§ 01 Overview
Overview
FDA-approved GHRH analog that specifically reduces visceral adipose tissue (VAT), originally developed for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
FDA-approved 2010 for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Extensive Phase III data; off-label use for VAT reduction.
§ 02 Mechanism
Mechanism of action
Tesamorelin is a stabilized GHRH(1-44) analog. It stimulates endogenous GH release and preferentially reduces visceral fat, with favorable effects on IGF-1 and hepatic fat.
- 01Targeted visceral fat reduction (15–20% VAT decrease)
- 02Improved liver fat markers
- 03Lean mass preservation
§ 03 Dosing
Dosing protocol
Standard Protocol
- Vial
- 1 mg or 2 mg
- BAC Water
- 1 ml BAC water per vial
- Dose Range
- 1 – 2 mg daily
- Starting Dose
- 1 mg daily
- Route
- SubQ
- Timing
- Before bed
- Frequency
- Daily
- Cycle
- 12–26 weeks; reassess IGF-1
§ 04 Evidence
Evidence & research
FDA-approved 2010 for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Extensive Phase III data; off-label use for VAT reduction.
FDA Status
FDA-approved (HIV lipodystrophy).
§ 05 Stacks
Common stacks
§ 06 News
In the news
6 articles from the last 12 months · updates hourly
What Are Peptides and Do They Work? BPC-157, Tesamorelin, and Tanning Peptides Explained - Los Angeles Times
What Are Peptides and Do They Work? BPC-157, Tesamorelin, and Tanning Peptides Explained Los Angeles Times
Growth hormone secretagogues - Enhanced
Growth hormone secretagogues Enhanced
Umbrella Labs Tesamorelin Peptide Research Use Only Program Advances High Rigor GHRH Receptor Signaling, GH Axis Modeling, And Endocrine Systems Bench Science - Yahoo Finance
Umbrella Labs Tesamorelin Peptide Research Use Only Program Advances High Rigor GHRH Receptor Signaling, GH Axis Modeling, And Endocrine Systems Bench Science Yahoo Finance
What You Need to Know Before Stacking Peptides for Strength - Yahoo Health
What You Need to Know Before Stacking Peptides for Strength Yahoo Health
Egrifta WR Now Available for HIV-Related Lipodystrophy - Infectious Disease Advisor
Egrifta WR Now Available for HIV-Related Lipodystrophy Infectious Disease Advisor
Weekly HIV Treatment Breakthrough: Theratechnologies' EGRIFTA WR Cuts Injection Volume by 50% - Stock Titan
Weekly HIV Treatment Breakthrough: Theratechnologies' EGRIFTA WR Cuts Injection Volume by 50% Stock Titan
§ 07 Sourcing
Sourcing & supply
Regulatory status
FDA-approved
This compound has an FDA approval for at least one indication. Brand pharmacy channels exist. Compounding may or may not be available depending on shortage status.
503B pharmacies · 5
Empower Pharmacy
Rx requiredOne of the largest US compounders by volume; dual 503A + 503B. Repeat FDA enforcement history and ongoing Lilly litigation.
Olympia Pharmaceuticals
Rx required35+ year family-owned dual 503A/503B licensed in 48–49 states. Among the cleanest mid-sized 503Bs operating today.
Belmar Pharma Solutions
Rx requiredWebster Equity portfolio. Triple-credentialed (PCAB + NABP + LegitScript), licensed in all 50 states. Among the most credentialed operators.
Fagron Sterile Services
Rx requiredEstablished 503B outsourcing facility in FDA's registered list.
Wedgewood Connect
Rx requiredFDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility.
Telehealth (Rx) · 1
Defy Medical
Rx requiredBroadest peptide formulary in legitimate US telehealth. 13-year history, concierge cash-pay, no known lawsuits.
Research-use-only · 3
Swiss Chems
Established SARMs/peptide vendor. FDA warning letter Dec 2024 for GLP-1s. Weaker peptide QC than SARMs QC.
Limitless Life Nootropics
'Only BBB-accredited peptide company' (since 2020). Claims three-lab third-party testing. Broad catalog.
Core Peptides
Broad catalog, widest payment range. Mid-credibility: Knoji 2.5/5 and one scam-impersonation report.
Listings are informational, not endorsement. Verify credentials and flags against FDA and PCAB databases before purchasing. Full directory & how to verify →
§ 09 Safety
Safety & side effects
Side effects
- 01Injection site erythema
- 02Arthralgia
- 03Elevated IGF-1
Contraindications
- 01Active malignancy
- 02Pituitary disorders
§ 10 Questions
Tesamorelin FAQ
- What is Tesamorelin?
- FDA-approved GHRH analog that specifically reduces visceral adipose tissue (VAT), originally developed for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Tesamorelin is a stabilized GHRH(1-44) analog. It stimulates endogenous GH release and preferentially reduces visceral fat, with favorable effects on IGF-1 and hepatic fat.
- What is Tesamorelin used for?
- Reported uses include targeted visceral fat reduction (15–20% vat decrease), improved liver fat markers, and lean mass preservation. Evidence strength is rated Established — see the evidence section for detail.
- How is Tesamorelin dosed?
- Commonly referenced dosing is 1 – 2 mg daily, administered SubQ. This is educational reference only; consult a licensed clinician before use.
- How do you reconstitute Tesamorelin?
- For Tesamorelin, vials commonly come in 1 mg or 2 mg and a common reconstitution is 1 ml BAC water per vial. Use the reconstitution calculator to convert any vial size and water volume into exact insulin-syringe units.
- What are the side effects of Tesamorelin?
- Commonly reported side effects include injection site erythema, arthralgia, and elevated igf-1. This list is not exhaustive.
- Is Tesamorelin legal?
- This compound has an FDA approval for at least one indication. Brand pharmacy channels exist. Compounding may or may not be available depending on shortage status. FDA status: FDA-approved (HIV lipodystrophy)..