Tesamorelin
The FDA-Approved Peptide for Targeted Fat Loss and GH Optimization
What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is a synthetic, stabilized analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-44), originally developed to treat HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It is FDA-approved for this specific use, but in broader research, Tesamorelin is widely studied for its effects on growth hormone (GH) secretion, fat metabolism, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) reduction, and metabolic health.
Unlike Sermorelin (GHRH 1-29), Tesamorelin is modified with a trans-3-hexenoic acid group, significantly increasing its stability and half-life, allowing for more potent and sustained GH-releasing activity.
How Does Tesamorelin Work?
Tesamorelin binds to the GHRH receptor on pituitary cells, stimulating pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone (GH), which in turn activates IGF-1 production in the liver and other tissues.
Mechanism of Action:
- Mimics natural GHRH with enhanced half-life
- Stimulates endogenous GH release via pituitary axis
- Leads to increased IGF-1, lipolysis, and anabolic activity
- Regulates fat distribution, especially visceral fat reduction
This mechanism supports physiologic growth hormone modulation without exogenous hGH administration, reducing the risk of suppression.
Benefits of Tesamorelin in Research
🔥 Visceral Fat Reduction
- FDA-approved to reduce VAT in HIV-positive adults
- Shown to reduce abdominal and liver fat in metabolic syndrome models
- Promotes redistribution of fat away from organ-surrounding regions
🧬 IGF-1 Elevation & Anabolic Support
- Increases IGF-1 levels naturally (up to 150 ng/mL increases in trials)
- Supports muscle recovery, strength, and tissue repair
- Enhances bone density and skin regeneration
🕒 Anti-Aging & Cognitive Function
- Supports slow-wave (deep) sleep, where GH peaks occur
- Shown to improve verbal memory and cognitive function in older adults
- Reduces inflammatory markers and supports cardiovascular resilience
Tesamorelin vs Sermorelin vs CJC-1295
| Feature | Tesamorelin | Sermorelin | CJC-1295 w/o DAC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-life | ~30 minutes (extended action) | ~10–20 minutes | ~30 minutes |
| IGF-1 Elevation | High | Moderate | Moderate–High |
| FDA Approved Use | HIV lipodystrophy | Off-label | Research only |
| VAT Reduction | Strong | Mild | Moderate |
| Ideal Use | Fat loss + GH restoration | GH optimization | GH pulse enhancement |
Tesamorelin is especially potent for visceral fat mobilization and GH axis rejuvenation.
Suggested Dosage & Protocol
FDA Approved Dose:
- 2mg subcutaneously once daily, typically administered at bedtime
Research Protocol:
- 1–2mg per day, SC injection, best on an empty stomach
- Ideal to dose pre-bed to align with natural GH rhythm
Cycle Duration:
- Protocols run 3–6 months, often with IGF-1 monitoring
- May be cycled with GHRPs or GH secretagogues for synergy
Safety Profile of Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is generally well-tolerated, with a favorable side effect profile, especially compared to exogenous hGH.
Common Observations:
- Improved sleep, fat loss, cognitive clarity
- Mild improvements in metabolic biomarkers
Potential Side Effects:
- Mild joint discomfort (linked to increased GH)
- Injection site redness
- Rare: peripheral edema or carpal tunnel symptoms at high IGF-1 levels
Reference:
- Falutz J et al., “Metabolic Effects of a Growth Hormone–Releasing Factor in Patients with HIV.” NEJM, 2007. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa072375
Storage Instructions
- Store lyophilized Tesamorelin at 2–8°C
- Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water
- Use within 14–28 days, stored in refrigerator
Tesamorelin Ideal Stack Pairings
Tesamorelin is often included in metabolic or longevity-focused stacks:
- 5-Amino-1MQ – for fat metabolism synergy and NNMT inhibition
- GHK-Cu – for skin, collagen, and tissue regeneration
- DSIP – for deep sleep enhancement and GH efficiency
- ARA-290 – to support insulin sensitivity and inflammatory balance
Is Tesamorelin Right for Your Research?
Tesamorelin is an ideal candidate for studies involving visceral adiposity, metabolic syndrome, GH decline, or age-related fat accumulation. Its validated clinical benefits in VAT reduction and IGF-1 elevation make it highly relevant for experimental models of metabolic disease, performance optimization, and body recomposition.
Final Thoughts
Tesamorelin is a next-generation GH secretagogue with a powerful track record in reducing visceral fat, enhancing anabolic signaling, and restoring youthful metabolic profiles. It is favored by researchers seeking a physiologic GH boost without the suppression or rebound effects of synthetic hGH.
Lab of RAD provides high-purity Tesamorelin peptide for use in advanced protocols targeting regenerative medicine, endocrine health, and body composition research.
⚠️ FDA Disclaimer
This content is provided for educational and research purposes only. Tesamorelin has not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any uses beyond its original indication. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Lab of RAD peptides are for laboratory research use only and are not for human consumption.