Also called: Egrifta, LN18178 (TesNor®), TH9507

By The Health Stacks Research TeamUpdated September 21, 2026

Tesamorelin is a lab-made copy of a natural body chemical that tells the brain's pituitary gland to release growth hormone. It is a short chain of building blocks called amino acids, made in a lab. Some companies sell it online as a "research product." It is often talked about by people interested in fat loss, especially fat around the belly organs. In studies, tesamorelin works by mimicking the body's own growth-hormone-releasing signal.

This causes the pituitary to release growth hormone in natural pulses. Growth hormone then helps the body break down stored fat, especially the deep belly fat called visceral fat. Researchers study it mainly for this fat-reducing effect, and one blog guide describes it as a "stabilized" version of the natural signal that lasts longer in the body. There is still a lot that is not known.

Human evidence for belly-fat reduction exists from HIV-related studies, but the FDA warned one seller in 2026 that tesamorelin sold online is an unapproved drug. Products sold as "research chemicals" may be impure, mislabeled, or not sterile, and a scientist quoted in news coverage warned about wrong doses, contamination, and lack of sterilization. Self-injecting these products carries real risks, so anyone considering treatment should talk to a doctor.

ApprovedApproved by a regulator (e.g. FDA) for a specific medical use — the highest research-status tier. High confidence60–79 — backed by solid sources with good corroboration across multiple citations.

Benefits

What Tesamorelin Helps With

The main themes across 50 research studies, in plain language.

Glycemic & metabolic

Liver fat reduction

50/100Rated 50/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 30 underlying claims

Studies indicate potential for decreasing liver fat content and improving markers of fatty liver disease.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Lipid profile improvement

50/100Rated 50/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources5Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 21 underlying claims

Evidence points to improvements in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Insulin sensitivity

60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 7 underlying claims

Research suggests a neutral or positive effect on blood sugar regulation.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Tissue repair & regeneration

50/100Rated 50/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 7 underlying claims

Evidence indicates support for cellular repair and nerve regeneration.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Lean body mass support

72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources4Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 21 underlying claims

Research suggests support for muscle growth, density, and body composition.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Inflammation reduction

72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 9 underlying claims

Evidence suggests a decrease in systemic inflammatory markers.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Immune modulation

60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 2 underlying claims

Research suggests potential modulation of immune system activity.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Anti-fibrotic effects

95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources4Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 5 underlying claims

Research suggests potential to slow tissue scarring, particularly in the liver.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Visceral fat reduction

72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources12Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 48 underlying claims

Research suggests a reduction in deep abdominal fat, particularly in HIV-associated conditions.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Cardiovascular risk factors

50/100Rated 50/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 8 underlying claims

Research points to potential improvements in markers of heart health.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Cognitive function support

40/100Rated 40/100Source typeVendor / seller pageIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 20 underlying claims

Studies suggest potential benefits for memory, executive function, and brain structure.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Body image & well-being

85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources4Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 10 underlying claims

Research indicates improvements in self-perception of body image and quality of life.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Growth hormone axis stimulation

50/100Rated 50/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 29 underlying claims

Research indicates it stimulates the natural release of growth hormone and IGF-1.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Sleep & recovery support

40/100Rated 40/100Source typeVendor / seller pageIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 8 underlying claims

Studies suggest support for sleep quality and physical recovery processes.

Research examplesBest source ↗

Mitochondrial & energy support

95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 3 underlying claims

Studies suggest improvements in cellular energy production.

Research examplesBest source ↗

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How People Use It

1 reported routine — each line links to the source it came from.

From published sources

Routines as reported in peer-reviewed papers, clinical guidance, or vetted media — each linked to the source it came from.

SubQ

  • Tesamorelin 1–1.4 mg + Ipamorelin 100–200 mcg 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ source

mg vs mcg: one milligram (mg) equals 1,000 micrograms (mcg) — multiply by 1,000 going from mg to mcg, divide by 1,000 going from mcg to mg. Mixing the two up is a thousand-fold dosing error: 1 mg taken instead of 1 mcg is a 1,000× overdose; 1 mcg instead of 1 mg is a 1,000× underdose. Always double-check the unit label and the decimal place.

Honest expectations

What Tesamorelin doesn’t do

What the sourced research says it doesn’t do — as notable as what it does.

Safety

Known Side Effects

Adverse effects reported in the research and by community use.

  • Injection-site reactions (erythema, pruritus, haematomas)Mild 90/100Rated 90/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ peptidedosage.org
  • Sore arms, legs, or musclesMild 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
  • Severe Allergic ReactionsLifeThreatening 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
  • CancerLifeThreatening 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
  • High Blood SugarModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
  • Nausea or vomitingMild 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
  • DizzinessMild 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
  • Swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatLifeThreatening 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
  • Itching, skin rash, or hivesModerate 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
  • Stomach crampsMild 72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ webmd.com
  • Arthralgia (joint pain) and myalgiaMild 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ excelmale.com
  • Injection-site reactions and erythemaMild 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ excelmale.com
  • Transient paresthesiaMild 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ excelmale.com
  • Arthralgia and myalgia (Joint and muscle pain)Mild 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ excelmale.com
  • Injection-site reactions (Erythema/Skin irritation)Mild 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ excelmale.com
  • Paresthesia (Transient tingling/numbness)Mild 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ excelmale.com
  • Paresthesias (tingling sensations)Mild 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ peptidepedia.org
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome symptomsModerate 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ peptidepedia.org
  • FlushingMild 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ peptidepedia.org
  • Arthralgia (tesamorelin)Moderate 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ excelmale.com
  • Injection site reactions (tesamorelin)Mild 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ excelmale.com
  • Peripheral edema (tesamorelin)Moderate 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ excelmale.com
  • Tesamorelin: arthralgia, injection site reactions, pain in extremity, peripheral edema, myalgiaMild 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ excelmale.com

