Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin (GHRH Analog)
The visceral-fat GHRH
A stabilized growth-hormone-releasing-hormone (GHRH) analog and the only GH-axis peptide with an FDA approval (Egrifta, for visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy). It stimulates your own pulsatile GH release, which drives IGF-1 and preferential breakdown of visceral (deep belly) fat — backed by real randomized trial data on VAT reduction. Off-label use for visceral fat is common. WADA-banned in sport.
Key Benefits
FDA-approved, with randomized-trial data on visceral fat reduction
Preferential loss of visceral (deep belly) fat over subcutaneous
Raises IGF-1 while preserving natural GH pulsatility
Best-evidenced agent in the GH-secretagogue class
Pairs logically after a lead incretin for visceral-fat targeting
Mechanism of Action
How Tesamorelin works
Tesamorelin amplifies your natural GH axis with a specific bias toward visceral fat:
- GHRH receptor agonism — binds pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate pulsatile growth-hormone release, preserving the natural feedback rhythm rather than overriding it
- IGF-1 elevation — sustained GH pulses raise hepatic IGF-1, the downstream driver of repair and body composition
- Visceral-fat lipolysis — its standout, trial-proven effect is preferential reduction of visceral adipose tissue (the metabolically dangerous deep fat), more than subcutaneous fat
- Glucose caution — GH is mildly counter-regulatory to insulin, so in people with heavy beta-cell genetic load, fasting glucose and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 should be monitored
Your Genetics & Tesamorelin
Genetic variants that affect your response
These SNPs determine how effectively Tesamorelin works for you specifically. A genetic peptide report identifies your variants before you start.
Variants in the GHRH receptor affect how many targets tesamorelin has on pituitary somatotrophs. Reduced receptor expression can mean a smaller GH response at a given dose.
This variant sets baseline IGFBP-3, the main carrier of circulating IGF-1. Low-IGFBP-3 genotypes change how free IGF-1 should be interpreted — a reason to monitor IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 together rather than IGF-1 alone.
FTO high-set-point genetics correlate with a visceral-fat-prone phenotype — the exact target tesamorelin's mechanism addresses, which strengthens the rationale for using it.
Which variants do you carry?
Upload your DNA data or order a kit to find out.
Evidence & Research
40+
Published studies
Multiple human clinical trials or CPIC-level pharmacogenomic data
Common Stacks
Tesamorelin is commonly combined with:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tesamorelin used for?
Tesamorelin is a GHRH analog FDA-approved (as Egrifta) to reduce visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy, and used off-label more broadly for visceral-fat reduction. It stimulates your own growth hormone and has trial data showing it preferentially shrinks deep abdominal fat.
Does genetics affect tesamorelin response?
Yes. GHRHR variants influence the size of the GH response, and IGFBP3 genotype changes how IGF-1 levels should be monitored. FTO/visceral-fat genetics help decide whether tesamorelin's visceral-fat target fits your phenotype in the first place.
Is tesamorelin legal?
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved by prescription for its HIV indication; other uses are off-label. It is also WADA-banned in sport. Availability and compounding access vary by country and by clinic.
Learn More About Tesamorelin
Your next move
Two ways forward with Tesamorelin.
Not sure it's for you?
Will Tesamorelin work for your genes — and at what dose?
Your report scores Tesamorelin against your receptor, CYP and pathway variants — likely responder, non-responder, and a sensible starting dose — in minutes.
Analyze my DNA — $99