Tesamorelin
An FDA-approved peptide for reducing stubborn visceral belly fat. Tesamorelin is the only FDA-approved GHRH analog, specifically for reducing visceral abdominal fat in HIV lipodystrophy. Uses the full 44 amino acid GHRH sequence with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification for stability. Produces physiological GH pulses that specifically target stubborn belly fat.
Compare Prices🧬Key Characteristics
- Length: 44 amino acids(Full-length GHRH with N-terminal modification.)
- Half-life: ~26–38 minutes(Longer than sermorelin due to the hexenoic acid modification.)
- FDA Status: FDA Approved(Approved in 2010 for reducing excess abdominal fat.)
- Primary Use: Visceral fat reduction(Specifically targets abdominal/trunk adipose tissue.)
Overview
Core Benefits
Key AdvantagesThese are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.
Tesamorelin Results Timeline
ProgressionTimeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.
How It Works
GHRH Analog (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone)Sequence → Stability → GH Pattern → Outcomes
GHRH Receptor on Pituitary Somatotrophs
Tesamorelin binds the same GHRH receptor as Sermorelin and CJC-1295. However, Tesamorelin uses the full 44 amino acid GHRH sequence rather than just the first 29, providing a more "native-like" signaling profile.
cAMP → PKA Cascade → Reliable GH Pulse
Same cAMP/PKA signaling cascade as other GHRH analogs. The trans-3-hexenoic acid cap at the N-terminus increases stability in the bloodstream, resulting in a more predictable and reliable stimulation window compared to shorter fragments.
Consistent GH Pulses → Visceral Fat Mobilization
The reliable GH pulse pattern has been clinically demonstrated to reduce visceral (abdominal) fat by 15-18% in trials. GH-mediated lipolysis preferentially targets visceral adipose tissue, improving lipid profiles and metabolic health markers.
Belly Fat Reduction → Metabolic Improvements → Vitality
Reduced abdominal circumference is the hallmark outcome, typically visible within 2-3 months. Improved energy, better lipid panels, and body composition changes follow. Tesamorelin has the strongest clinical evidence of any GHRH analog for measurable outcomes.
What Makes This Peptide Different
Tesamorelin is the only GHRH analog with FDA approval (for HIV-associated lipodystrophy). It uses the full 44-amino acid GHRH sequence with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminus. This makes it more "native-like" than the 29-AA fragments ( Sermorelin, CJC-1295) while being more stable than unmodified GHRH. Its clinical validation for visceral fat reduction sets it apart from all other GHRH peptides.
Sequence → Why It Matters
Tesamorelin is a nearly full-length GHRH analog with one key modification:
So what? Being a nearly full-length analog with a stability-enhancing cap gives Tesamorelin the most predictable stimulation window among pulsatile GHRH peptides. This reliability is likely why it has the strongest clinical data for measurable outcomes — specifically visceral fat reduction.
GHRH Peptide Comparison
| Peptide | Half-Life | GH Pattern | What's Unique |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sermorelin | ~10-20 min | Short, natural pulse | Native GHRH(1-29) — unmodified, shortest duration |
| CJC-1295 (no DAC) | ~30 min | Broader natural pulse | 4 substitutions for stability — reliable signaling |
| Tesamorelin | ~26-38 min | Reliable, broader pulse | Full 44-AA + hexenoic acid — FDA-approved for visceral fat |
| CJC-1295 (DAC) | 6-8 days | Sustained elevation | Albumin binding — weekly dosing, non-pulsatile |
Dosing Protocol
Fat Loss / Visceral FatEducational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.
Why This Dosing Protocol
Why empty stomach? Insulin blunts GH release. Tesamorelin should be taken on an empty stomach (2+ hour fast) to maximize the GH pulse.
Why 5 days on / 2 days off? Prevents receptor desensitization and maintains consistent response quality across the protocol duration.
Why this works for visceral fat: Consistent GH pulses preferentially mobilize visceral adipose tissue. The reliable half-life means each dose hits the same signaling window, creating cumulative fat mobilization over weeks to months.
