Tesamorelin: what is it, what do the studies show, and at what price?
Tesamorelin is an analog of the hormone that controls the release of growth hormone. Known by the brand name Egrifta in the United States, it is primarily studied for its effect on visceral fat. Here's what it is, what published trials say, its status in Europe, and its price.
What is tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin (research code TH9507) is a 44-amino-acid peptide, a stabilized analog of GHRH ( Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone), the hormone produced by the hypothalamus to trigger the release of growth hormone. It was developed by the Canadian laboratory Theratechnologies.
How does it work?
Tesamorelin binds to GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, which then releases its own growth hormone (GH) in a pulsatile manner. GH, in turn, stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1. Unlike direct GH administration, this mechanism preserves the natural feedback loops of the hormonal axis. Its chemical modification protects it from the rapid degradation that occurs with natural GHRH.
What studies show
- Visceral fat: in the phase 3 trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2007 (Falutz et al.), in patients living with HIV and with excess abdominal fat, visceral fat decreased by approximately15% in 26 weeks, compared to an increase of approximately 5% under placebo.
- Liver fat: a trial published in JAMA in 2014 (Stanley et al.) observed a decrease in liver fat in the same population.
- IGF-1: the trials report an increase in IGF-1, a marker of growth hormone activity.
These results concern specific populations, monitored medically: they cannot be transposed to other uses.
Tolerability observed in trials
In phase 3 trials, the most frequently reported adverse effects were injection site reactions (redness, itching), joint and muscle pain, and edema (fluid retention), generally mild. Like other growth hormone stimulants, tesamorelin can also raise blood glucose levels and decrease insulin sensitivity: this is the main concern raised in the studies. These data pertain to patients under medical supervision in clinical trials.
Status of the tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is approved in the United States since 2010, under the nameEgriftato reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV-positive patients with lipodystrophy. It has no marketing authorization in the European Union. In Europe, it is available as a research peptide, intended exclusively for scientific research in the laboratory.
Tesamorelin, sermorelin, CJC-1295, ipamorelin: the differences
| Peptide | Target | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| Tesamorelin | GHRH Receptor | Complete (44 amino acids) stabilized GHRH; the most documented in clinical trials |
| Sermorelin | GHRH Receptor | Fragment 1-29 of the GHRH, very short action |
| CJC-1295 | GHRH Receptor | Modified analogue, extended-action "DAC" version |
| Ipamorelin | Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) | Another approach: selective GH secretagogue (our guide) |
Price and storage
At MyPeptide, Tesamorelin 10 mg is €89.90 per lyophilized vial, or €8.99 per milligram, with delivery from the European Union costing €10. In powder form, it should be stored in the refrigerator (2-8°C), protected from light; once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, it should be kept refrigerated and used promptly.
10 mg lyophilized vial, research peptide. Shipping from the European Union in 2 to 5 business days, delivery €10.
See Tesamorelin 10 mgBacteriostatic water 3 ml – €5
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tesamorelin?
A 44-amino-acid peptide, a stabilized analogue of GHRH, the hormone that triggers the release of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. It is marketed in the United States under the name Egrifta.
Is tesamorelin authorized in France?
No. It has been approved in the United States since 2010 (Egrifta) for a specific HIV-related indication, but it does not have marketing authorization in the European Union. In Europe, it is sold as a research peptide.
What is the difference between tesamorelin and growth hormone?
Tesamorelin is not a growth hormone: it stimulates the pituitary gland to release its own GH, preserving natural feedback controls, whereas GH delivered directly bypasses them.
What is the difference between tesamorelin and ipamorelin?
They do not use the same receptor: tesamorelin acts on the GHRH receptor, ipamorelin on the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R). Both result in the release of growth hormone.
What is the price of tesamorelin?
At MyPeptide, €89.90 for a 10mg vial (€8.99 per milligram), delivery €10 from the European Union.
Sources: Falutz J. et al., N Engl J Med 2007; Stanley T.L. et al., JAMA 2014; FDA (Egrifta, 2010). MyPeptide products are intended exclusively for scientific laboratory research.