Last Updated February 15, 2024

 February 15, 2024

Curious about tesamorelin benefits?

Then keep reading, as we detail what researchers can expect when they experiment with this reference material.

Tesamorelin is one of several human growth hormone (HGH) secretagogues, substances that increase HGH and improve the body's ability to create and repair tissues. When administered to individuals with lipodystrophy, tesamorelin is especially effective at burning through stubborn abdominal fat.

But what else can it do?

In this comprehensive review, researchers will find a concise overview of the benefits offered by tesamorelin based on high-quality scientific research. Below, researchers will gain a full understanding of how tesamorelin works, the side effects it causes, and what researchers can expect when they run an experiment or trial with this peptide. 

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Disclaimer: Peptides.org contains information about products that are intended for laboratory and research use only, unless otherwise explicitly stated. This information, including any referenced scientific or clinical research, is made available for educational purposes only. Likewise, any published information relative to the dosing and administration of reference materials is made available strictly for reference and shall not be construed to encourage the self-administration or any human use of said reference materials. Peptides.org makes every effort to ensure that any information it shares complies with national and international standards for clinical trial information and is committed to the timely disclosure of the design and results of all interventional clinical studies for innovative treatments publicly available or that may be made available. However, research is not considered conclusive. Peptides.org makes no claims that any products referenced can cure, treat or prevent any conditions, including any conditions referenced on its website or in print materials.


What is Tesamorelin?

Tesamorelin is a peptide. Peptides are long sequences of amino acids that play an important role in the body's chemical signaling processes. They help keep cells healthy [1].

We know that peptides play an important role in human health, and there are about 60 of them that are currently of interest to scientists looking to solve the hardest problems in health. Tesamorelin is one of the peptides that looks like it could play an especially important role in tissue growth and repair.

Tesamorelin is made up of a sequence of 44 amino acids. It is virtually identical to a hormone that the  body produces naturally called growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) [2].

GHRH is deeply important to how the body regulates the HGH levels in the blood.

HGH is essential to human growth and performance. It is a critical part of the process by which the body builds and repairs tissue. That means it's involved in everything from children growing in height, to building new muscle after a workout, regenerating collagen in the skin, and even recovering from injuries.

Since tesamorelin looks almost exactly like GHRH, it can bind to the same receptors and basically have the same effect: increasing HGH levels in the blood [2]. It also increases insulin-like growth factor (IGF), another important chemical that helps regulate tissue growth [3]


tesamorelin benefits


Tesamorelin Benefits and Research Applications

So what are the benefits of Tesamorelin?

There are many, and researchers often see a huge difference in test subjects using tesamorelin before and after.

But it is important to be clear that the main benefit of tesamorelin is that it raises HGH levels. Several studies have confirmed that tesamorelin has this effect on its research subjects.

  • One study found that tesamorelin increased HGH and IGF [4].
  • Another study confirmed these results and found that tesamorelin significantly increased overnight HGH secretion [5].

Tesamorelin's main effect is that it up-regulates HGH. The other tesamorelin benefits come from that increased HGH—they're more accurately described as indirect benefits of tesamorelin.

Tesamorelin and Body Composition

While our team was not able to find any research looking directly at the effects of tesamorelin and body composition, it is believed that researchers are now intensively studying the muscle growth effects of tesamorelin. Researchers should consult the relevant literature when designing an experiment or trial but anecdotal evidence suggests that this peptide may be dosed in the following way: 

  • 1 mg of tesamorelin, daily
  • 5 days a week
  • Administered prior to bed

The lack of research into tesamorelin for this application indicates that further research in this area is warranted.

Tesamorelin and Lean Muscle

There have been studies that have found it can help build lean muscle mass in other populations. For example, one study looked at the effects of tesamorelin on building skeletal muscle in the trunk: the rectus abdominis, the obliques, the psoas major, and the paraspinal muscles [6].

After 26 weeks of a tesamorelin dosing regimen, researchers found that there was a significant increase in muscle density in all muscle groups examined, compared to a placebo [6]. They also found that there were significant increases in muscle size in several muscle groups.

These results suggest that tesamorelin can effectively enhance skeletal muscle growth.

Tesamorelin and Fat Loss

This is actually what tesamorelin has been approved by the FDA to do: get rid of visceral fat.

The majority of research on this has been done on patients with HIV that are taking anti-retroviral medications. These medications can cause a condition called lipodystrophy, which is basically the accumulation of fat around the midsection.

Tesamorelin has been shown in many studies that it is effective in increasing GH in these populations as well as in healthy populations and that it can be effective in reducing this stubborn abdominal fat [2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12].

One systematic review of the studies that look at tesamorelin for treating lipodystrophy pooled results from over 1,511 patients. The review found that tesamorelin reduced visceral adipose tissue (stomach fat) by 25.2 cm squared, on average [11].

This same review also found that tesamorelin increased lean body mass by about 1.31 kg [11].

