01 / RESEARCH SUMMARY
Tesamorelin Research Summary
Tesamorelin is a stabilized analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone and raises IGF-1. It is FDA-approved as Egrifta to reduce excess abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, where trials showed about 15–18% reductions in visceral fat. It has also been studied for reducing liver fat in fatty liver disease.
Read the full guide →02 / WHY RESEARCHERS STUDY IT
Why Tesamorelin draws research interest
These are the areas researchers and the peptide community explore Tesamorelin for most often. They describe what is being studied — not proven benefits, approved uses, or promised results.
Visceral fat
FDA-approved as Egrifta; cut visceral fat about 15–18%.
Liver fat
Studied for reducing liver fat in fatty liver disease.
IGF-1
Raises IGF-1 through natural GH release.
Evidence ranges from early lab work to large clinical trials depending on the use — see the sections below for the data and sources.
03 / DOSING & RECONSTITUTION
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
A single practical dilution with accurate dosing, step by step
Standard Approach (3 mL = 3.33 mg/mL)
- Reconstitute: Add 3 mL bacteriostatic water to one 10 mg vial → final concentration 3.33 mg/mL (3,333.3 mcg/mL).
- Typical range: 0.5–2 mg 1x daily am/pm · 5 on 2 off or daily, 3–6 months · fasted.
- Easy measuring: At 3.33 mg/mL, 1 unit ≈ 33.33 mcg on a U-100 syringe, so doses read at 15–60 units.
- Storage: Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the mixed solution.
| Protocol | Dose range | Frequency | Cycle | Time off | Half-life | Fasted | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injectable · Subq | 0.5–2 mg | 1x daily AM/PM · 5 on 2 off or daily | 3–6 months | 4–8 weeks | ~26–38 min | Yes | Subq |
| HIV-associated abdominal fat · randomized trial (2007) | 2 mg | Once daily | 26 weeks | Subcutaneous (historical study formulation) |
04 / RECONSTITUTION CALCULATOR
Mix & measure Tesamorelin · 10 mg
Pre-filled with this protocol's recommended BAC water and starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers.
- CONCENTRATION
- 3.33 mg/mL
- DRAW VOLUME
- 0.150 mL
- ON THE SYRINGE
- 15.0 units
- DOSES / VIAL
- 20
Reconstitution math only. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL.
Reconstitution GuideFull calculator →05 / STORAGE
Storage Instructions
Lyophilized (powder)
Store in the freezer at −20 °C (−4 °F) for long-term storage, or refrigerated at 2–8 °C for shorter periods. Keep dry, sealed and away from light. Let a frozen vial reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.
Reconstituted
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within about 28 days. Do not freeze. Keep away from heat and direct light, and avoid repeated temperature swings. Swirl gently — never shake.
Reconstitution steps
- Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab.
- Draw the BAC water and release it slowly down the inside wall of the vial.
- Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don't shake.
- Label with the date and concentration and refrigerate.
06 / RESEARCH FINDINGS
What Research Shows
Human research
- A randomized trial evaluated reduction in visceral abdominal adipose tissue in people with HIV and excess abdominal fat.
- Growth hormone-releasing factor signaling and metabolic outcomes were studied; this is not evidence for general weight loss or bodybuilding.
Research context
The community-provided Tesa mapping does not verify the vendor vial. Historical study doses and current licensed formulations are not interchangeable.
07 / MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Mechanism of Action
Characterized biological pathway
Growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor
Activates pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate growth hormone release, with downstream effects on IGF-1 and metabolism. This is distinct from directly administering growth hormone.
Adamantane & the blood–brain barrier
Chemically attaching an adamantane group to a peptide can increase its lipid (fat) solubility. Researchers hypothesize that this modification may help certain compounds cross the tightly regulated blood–brain barrier. The effect depends on the specific modified molecule; greater lipid solubility alone does not establish brain delivery or clinical benefit. This does not apply automatically to the unmodified peptide and is not a reconstitution additive.
08 / LIFESTYLE FACTORS
Lifestyle Factors
- Sleep: aim for 7–9 hours; the largest natural GH pulse happens in deep sleep.
- Fasted dosing: dose away from meals — elevated insulin and carbs blunt the GH pulse.
- Training: pair with resistance training and real recovery days.
- Protein: keep protein intake adequate to support lean mass.
- Consistency: dose at the same time each day and rotate injection sites.
09 / BENEFITS & SIDE EFFECTS
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Deeper, more restorative sleep
- Improved recovery from training
- Gradual improvements in body composition (more lean mass, less fat)
- Better skin, hair and overall vitality reported over longer cycles
Side Effects
- Injection-site redness or irritation
- Water retention, tingling or numbness in hands
- Head rush, flushing or lightheadedness shortly after dosing
- Increased hunger (more with ghrelin-pathway peptides)
- Higher blood sugar at larger doses — monitor glucose and IGF-1
10 / STUDIES
Studies & references
11 / SAFETY
Safety considerations
- Verify the active identity, lot number, and matching certificate of analysis. Testing does not by itself establish sterility or suitability for human use.
- Follow documented product-specific storage and preparation requirements; stability and diluent compatibility depend on the formulation.
- Research powders are not interchangeable with prescription formulations. Do not infer an injection or nasal protocol from a concentration calculation.
- For medical care, pregnancy, existing conditions, or medication interactions, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
12 / RECOMMENDED SOURCE
Recommended Source
For research peptides, we point researchers to Orbitrex Peptides for Tesamorelin.
Why Orbitrex?
- Family-owned & independently tested: Multiple laboratories verify quality, with batch-specific testing in every COA.
- Everyday value: Buy 4, Get 1 Free on eligible products.
- Loyalty credit: 5% back in loyalty credit for future purchases.
- VerifyPass discount: 20% off for qualifying groups — stacks with affiliate codes.
- Free 2nd Day shipping: Free UPS 2nd Day Air on orders $200+, applied automatically at checkout.
All products are for research use only. Availability and offers subject to change.