reduction is the labeled HIV-lipodystrophy story. Do not generalize that into a fatty-liver or cognition drug for unselected adults.
Source: FDA Label (Egrifta), PMID: 20947872
Background & History
Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is an FDA-approved GHRH analog for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. VAT reduction is that label. It is not a general-population fatty-liver cure and not weekly CJC-1295.
Research Use Cases
- ✓Egrifta identity vs CJC-1295 vs sermorelin
- ✓Why HIV-lipodystrophy VAT math does not become a research-chem cut protocol
- ✓Not a NAFLD or MCI treatment page
Dosing
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDA-Approved (Lipodystrophy) | 2 mg | Daily SC injection | FDA-approved dose for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Clinically proven reduction in VAT. |
| Longevity / Body Composition | 1 - 2 mg | Daily SC injection | Off-label use for visceral fat reduction and GH optimization. Often cycled to minimize IGF-1 elevation. |
Administration
Timeline
Who it is for
Visceral Fat / Lipodystrophy
HighFDA-approved for HIV lipodystrophy. RCT data shows 15-20% VAT reduction in 26 weeks.
GH Optimization / Body Composition
ModerateOff-label use. Preserves pulsatile GH rhythm vs. exogenous GH. Favorable safety profile.
Cognitive Enhancement
ModerateClinical studies show improved cognitive function in older adults with abdominal obesity.
Reconstitution
| Vial | Water | Concentration | Example dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mg (Egrifta-style fill) | 2.0 mL sterile/BAC per product | 1 mg/mL | 2 mg = 2.0 mL = entire 2 mg vial. Follow the labeled diluent, not a BPC chart. |
Change vial size or water volume? Open the reconstitution calculator.
Safety & Considerations
FDA-approved (Egrifta). Generally well-tolerated. Injection site reactions are common. Monitor IGF-1 levels - discontinue if levels exceed normal range. Contraindicated in active malignancy or hypersensitivity.
Regulatory & Legal Status
FDA-approved as Egrifta® for HIV-associated lipodystrophy
Competitive athletes subject to anti-doping controls should not use Tesamorelin.
Prescription Drug
US Compounding: Not eligible / not available
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulatory updates. Always verify with official FDA, WADA, and jurisdiction-specific sources before use.
Limits of current evidence
- Egrifta 2 mg daily is the labeled job. Off-label “longevity” 1–2 mg is not that trial.
- Cognitive and lipid papers in HIV cohorts are not a cognition indication for everyone.
- This site will not treat HIV lipodystrophy or NAFLD from a peptide page.
Verdict
Tesamorelin is Egrifta, the GHRH analog with a US lipodystrophy label. VAT data is HIV-clinic data. It is not a general-population fatty-liver cure and not weekly CJC-1295.
Interactions & Contraindications
Glucose/IGF-1 watching. Active malignancy contraindication class. Labeled job is HIV-associated VAT, not wellness GH.
Synergies & Common Stacks
GHRH plus GHRP is the same receptor story as Mod GRF + ipa. Not a labeled Egrifta combination.
Tesamorelin vs. Sermorelin
Canonical comparison: Tesamorelin vs Sermorelin
| Attribute | Tesamorelin | Sermorelin |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | FDA-approved (Egrifta® - HIV lipodystrophy) | Not FDA-approved (was revoked) |
| Half-Life | ~26 minutes | ~11–13 minutes |
| Potency | Stronger - engineered GHRH analog | Moderate - native GHRH fragment |
| Best For | Visceral fat + GH deficiency protocol | Anti-aging GH optimization |
| Cost | Higher (Rx only) | Lower (compounded) |
Verdict: Tesamorelin is the clinically superior GHRH analog with proven visceral fat reduction and FDA medical validation. For users specifically targeting body composition and clinical evidence, tesamorelin is the preferred choice.
Appears in goal guides
Goal guides are maps, not clinic protocols. A mention here is not a treatment plan.
Precision Fat Loss & Metabolic Reset
Labeled incretin and dual-agonist pens (STEP, SURMOUNT) versus research cakes, plus GHRH VAT math. Percentages are branded-trial numbers, not a compounded vial.
Weight Loss Plateau Breakthrough
Tesamorelin VAT label versus off-label secretagogue folklore. Visceral fat that “refuses to burn” is not a research-chem indication.
The Furnace: Advanced Lipolysis
Thyroid and pancreas cytomax plus Tesamorelin, AOD-9604, Retatrutide, and 5-amino-1MQ. Visceral fat stack, not a stimulant fat burner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes tesamorelin different from CJC-1295?▼
How does tesamorelin reduce visceral fat?▼
References
- Falutz J et al. “"Tesamorelin (Egrifta) for HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy".” NEJM (2010). PMID: 20427810
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