Growth Hormone Secretagogues

Tesamorelin

Stabilized GHRH analog that stimulates pulsatile GH release while preserving negative feedback. Primary indication for visceral adipose tissue reduction in HIV-lipodystrophy.

Functional Profile

Tesamorelin is a stabilized synthetic peptide analogue of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH). Unlike rhGH (which creates a constant, non-pulsatile elevation), Tesamorelin stimulates the pituitary to release endogenous growth hormone in a pulsatile manner. This preserves the negative feedback loop and minimizes side effects like water retention and insulin resistance.

Primary Indications
Visceral Adiposity (VAT), HIV-Lipodystrophy
Functional Uses
Body Composition, Cognitive Health, Anti-Aging
Kinetics
Half-Life 30 Mins
Peak (T-Max) 1.5 Hours
Bioavailability <4% (SubQ)
Dosing Protocols
Recommended Daily Dose
2.0 mg
Daily administration (Before Bed)
Cycle: 5 Days On / 2 Days Off
Timing & Instructions

Administer subcutaneously into the abdomen. Must be taken in a fasted state (at least 90 minutes post-prandial) to avoid insulin blunting GHRH signal.

Clinical Goal

Significant reduction in visceral adipose tissue (15-20%) over 26 weeks.

Pearl Rotate injection sites daily to prevent lipodystrophy nodules.
Clinical Trajectory (26 Weeks)
IGF-1 Levels
Visceral Fat
Onset
Week 2-4
Peak IGF-1
Week 12
Max VAT Loss
Week 26
Adverse Events
Common

Generally well tolerated. Most side effects are transient and dose-dependent.

  • Arthralgia (Joint Pain) 13%
  • Injection Site Reaction Common
  • Myalgia 5%
Contraindications
Critical

Do not prescribe if any of the following are present in patient history.

Active Malignancy Pituitary Tumor Pregnancy Hypersensitivity
Monitoring
Labs

IGF-1 levels should be monitored to ensure efficacy and safety.

  • ▸ Baseline IGF-1 & HbA1c
  • ▸ Follow up at Week 4 (IGF-1)
  • ▸ Follow up at Week 12 (IGF-1 + HbA1c)