Community protocol
Third-partyTesamorelin 10mg
- 01Reconstitution solution
- 1 mL
- 02Dose
- 1 mg
- 03Syringe units
- 10 units
- 04Frequency
- 7x/week
- 05Cycle length
- 90 days
- 06Bacteriostatic water
- 1 mL
- 07Bottle size
- 10 mg
- 08Bottles needed
- 9
Tesamorelin
The only FDA-approved GHRH analogue. Phase 3 trials demonstrated reduction of visceral adipose tissue in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Overview
Tesamorelin is a stabilized copy of the hormone that signals the pituitary to release growth hormone. Unlike injected growth hormone itself, it works through the body's own regulatory loop, so the release stays pulsatile and feedback control is preserved. In its approved use it reduces the deep abdominal fat that accumulates in some people on long-term HIV therapy. It is one of very few peptides in this category with completed phase 3 evidence.
Tesamorelin is a synthetic GHRH(1-44) analogue bearing an N-terminal trans-3-hexenoic acid modification that confers resistance to DPP-4 cleavage while retaining GHRH receptor affinity. Agonism at pituitary GHRH-R produces Gs-coupled cAMP elevation, PKA activation, and both acute GH release and CREB-mediated GH transcription. Because the compound acts upstream of the pituitary, negative feedback via IGF-1 and somatostatin remains intact, and GH secretion retains its pulsatile architecture. The visceral adipose effect is attributed to GH-mediated stimulation of hormone-sensitive lipase and inhibition of lipoprotein lipase in visceral adipocytes, which express a higher density of GH receptors than subcutaneous depots.
Research areas
EndocrineBody compositionMetabolicHIV lipodystrophy
Community-specified data
Community dosage information
Community protocol
Third-partyTesamorelin 20mg
- 01Reconstitution solution
- 2 mL
- 02Dose
- 1 mg
- 03Syringe units
- 10 units
- 04Frequency
- 7x/week
- 05Cycle length
- 90 days
- 06Bacteriostatic water
- 2 mL
- 07Bottle size
- 10 mg
- 08Bottles needed
- 9
Community protocol
Third-partyTesamorelin 5mg / Ipamorelin 5mg
- 01Reconstitution solution
- 1 mL
- 02Dose
- 1 mg
- 03Syringe units
- 10 units
- 04Frequency
- 7x/week
- 05Cycle length
- 90 days
- 06Bacteriostatic water
- 1 mL
- 07Bottle size
- 10 mg
- 08Bottles needed
- 9
Source note: Yields 500mcg Tesa and 500mcg Ipamorelin
Community protocol
Third-partyTesamorelin 10mg / Ipamorelin 3mg
- 01Reconstitution solution
- 2 mL
- 02Dose
- 0.8 mg
- 03Syringe units
- 10 units
- 04Frequency
- 7x/week
- 05Cycle length
- 90 days
- 06Bacteriostatic water
- 2 mL
- 07Bottle size
- 13 mg
- 08Bottles needed
- 6
Source note: Yields 500mcg Tesa and 150mcg Ipamorelin
Not medical guidance. These third-party figures have not been independently verified, clinically reviewed, or endorsed by DB Peptide. They may be inaccurate or unsafe and should not replace product labelling or advice from a qualified clinician.
Dosing reported in the literature
Every protocol below is reproduced from a published study or approved labelling, with its source named. These are records of what was studied — not recommendations, and not a suggestion that any of them is appropriate for any person.
| Protocol as reported | Source |
|---|---|
| 2 mg subcutaneously once dailyThis is the approved dose for the labelled indication only. | Falutz et al., NEJM 2007 (phase 3 protocol) and FDA approved labelling |
| 2 mg daily for 12 months in the NAFLD trial | Stanley et al., The Lancet HIV 2019 |
Trial status
Approved. Two phase 3 randomized placebo-controlled trials completed; further trials completed in NAFLD in people with HIV.
Phase 3 — trial 1
Completed412 patients with HIV-associated abdominal fat accumulation. Visceral adipose tissue reduced by 15.2% vs an increase of 5.0% on placebo at 26 weeks.
Phase 3 — trial 2
Completed404 patients. Confirmed the primary endpoint with a mean 10.9% reduction in visceral adipose tissue vs 0.6% for placebo.
Phase 2 — NAFLD in HIV
Completed61 participants. Reduction in hepatic fat fraction and in liver fibrosis progression versus placebo over 12 months.
Reported safety signals
- Injection site reactions, arthralgia and peripheral oedema were the most frequently reported adverse events.
- Glucose intolerance can worsen — GH antagonizes insulin action, and trial protocols included glycaemic monitoring.
- Contraindicated in active malignancy and in pregnancy per approved labelling.
- Benefits reverse on discontinuation; visceral fat re-accumulated after treatment stopped in extension data.
Primary sources
- 01
Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV
- 02
Effects of tesamorelin (TH9507), a growth hormone-releasing factor analog, in HIV-infected patients with excess abdominal fat
- 03
Effects of tesamorelin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in HIV: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre trial
Medical disclaimer
This page is for informational and research purposes only. Nothing here constitutes medical advice. The compounds discussed are research chemicals. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any protocol.
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