It's not just abdominal fat that tesamorelin incinerates; it has also been found to have an effect on other fat loss and body composition measures:

  • It reduces fatty deposits in the liver [11, 12]
  • It significantly reduces waist circumference [2]
  • It has been found to improve body image [2]

Patients with lipodystrophy will want to follow their doctor's guidelines on tesamorelin dosing. Usually, the dosage is 2 mg per day.

Researchers who wish to administer tesamorelin to test subjects can use the same dosing schedule indicated above: 

  • 1 mg of tesamorelin, daily
  • 5 days a week
  • Administered prior to bed

Tesamorelin and Cognition

Tesamorelin isn't typically seen as a nootropic substance, but there is some research that suggests this peptide can have a significant impact on cognition.

For example, several studies have found that people with dementia perform significantly better on cognitive tasks after being administered tesamorelin compared with those in a placebo group [13, 14, 15].

In one study, older adults with mild cognitive impairments were given either tesamorelin or a placebo for 20 weeks [14]. By the end of the study, researchers found that test subjects who had received tesamorelin had changes in neurochemicals that were consistent with better brain functioning. In addition, these adults performed significantly better on a battery of cognitive tests.

But tesamorelin doesn't only benefit test subjects with cognitive impairments; research has found it can benefit healthy adults too [13, 14, 15].

Tesamorelin and Nerve Damage

Nerves are very hard to regenerate, and cases of nerve damage are permanent.

But that looks like it could change with more research into peptides. Some research has found that in some instances, tesamorelin is an effective way to repair nerve damage [16].

This is consistent with other research that shows both HGH and IGF are associated with improved nerve regeneration outcomes [17].

Tesamorelin and Cardiac Disease

Tesamorelin may also play a role in reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This is partly because it reduces fat in the midsection, which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

However, it also seems to reduce triglyceride levels as well as total cholesterol levels in the blood, both of which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease [14, 18].


Tesamorelin Side Effects

One of the tesamorelin benefits is that it raises HGH without being HGH. Supplementing HGH directly can cause very severe side effects. But because tesamorelin increases HGH indirectly using the body's own natural processes, it tends to have fewer side effects.

Still, there can be some. The most common side effects include [18]:

  • Redness, itching, pain, swelling, and irritation at the site of injection
  • Muscle aches
  • Diarrhea
  • Sweating

Despite these side effects, most research has concluded that tesamorelin is safe and well-tolerated when administered to test subjects [2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 19]


tesamorelin benefits


Where to Buy Tesamorelin Online? | 2024 Edition

Qualified researchers and laboratory professionals looking to procure tesamorelin are recommended to assess their options based on factors like cost, quality guarantees, payment methods, and shipping policies.

At Peptides.org, we have worked closely with many of the major peptide vendors and are able to endorse the following vendors of research-grade tesamorelin:

Xcel Peptides

We unreservedly recommend Xcel Peptides and here’s why:

  • High-Quality Peptides: Xcel Peptides’ tesamorelin is thoroughly tested by a third-party lab. The vendor posts the corresponding lab results on their site for researchers to easily view.
  • Convenient, Fast Shipping: Shipments within the US typically take between 2 and 5 days to arrive and the shipping fee is waived on orders of $200 or more.
  • Payment Options: Xcel Peptides has a secure payments system and accepts a wide range of options including credit cards and Zelle.
  • Fantastic Service: We've always been impressed by the support team’s knowledge and accessibility. They’re friendly, efficient, and quick to solve any problem.

Overall, there’s no doubt in our minds that Xcel Peptides is up there with the best tesamorelin vendors currently serving the research community.

Buy Tesamorelin from our top-rated vendor...


Limitless Life

We recommend Limitless Life to all peptide researchers for a variety of reasons.

 For one, they partner with independent labs to ensure product quality and purity, offer fast and flexible shipping, and provide outstanding service.

Here are some of the factors that have led us to recommend Limitless Life:

  • Committed to Quality Assurance: As a way to ensure that each batch of product from Limitless Life meets their strict quality criteria, they partner with three independent labs for product testing.
  • Prioritizes Service: Limitless Life’s service team takes all questions and concerns seriously and aims to answer them promptly and completely.
  • Recognized for Upstanding Business Practices: Limitless Life stands alone as the only peptide vendor that has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
  • Fast and Flexible Shipping: Limitless Life offers a fast turnaround on product shipments, processing all orders within 48 hours so that they are shipped out promptly.

Research have access to tesamorelin and other peptides through the VIP Club at Limitless Life. Instant access is granted by signing up below:

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Bacteriostatic Water and Tesamorelin

To comply with the proper methods of peptide handling, researchers must have the right materials. Particularly when preparing Tesamorelin, as well storing it, items such as bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, and more are needed.

The quest for all of these materials can put a damper on peptide research. However, it is required.


Tesamorelin Benefits | Verdict

Tesamorelin has a proven ability to promote lean muscle gains and reduce body fat, especially around the midsection. Other benefits may include repairing damaged nerve tissue, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and even improving cognition.

Given the long list of potential tesamorelin benefits, it's little wonder that so many in the research community are interested in testing out its effects even further.

We strongly suggest our top-rated vendor as a safe and reliable source of Tesamorelin.


