Tesamorelin
Also called Egrifta WR; Egrifta SV
An FDA-approved prescription peptide that reduces excess abdominal (visceral) fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It is not a general weight-loss medicine.
Overview
What it is
A synthetic analogue of growth-hormone-releasing factor (GHRH). Egrifta WR and Egrifta SV are different formulations that are not interchangeable.
How it works
It stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone, which raises IGF-1. It does not act through the GLP-1 pathway.
What the research shows
In a 26-week trial of 412 adults with HIV and abdominal fat, CT-measured visceral fat fell 15.2% versus a 5.0% rise with placebo; triglycerides also improved. Visceral fat returned when people switched to placebo. In 60 adults with abdominal obesity and low growth hormone, visceral fat fell over 12 months. A small HIV subgroup study looked at liver fat.
Studied for
- Visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophyapproved
- Abdominal obesity with low GHsmall trial
- Liver fat in HIVsubgroup
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
Reported effects include injection-site irritation, joint or muscle pain, swelling, and hand tingling or wrist pain. New diabetes occurred in 5% versus 1% on placebo in 26-week data; glucose and IGF-1 need monitoring. Contraindications include pregnancy, active cancer and pituitary disorders. Long-term cardiovascular safety is not established.
Regulatory status
FDA approved (Egrifta WR, Egrifta SV) only for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. The label states it is not for weight-loss management.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
Tesamorelin (20 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 20 mg Tesamorelin
- Add diluent
- 3 mL
- Concentration
- 6.67 mg/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 66.67 mcg in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
Phase 3 Research Schedule
| Research Period | Daily Dose (mg / mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–26 | 2 mg / 2000 mcg | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
How to mix
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl until dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label with the compound, concentration, and preparation date; refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
Dosing details
- The schedule shown in Cards 01–03 remains unchanged: 2 mg by subcutaneous injection once daily for 26 weeks. The pooled phase 3 analysis used that amount and duration and reported extension observations through 52 weeks. The two phase 3 trials and their extensions define the research protocol summarized here. A separate randomized trial and extension likewise evaluated 2 mg each day and found that visceral-fat improvements were maintained in participants who continued daily tesamorelin, while the earlier change was lost after switching to placebo.
- A 20 mg vial changes the reconstitution math, draw volume, syringe marking, nominal number of calculations, and supply counts. It does not create a loading phase, escalation, taper, or different frequency.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Does 15% less visceral fat mean 15% weight loss?
No. Visceral fat is one fat compartment, not total body weight.
Does the fat come back after stopping?
Yes, in the extension study.
Is tesamorelin like Ozempic?
No. Different mechanisms and approved uses.
Found in these blends
Related in Metabolic Health
Sources and further reading (6)
- FDA. Egrifta WR prescribing information.
- DailyMed. Egrifta SV prescribing information.
- Falutz J, et al. Metabolic effects of a GHRF in patients with HIV. NEJM, 2007.
- Makimura H, et al. Tesamorelin in abdominally obese adults with reduced GH. JCEM, 2012.
- MedlinePlus. Tesamorelin injection.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).
Laboratory research material: Tesamorelin Research Use Only