Reported in research and community sources — not exhaustive. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if side effects occur.

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Technical Details (sequence & mechanism — click to expand)

Mechanism of Action

Tesamorelin is an N-terminally modified synthetic analog of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates pituitary GH release, raising IGF-1 and selectively mobilizing visceral adipose tissue. It is FDA-approved (Egrifta) to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Evidence

Research Citations (8)

Every claim above traces back to a source you can check — here are 8 of them.

  • Spotlight on tesamorelin in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

    Review2011 Key study 88/100Rated 88/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
    Source
  • Egrifta (tesamorelin) prescribing information

    Guideline2020 90/100Rated 90/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
    Source
  • PubChem - Compound - Tesamorelin

    95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
    Source
  • Tesamorelin: a review of its use in the management of HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

    2011 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
    Source
  • Non-clinical pharmacology and safety evaluation of TH9507, a human growth hormone-releasing factor analogue.

    2007 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
    Source
  • Tesamorelin: A hope for ART-induced lipodystrophy.

    2011 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
    Source
  • Effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor, in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial with a safety extension.

    2010 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
    Source
  • Tesamorelin - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

    72/100Rated 72/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
    Source

Timeline

History & Milestones

Key moments in Tesamorelin’s research and regulatory timeline — sourced and dated.

  1. Spotlight on tesamorelin in HIV-associated lipodystrophyPublicationDec 1, 2011
    Related:Tesamorelin
    88/100Rated 88/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ source

News

Latest on Tesamorelin

Dated, sourced reporting that mentions Tesamorelin.

ConsumerNov 18, 2025

New York Times sorts peptide-therapy hype from evidence across skincare, muscle-building, and longevity

A November 2025 New York Times explainer takes a skeptical consumer lens to the peptide-therapy craze, separating the few uses with reasonable evidence (topical GHK-Cu and Matrixyl-type peptides in skincare) from the largely unproven injectable and "biohacking" market (BPC-157, TB-500, epitalon, semax, selank). Dermatologists frame cosmetic peptides as "sidekicks, not hero ingredients," while endocrinologists warn that growth-hormone-releasing peptides like sermorelin and tesamorelin carry the same long-term risks as HGH — diabetes, certain cancers, and acromegaly. The piece notes that most longevity claims rest on cell-culture or animal data only, and that "research-grade" products have no quality controls.

70/100Rated 70/100Source typeEstablished referenceIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Read →
Regulatory

NuScience Peptides LLC

The FDA issued a warning letter to NuScience Peptides LLC for marketing unapproved injectable peptide drugs, including GLP-1/GLP-2/GLP-3 products and other peptides, on its website. The agency determined these products are unapproved new drugs under the FD&C Act. FDA warned that failure to correct the violations could lead to seizure or injunction.

95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Read →
Regulatory

Revive Rx LLC dba Revive Rx Pharmacy (Houston, TX) 483 issued 02/07/2025

FDA's Dallas district office inspected Revive Rx LLC (Houston, TX) between January 27 and February 7, 2025 and issued a Form 483 citing sterile-failure observations — products exposed to sub-ISO 5 air and microbial contamination (mold and spore-forming bacteria) in production areas. The 483's product list includes Hexarelin 6 mg per Vial for Injection among the drugs the compounding pharmacy produced, alongside sermorelin and tesamorelin. The document is inspectional observations, not a final agency determination.

90/100Rated 90/100Source typeRegulator or clinical registryIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Read →
Regulatory

Peak Performance Peptides

The FDA issued a warning letter to Peak Performance Peptides, an online seller, for marketing unapproved injectable peptide drugs including retatrutide, semaglutide, PT-141, tesamorelin, and SS-31 via its website. The agency stated these products are unapproved new drugs under the FD&C Act and warned of possible seizure or injunction if violations are not corrected. The letter highlights ongoing FDA scrutiny of grey-market peptide sellers.

95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Read →
Regulatory

TXP Innovations LLC dba Tex Peptides

The FDA issued a warning letter to TXP Innovations LLC (dba Tex Peptides) after reviewing its website in July 2026 and finding it marketed unapproved injectable peptide drugs, including semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide, SS-31 (elamipretide), tesamorelin, and PT-141 (bremelanotide). The agency deemed these unapproved new drugs under section 505(a) of the FD&C Act. The letter warns that continued violations could trigger seizure or injunction. It underscores FDA's ongoing crackdown on unapproved peptide products sold directly to consumers online.

95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →Read →

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