What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), engineered to stimulate the body’s own production and release of growth hormone (GH). In clinical and laboratory studies, it has been shown to significantly increase IGF-1 levels and influence fat metabolism, particularly visceral adipose tissue. It is best known as an FDA-approved treatment for HIV-associated lipodystrophy—marketed as Egrifta and, since March 2025, as the reduced-volume formulation Egrifta WR—though research has since expanded into cardiovascular, liver, cognitive, and nerve-regeneration applications.
Structurally, it is a stabilized GHRH analog based on the 44–amino-acid sequence of natural GHRH, modified to extend its biological half-life. The peptide binds selectively to pituitary receptors to increase GH synthesis and release without influencing other hormonal systems—the reason it is used to study lipodystrophy, fat redistribution, neuroregeneration, and related metabolic conditions
Structure
Chemical Formula: C221H366N72O67S
The molecule mimics GHRH with a modified N-terminal group that improves stability and receptor affinity, preserving its potency while extending its half-life in the body.
Tesamorelin Research
Lipodystrophy
The compound has been studied most extensively for reducing excess visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy—the use for which it earned FDA approval. By promoting endogenous growth hormone secretion, it stimulates lipolysis and reduces abdominal fat accumulation. Research shows it may also preserve lean body mass while improving metabolic markers such as triglyceride levels, making it a significant compound in the study of abnormal fat distribution.
Cardiovascular and Liver Health
Beyond fat loss, studies have explored its role in cardiovascular health, particularly in patients with increased abdominal fat. It has been shown to reduce pericardial fat volume—a factor linked with cardiac inflammation and risk—and to improve cholesterol ratios and inflammatory markers. A notable randomized trial also found it reduced liver fat by roughly 37% and slowed fibrosis progression in people with HIV and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which has become one of the most active areas of current interest.
Growth Hormone Deficiency and HIV
By enhancing natural GH release, the peptide is being used in research to assess the long-term impacts of growth hormone deficiency in people with HIV. It may help address metabolic disturbances common in this population, including insulin resistance and muscle wasting, without the side effects associated with direct growth hormone administration.
Peripheral Nerve Damage
Preclinical investigations point to a possible role in peripheral nerve regeneration. Through stimulation of the IGF-1 and GH pathways, it may support Schwann cell activity, axonal growth, and myelin repair—neurotrophic effects now being studied in models of nerve trauma and neurodegenerative conditions.
Cognition and Dementia
Emerging research has begun to examine effects on cognitive function and brain health. By increasing IGF-1, a growth factor implicated in neuroprotection, the peptide is being evaluated for its influence on hippocampal function, memory, and synaptic plasticity. Though still early, these studies suggest a potential role in dementia-related research, particularly Alzheimer’s disease.
Reconstitution and Dosing
The FDA-approved therapeutic dose (Egrifta) is 2 mg injected subcutaneously once daily; the 2025 Egrifta WR formulation is reconstituted weekly rather than daily and uses less than half the injection volume. In research settings the peptide is typically reconstituted with bacteriostatic water at 5–10 mg/ml. Community protocols vary and are often cycled—for example, several weeks on followed by a break, sometimes alternated with CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin.
For our free peptide reconstitution tool, try the Peptide Calculator.
Research-grade tesamorelin is available from WellnessPeptides.
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