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Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It consists of the full 44 amino acids of native GHRH(1-44), with the N-terminus modified by a trans-3-hexenoic acid group. This modification protects the molecule from rapid enzymatic degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), substantially extending its biological stability compared to unmodified GHRH. Tesamorelin carries the research designation TH9507 and is known in the pharmaceutical literature under the trade name Egrifta.
Unlike ghrelin-type growth hormone secretagogues such as Ipamorelin, Tesamorelin acts directly on the GHRH receptor in the pituitary gland. It mimics the body's own signal that prompts the somatotroph cells of the pituitary to release growth hormone (GH). Tesamorelin therefore does not introduce growth hormone from outside the body — it amplifies the body's own, pulsatile GH production. This mechanism largely preserves the physiological feedback of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, which distinguishes Tesamorelin from the direct administration of recombinant GH.
Tesamorelin has been studied most extensively in clinical trials of HIV-associated lipodystrophy, a condition characterized by an accumulation of visceral abdominal fat. The registration trials by Falutz and colleagues demonstrated a meaningful reduction in visceral adipose tissue, making Tesamorelin one of the few GHRH peptides with a robust human clinical dataset. In peptide research, it is discussed primarily for its targeted effect on the visceral fat depot and its well-characterized pharmacokinetics.
Tesamorelin exerts its biological effects through the GHRH receptor axis and the downstream GH-IGF-1 cascade. The key mechanisms can be summarized as follows:
In research settings, Tesamorelin is typically administered subcutaneously once daily, preferably in the evening to support nocturnal GH release. A slow titration ramp is not strictly required, but starting at the lower end of the dose range is a sensible precaution to observe tolerability, particularly potential fluid retention.
A common vial size is 5 mg. Adding 2 mL of bacteriostatic water gives a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL (2,500 mcg/mL).
At 1 mg once daily, a 5 mg vial provides 5 days of dosing. A 2 mg vial reconstituted with 1 mL of BAC water yields 2 mg/mL and provides 2 single doses of 1 mg. Use the Tesamorelin calculator above to compute exact volumes for any vial size, reconstitution volume, and target dose.
Tesamorelin is administered subcutaneously into the subcutaneous fat layer, most commonly into the abdomen in the area around the navel. Injection sites should be rotated from day to day to avoid localized irritation and tissue hardening. A very short half-life of roughly 30 minutes means the peptide acts quickly and clears quickly, which is why consistent daily administration is important for a stable research protocol.
Tesamorelin is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in sealed vials and must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water (BAC water) before use. BAC water contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol, which inhibits microbial growth and extends the usable window of the reconstituted solution. Sterile water for injection is not suitable for multi-dose vials because it offers no preservative.
If the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particulate matter, discard the vial and do not inject it.
Tesamorelin has been studied in controlled clinical trials lasting more than a year and showed an overall manageable tolerability profile. However, because its effects are mediated by enhanced growth hormone and IGF-1 activity, the observable effects are closely linked to the known actions of the GH axis. All use remains in the research domain.
At standard research doses, Tesamorelin was described as largely well tolerated in the registration trials. Nonetheless, given its effect on the endocrine GH axis, caution is warranted and consultation with a qualified healthcare provider is strongly recommended.
Tesamorelin belongs to the family of GHRH analogs and is closely related functionally to Sermorelin and CJC-1295 (no DAC). All three stimulate the same GHRH receptor but differ in stability and duration of action. Sermorelin corresponds to the shorter GHRH(1-29) fragment, CJC-1295 without DAC is a modified fragment with improved stability, and Tesamorelin is a fully stabilized GHRH(1-44) analog with the most extensive clinical evidence base for visceral fat reduction.
A widely used concept in research combines a GHRH analog with a GHRP (growth hormone releasing peptide) such as Ipamorelin. The two peptides act through distinct, complementary receptors:
Because such a combined stimulus places greater demand on the GH-IGF-1 axis, research protocols typically favor conservative doses, careful monitoring of glucose and IGF-1, and planned breaks.
Owing to its specific clinical profile — the targeted reduction of visceral adipose tissue — Tesamorelin is often used as a standalone compound in research rather than being stacked. Its clearly defined endpoint of visceral fat reduction makes it a readily studyable single peptide with unambiguous biomarkers such as IGF-1 and VAT measurement.
Research-grade Tesamorelin is available directly from BergdorfBio: Tesamorelin at BergdorfBio.
Tesamorelin is not growth hormone — it is a GHRH analog. It prompts the pituitary to release more of the body's own growth hormone, whereas HGH supplies the hormone directly from outside the body. The key difference lies in feedback: with Tesamorelin, the inhibitory action of somatostatin is preserved, so GH levels cannot rise without limit. In addition, the natural pulsatile secretion pattern of growth hormone is maintained, which is not the case with constant HGH administration.
The body's largest natural GH release occurs during the first hours of deep sleep. An evening injection of Tesamorelin is intended to amplify this physiological pulse rather than create an additional, off-rhythm GH surge. The very short half-life of roughly 30 minutes fits this concept well, since the signal remains tightly time-limited.
IGF-1, used as a biomarker, rises measurably within the first days to weeks. The structural changes — in particular the reduction of visceral adipose tissue — develop considerably more slowly. In the registration trials, significant changes in visceral abdominal fat were typically documented only after several months of continuous use.
Because growth hormone and insulin act in partly opposing ways, a high insulin level after a carbohydrate-rich meal dampens the GH response. Research protocols therefore often suggest spacing the injection some time away from the last large meal. With an evening administration before bed, this gap often arises naturally.
Growth hormone can reduce insulin sensitivity, so Tesamorelin can influence fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance. In studies, these effects were generally moderate and dose-dependent. Monitoring glucose values is sensible for longer research protocols, particularly in individuals with pre-existing insulin resistance.
Tesamorelin does not act on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and does not suppress the body's own testosterone production. A classic PCT, of the kind common after androgenic compounds, is therefore not required. Because Tesamorelin merely amplifies the natural GHRH signal, the pituitary generally recovers after discontinuation without further intervention.
Yes. As a growth hormone-releasing factor and GH secretagogue, Tesamorelin falls under the WADA prohibited list and is banned in sport both in-competition and out-of-competition. Athletes subject to WADA-compliant testing should treat Tesamorelin as a prohibited substance and verify the applicable anti-doping rules before any use.
Some research protocols combine a GHRH analog and a GHRP in a single syringe immediately before injection. In general, however, it is safer to reconstitute each peptide individually and inject them separately, since their combined stability in solution is not well characterized. Separate injections at adjacent sites add minimal inconvenience and eliminate the risk of dosing errors.
BergdorfBio offers research-grade Tesamorelin with verified purity and concentration. View the product page: Buy Tesamorelin at BergdorfBio. All products are sold strictly for research purposes.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational and research purposes only. Within the context of this offering, Tesamorelin is not an approved drug or medical treatment and is sold strictly for research use. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or a recommendation to use any specific compound. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any peptide protocol. BergdorfBio assumes no liability for the use or misuse of the information presented here.
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Tesamorelin