Compound Guide
Tesamorelin — GHRH Analogue (Egrifta)
44-AA GHRH analogue · FDA-approved for HIV lipodystrophy only · Daily SubQ injection
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FDA Approved — Narrow Indication
Tesamorelin is the only GHRH analogue with FDA approval (as Egrifta and Egrifta SV/WR). The approved indication is HIV-associated lipodystrophy (excess visceral abdominal fat in adults receiving antiretroviral therapy). All other uses are investigational. This guide covers both the FDA-approved context and general research protocols.
What It Is
Tesamorelin is a synthetic 44-amino acid analogue of human Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH). It stimulates pituitary GH secretion, raising IGF-1 levels and promoting visceral fat reduction. Unlike GH itself, it maintains the pulsatile pattern of GH release, preserving natural regulatory feedback loops.
Research Dosing
2 mg SubQ once daily, no ramp-up required. No fasting requirement. FDA-approved Egrifta dose is 2 mg/day (LIPO-010 trial standard); Egrifta SV: 1.4 mg/day (0.35 mL); Egrifta WR: 1.28 mg/day (0.16 mL). Standard Phase III trial duration: 26 weeks.
Regulatory & Doping Status
FDA-approved as Egrifta (2010) for HIV lipodystrophy. All other uses are investigational. WADA prohibited list: S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors). For competitive athletes, tesamorelin is banned regardless of indication.
Formulation Comparison
| Formulation | Dose | Volume | Context |
|---|
| Research vials (lyophilised) | 2 mg/day | Reconstitute per math below | General research; requires reconstitution |
| Egrifta SV (FDA-approved) | 1.4 mg/day | 0.35 mL per injection | HIV lipodystrophy — approved clinical use |
| Egrifta WR (FDA-approved) | 1.28 mg/day | 0.16 mL per injection | HIV lipodystrophy — approved clinical use |
Reconstitution Math — 10 mg Vial
| BAC Water Added | Concentration | 2 mg Dose | Days per Vial |
|---|
| 2.0 mL | 5,000 mcg/mL (5 mg/mL) | 40 units (0.40 mL) | 5 days |
| 4.0 mL | 2,500 mcg/mL (2.5 mg/mL) | 80 units (0.80 mL) | 5 days |
U-100 syringe = 100 units per mL. 2.0 mL BAC + 10 mg vial = 5 mg/mL; 2 mg dose = 40 units. Plan 2 vials per 10-day supply.
Vial Planning Guide
| Dose | Days per 10 mg Vial | Vials for 4 Weeks | Vials for 26 Weeks |
|---|
| 2 mg/day | 5 days | 6 vials | ~37 vials |
Reconstitution Steps
01
Warm the vial
Remove from freezer and allow to reach room temperature (10–15 min) before reconstitution.
02
Swab both stoppers
Alcohol swab both vial tops. Air-dry before inserting needle.
03
Draw BAC water
Draw the required BAC water volume (e.g. 2.0 mL).
04
Inject along the wall
Let BAC water run slowly down the inside glass wall. Do not jet onto the powder.
05
Gentle swirl
Swirl slowly until fully dissolved and clear. Do not shake or vortex.
06
Refrigerate
Store at 2–8°C, upright, for up to 30 days. Protect from light. Do not freeze after reconstitution.
GHRH-R Agonism
Tesamorelin binds and activates pituitary GHRH receptors, stimulating GH secretion. Unlike exogenous GH, it preserves the pulsatile pattern — GH is released in physiological pulses rather than continuous elevation, maintaining natural IGF-1 feedback.
IGF-1 Elevation
Downstream GH elevation drives hepatic IGF-1 production. Phase III trials show IGF-1 elevations of approximately 90–140 ng/mL above baseline after 26 weeks at 2 mg/day.
Visceral Fat Reduction
The primary studied outcome in Phase III. GH/IGF-1 axis activation promotes lipolysis preferentially in visceral adipose tissue. Phase III trials (LIPO-010, CTR-1011) showed ~15% visceral adipose area reduction vs placebo at 26 weeks.
Cognitive Research
Investigational research in mild cognitive impairment (Baker et al., funded by NIA). No approved indication. Studies are ongoing; findings not yet published for Phase 2+ endpoints as of 2026.
| Study | Design | Key Finding |
|---|
| LIPO-010 | Phase III; HIV lipodystrophy; 26 weeks | ~15% reduction in visceral adipose area vs placebo; statistically significant |
| CTR-1011 | Phase III; HIV lipodystrophy; 26 weeks | Confirmed primary endpoint; approved basis for FDA submission |
| Cognitive MCI trials | Phase 2; ongoing NIA-funded research | Investigational; results pending as of 2026 |
Comparison: GHRH Analogues
| Compound | Half-Life | Dosing | FDA Status | WADA |
|---|
| Tesamorelin | ~26 min | Daily SubQ | Approved (HIV lipodystrophy) | Banned S2 |
| Sermorelin | ~10 min | Daily SubQ or intranasal | Withdrawn (2008) | Banned S2 |
| CJC-1295 + DAC | 5.8–8.1 days | Weekly SubQ | Not approved | Banned S2 |
| CJC-1295 No DAC | ~30 min | Daily SubQ | Not approved | Banned S2 |
| State | Temperature | Duration | Notes |
|---|
| Lyophilised (powder) | −20°C (freezer) | Up to 24 months | Protect from light and moisture |
| Reconstituted (liquid) | 2–8°C (refrigerator) | Up to 30 days | Do not freeze after reconstitution |
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Disclaimer
This document is an educational research reference only. Tesamorelin is FDA-approved only for HIV-associated lipodystrophy — all other uses are investigational. It is WADA banned for competitive athletes. By purchasing from LA LAB you confirm you are 18+ and that products are for research purposes only.