Diagrams
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Tesamorelin Pricing
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5 mg / vial
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10 mg / vial
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Stacks
Tesamorelin is commonly paired with ipamorelin in GH-axis research discussions. For comparing bundles fairly, we normalize stack value using the Tesamorelin amount as the driving peptide (assuming ratios remain consistent as bundle sizes scale).
Tesamorelin + Ipamorelin
Bundle of Tesamorelin (FDA-approved GHRH analog) and Ipamorelin (ghrelin-receptor secretagogue) for synergistic GH release.
| Vendor | Stack | Price | $/mg (CJC) | COA | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EZ Peptides | 10mg/3mgNon-1:1 | $88.00 | $8.80 | Go → |
Reconstitution calculator
Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.
Open calculatorEducational Videos
How to Reconstitute Peptides
Handling
Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.
- Freezer (-20°C): 1+ year ✓
- Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1-3 months ✓
- Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
- MUST refrigerate at 2-8°C
- 4-week maximum shelf life
- NEVER freeze after reconstitution
- Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose
Storage & Handling Guide
Learn proper storage temperatures, shelf life timelines, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.
FAQ
What makes Tesamorelin different from other GHRH peptides?
Tesamorelin is the only GHRH analog that is FDA-approved for a specific therapeutic use (reducing excess abdominal fat). It uses the full 44 amino acid GHRH sequence with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification, giving it a longer half-life (~26-38 minutes) than sermorelin and making it particularly effective for reducing visceral (abdominal) fat.
What are the most common side effects?
In clinical trials, the most common side effects included injection site reactions (redness, itching, swelling), joint pain (arthralgia), and peripheral edema (fluid retention in extremities). Some patients also reported muscle pain and paresthesia (tingling sensations). These effects are generally mild and often decrease with continued use.
How effective is Tesamorelin for fat loss?
In FDA clinical trials, Tesamorelin reduced trunk fat by approximately 15-18% over 26 weeks. It specifically targets visceral adipose tissue (VAT) rather than subcutaneous fat, making it particularly effective for reducing dangerous abdominal fat associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk.
Is Tesamorelin FDA-approved?
Yes. Tesamorelin was FDA-approved in November 2010 specifically for the reduction of excess abdominal fat. This makes it unique among GHRH peptides as it has undergone rigorous clinical trials and regulatory review for this specific indication.
What is the typical Tesamorelin dosage?
A common research dosage is 1 mg injected subcutaneously once daily (20 units on 1ml syringe). Best taken AM and/or PM on an empty stomach (2+ hour fast). Protocol: 5 days on, 2 days off, 8 weeks on, 8 weeks off. The FDA-approved dose for lipodystrophy is 2 mg daily.
Why does Tesamorelin target visceral fat specifically?
Growth hormone preferentially mobilizes visceral fat (deep abdominal fat around organs) over subcutaneous fat (fat under the skin). Tesamorelin's ability to increase GH levels results in selective reduction of this metabolically dangerous fat. Visceral fat is linked to insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome.
Can Tesamorelin be combined with other peptides?
Yes, some combine Tesamorelin with GHRPs like Ipamorelin for enhanced GH release. Others add AOD-9604 for additional fat loss effects. Since Tesamorelin is FDA-approved, it has more established safety data than most peptides, making it a foundation some build upon.
How does Tesamorelin compare to Sermorelin and CJC-1295?
Tesamorelin uses the full 44-amino acid GHRH sequence (vs 29 for Sermorelin), has a longer half-life due to its modification, and is FDA-approved. It's specifically proven for visceral fat reduction. Sermorelin and CJC-1295 are more commonly used for general GH benefits. Tesamorelin is typically more expensive but has stronger clinical validation.
How long does reconstituted peptide last?
Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.
Is this peptide legal to purchase?
Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
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Scientific Sources
The following peer-reviewed studies and official resources provide additional scientific context for this peptide:
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