Tesamorelin · DOSSIER

Tesamorelin

Tesamoreline · Egrifta · Peptide · 44 AS
LEGAL DE · NOT APPROVEDEVIDENCE · CLINICALLY ESTABLISHED2 STUDIESWADA · S2
SUMMARY

In large trials, deep belly fat shrank markedly in an HIV-related fat-distribution disorder.

FIG.01 — SIGNAL CHAIN
trans-3-Hexenoyl-GHRH(1–44) · ~5135.9 Da
EVIDENCE LEVELSPROVEN IN HUMANSANIMAL MODELS ONLYMECHANISM ONLYUNPROVEN IN HUMANS
01

What it does in the body

Findings, each with its evidence level — animal data kept visibly apart from what's unproven in humans.

Reduces visceral fat

In large trials, deep belly fat shrank markedly in an HIV-related fat-distribution disorder.

PROVEN IN HUMANS
Stimulates natural GH

Boosts the body's own growth hormone while keeping its natural self-regulation intact.

MECHANISM ONLY
Approved only for HIV lipodystrophy

It's only approved for that HIV disorder — no solid data for muscle-building or anti-ageing.

UNPROVEN IN HUMANS
02

Mechanism of action

What Tesamorelin does in the body — step by step.

01

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of human GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone), consisting of the complete GHRH(1-44) peptide with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminus.

02

This modification increases stability against enzymatic degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV).

03

Tesamorelin stimulates pituitary GH secretion in a physiological, pulsatile manner, as it preserves the endogenous feedback regulation via IGF-1 and somatostatin.

03

Research status

How far along is the evidence?

PRECLINICALEARLY CLINICAL STUDIESCLINICALLY ESTABLISHED
Tesamorelin is the only GHRH analog with completed Phase III development and FDA approval.
Tesamorelin is the only GHRH analog with completed Phase III development and FDA approval.
Two Phase III studies (LIPO-010 and LIPO-011, each about 400 subjects) investigated the substance in HIV-associated lipodystrophy (abdominal fat accumulation under antiretroviral therapy) and documented significant reductions in visceral fat tissue.
Further studies investigated tesamorelin in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH) and age-related GH deficiency.
For bodybuilding or anti-aging applications, no controlled data exist.
04

Known risks

Without human data, safety statements are limited. What is known:

01
Fluid retention, peripheral oedema (typical GH-class side effect)
02
Arthralgia and myalgia under elevated GH/IGF-1 levels
03
Increased diabetes risk through IGF-1-mediated insulin resistance
04
Theoretical risk of promoting growth of pre-existing neoplasms
05
Contraindicated in active malignancy
06
Legal risk: possession may be punishable under ADBG/DmMV
07
Product quality cannot be verified from unapproved sources
05

Cited studies

Chronological — links lead to the source.

2010
Tesamorelin, a growth hormone–releasing factor analogue, in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation
PubMed 20350060 →
2019
Effects of Tesamorelin on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in HIV-Infected Patients
PubMed 30649177 →
06

Frequently asked questions

What is Tesamorelin?+

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of human GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone), consisting of the complete GHRH(1-44) peptide with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminus.

What type of peptide is Tesamorelin?+

Tesamorelin belongs to the GHRH analog class.

What is Tesamorelin used for?+

In research, Tesamorelin has primarily been investigated in the context of: Muscle growth, Metabolism. These are research findings (evidence: clinically established), not proven benefits in humans and not a usage recommendation.

Is Tesamorelin legal in Germany?+

Tesamorelin is not approved as a medicine in Germany. Obtaining it outside clinical studies is legally problematic. It is additionally relevant under the German Doping Agent Quantity Ordinance (DmMV).

Is Tesamorelin FDA-approved / legal in the US?+

Tesamorelin is a prescription, FDA-approved medication in the US.

Is Tesamorelin legal in Canada?+

Tesamorelin is a prescription medication authorized by Health Canada.

Where can I buy Tesamorelin?+

Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Tesamorelin is "not approved" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.

What is the dosage of Tesamorelin?+

Peptica publishes no dosing. There are no approved dosing guidelines for Tesamorelin; figures circulating online stem from animal studies or anecdote, not from validated human protocols. This is not medical advice.

Is Tesamorelin banned in sport (WADA)?+

Yes. Tesamorelin is on the WADA Prohibited List and is therefore banned in competitive sport.

What are the known risks of Tesamorelin?+

Documented risks include: Fluid retention, peripheral oedema (typical GH-class side effect); Arthralgia and myalgia under elevated GH/IGF-1 levels. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.

How well researched is Tesamorelin?+

The evidence is classified as “clinically established”. 2 studies are cited on this page.

What is the molecular weight of Tesamorelin?+

Tesamorelin has a molar mass of about 5135.9 Da, with a plasma half-life of ~25–40 minutes.

Which peptides are related to Tesamorelin?+

Closely related entries: CJC-1295, Ipamorelin. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.

07

Dossier

Legal · Structure · Sources.

LEGAL STATUS BY REGION
Germanynot approved

Tesamorelin is FDA-approved in the USA as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy but has no EMA approval for the EU market. As a GHRH analog, it is on the WADA Prohibited List (S2) and falls under the German Anti-Doping Act (ADBG) and the German Doping Agent Quantity Ordinance (DmMV). Possession of more than a minor quantity may be punishable under § 4 ADBG.

Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.

STRUCTURE & MOLECULE
H₂Ntrans-3-Hexenoyl-GHRH(144)COOH
44
AMINO ACIDS
~5135.9
MOL. WEIGHT (Da)
~25–40 minutes
HALF-LIFE
SOURCES & EXTERNAL DATABASES

Methodology: Peptica compiles publicly available studies and regulatory information and assigns each statement an evidence level. Not medical advice. No warranty.

RELATED PEPTIDES & FURTHER READING
08

Community notes

Note: These posts are user opinions and not medical advice. Posts containing dosages, therapeutic claims or purchase recommendations are removed. All entries are manually reviewed before publication.
This page is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information. No medical advice · no dosage or usage recommendations · no claims of efficacy · no substitute for medical consultation. Peptica sells no substances. Partner links are marked as advertising; Peptica may earn a commission. © 2026 Peptica · Issue 01