References

  1. Mine, Y., Li-Chan, E., & Jiang, B. (2010). Biologically active food proteins and peptides in health: an overview. Bioactive proteins and peptides as functional foods and nutraceuticals. Hoboken: Wiley‑Blackwell, 5-11.
  2. Dhillon, S. (2011). Tesamorelin. Drugs, 71(8), 1071-1091.
  3. McLarnon, A. (2012). Tesamorelin can improve cognitive function. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 8(10), 568-568.
  4. Editorial, A. (2004). Pralmorelin: GHRP 2, GPA 748, Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide 2, KP-102 D, KP-102 LN, KP-102D, KP-102LN. Drugs in R & D, 5, 236-239.
  5. Broglio, F., Boutignon, F., Benso, A., Gottero, C., Prodam, F., Arvat, E., … & Muccioli, G. (2002). EP1572: a novel peptido-mimetic GH secretagogue with potent and selective GH-releasing activity in man. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, 25(8), RC26-RC28.
  6. Adrian, S., Scherzinger, A., Sanyal, A., Lake, J. E., Falutz, J., Dubé, M. P., … & Brown, T. T. (2019). The Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone analog, Tesamorelin, decreases muscle fat, and increases muscle area in adults with HIV. The Journal of Frailty & Aging, 8(3), 154-159.
  7. Zdravkovic, M., Christiansen, T., Eliot, L., Agersoe, H., Thomsen, M. S., Falch, J. F., … & Ilondo, M. M. (2001). The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability following 7 days daily oral treatment with NN703 in healthy male subjects. Growth Hormone & IGF Research, 11(1), 41-48.
  8. Svensson, J., Monson, J. P., Vetter, T., Hansen, T. K., Savine, R., Kann, P., … & Ilondo, M. M. (2003). Oral administration of the growth hormone secretagogue NN703 in adult patients with growth hormone deficiency. Clinical Endocrinology, 58(5), 572-580.
  9. Zdravkovic, M., Olsen, A. K., Christiansen, T., Schulz, R., Taub, M. E., Thomsen, M. S., … & Ilondo, M. M. (2003). A clinical study investigating the pharmacokinetic interaction between NN703 (tabimorelin), a potential inhibitor of CYP3A4 activity, and midazolam, a CYP3A4 substrate. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 58(10), 683-688.
  10. Piccoli, F., Degen, L., MacLean, C., Peter, S., Baselgia, L., Larsen, F., … & Drewe, J. (2007). Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effects of an oral ghrelin agonist in healthy subjects. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 92(5), 1814-1820.
  11. Sivakumar, T., Mechanic, O. J., Fehmie, D. A., & Paul, B. T. (2011). Growth hormone axis treatments for HIV‐associated lipodystrophy: a systematic review of placebo‐controlled trials. HIV medicine, 12(8), 453-462.
  12. Stanley, T. L., Feldpausch, M. N., Oh, J., Branch, K. L., Lee, H., Torriani, M., & Grinspoon, S. K. (2014). Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA, 312(4), 380-389.
  13. Zdravkovic, M., Søgaard, B., Ynddal, L., Christiansen, T., Agersø, H., Thomsen, M. S., … & Ilondo, M. M. (2000). The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety and tolerability of a single dose of NN703, a novel orally active growth hormone secretagogue in healthy male volunteers. Growth Hormone & IGF Research, 10(4), 193-198.
  14. Friedman, S. D., Baker, L. D., Borson, S., Jensen, J. E., Barsness, S. M., Craft, S., … & Vitiello, M. V. (2013). Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone Effects on Brain γ-Aminobutyric Acid Levels in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Healthy Aging. JAMA Neurology, 70(7), 883-890.
  15. Baker, L. D., Barsness, S. M., Borson, S., Merriam, G. R., Friedman, S. D., Craft, S., & Vitiello, M. V. (2012). Effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone on cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults: results of a controlled trial. Archives of Neurology, 69(11), 1420-1429.
  16. Tuffaha, S. H., Singh, P., Budihardjo, J. D., Means, K. R., Higgins, J. P., Shores, J. T., … & Brandacher, G. (2016). Therapeutic augmentation of the growth hormone axis to improve outcomes following peripheral nerve injury. Expert opinion on therapeutic targets, 20(10), 1259-1265.
  17. Bianchi, V. E., Locatelli, V., & Rizzi, L. (2017). Neurotrophic and neuroregenerative effects of GH/IGF1. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(11), 2441.
  18. Falutz, J., Allas, S., Blot, K., Potvin, D., Kotler, D., Somero, M., … & Turner, R. (2007). Metabolic effects of a growth hormone–releasing factor in patients with HIV. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(23), 2359-2370.
  19. Luzi, L., Meneghini, E., Oggionni, S., Tambussi, G., Piceni-Sereni, L., & Lazzarin, A. (2005). GH treatment reduces trunkal adiposity in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy: a randomized placebo-controlled study. European Journal of Endocrinology, 153(6), 781-789.

Scientifically Fact Checked by:

David Warmflash, M.D.

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