Research-only educational guide

Tesamorelin Dosage Calculator and Chart

A structured summary of published literature describing tesamorelin (a GHRH analog) research, including common study dosing regimens, research objectives, safety considerations, and regulatory context.

Overview

Tesamorelin (trade name “Egrifta”) is a synthetic amino-acid sequence that mimics growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH), and has also been discussed in research contexts exploring the growth hormone axis. [1–3]

In addition to research interest, tesamorelin is approved in the United States as a prescription medication for HIV-associated lipodystrophy (fat accumulation around the midsection). [23]

Tesamorelin Dosage Chart: Quick Breakdown

The table below summarizes reported study regimens and durations. It is provided as an informational reference only (not a clinical guideline).

Reported tesamorelin dosing regimens used in published research (reference only).
Research objective / context Reported regimen Study duration
Body composition improvement (reported research summaries) 1–2 mg daily (subcutaneous, as reported) 20–52 weeks
HIV-associated lipodystrophy (clinical use / trials) 2 mg per dose (subcutaneous, as reported) 26–52 weeks
Cognition / healthy aging research (GHRH axis studies) 1 mg per dose, 5 days on / 2 days off (as reported) 20 weeks

These values reflect protocols described in research and prescribing information references and do not establish safe use for non-clinical products. [14–15, 23]

What Is Tesamorelin?

Tesamorelin is described as a synthetic sequence of amino acids that mimics GHRH. [1–3] GHRH is part of the endocrine signaling network that stimulates growth hormone production and release. [3–4]

Clinical identity

  • Sold in the U.S. under the brand name “Egrifta.” [23]
  • Prescription indication discussed for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. [23]

Mechanistic Themes

Tesamorelin is commonly framed as a GHRH analog intended to stimulate the body’s own growth hormone secretion, in contrast to exogenous growth hormone administration. [3, 6–7]

Growth hormone axis signaling

GH signaling is described as relevant to tissue growth and repair processes, and GH levels decline with age in many contexts. [4–5]

Why researchers study alternatives

Exogenous GH therapy has shown benefits in some settings but also has documented adverse effects, motivating investigation into related axis-modulating approaches. [6–7]

Research Applications and Reported Findings

Tesamorelin research commonly appears in work on HIV-associated fat redistribution (visceral adiposity) and broader GH-axis investigations. The summaries below reflect representative study areas and should be interpreted within each study’s population, endpoints, and design.

HIV-associated visceral fat & liver fat

  • Systematic review discussions of GH-axis treatments for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. [10]
  • Randomized clinical trial reporting effects on visceral and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation. [11]
  • Related work reporting changes in muscle fat and muscle area in adults with HIV. [12]
  • Metabolic effects of a growth hormone–releasing factor in HIV patients (NEJM). [17]

Cognition / brain chemistry (GHRH studies)

  • GHRH effects on brain GABA levels in mild cognitive impairment and healthy aging. [14]
  • Controlled trial reporting cognitive effects of GHRH in adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults. [15]

Peripheral nerve injury (research discussion)

  • Therapeutic augmentation of the GH axis discussed for outcomes after peripheral nerve injury (review context). [16]

Dosing Context in Clinical and Research Literature

Across the tesamorelin summaries and prescribing references, dosing is typically described as subcutaneous administration with defined dose and duration, depending on study population and endpoints. [23]

Commonly cited protocols (reported)

  • Body composition improvement studies summarized as 1–2 mg daily for 20–52 weeks. [8–9]
  • HIV-associated lipodystrophy commonly summarized as 2 mg per dose with study durations ranging ~26–52 weeks. [23]
  • GH-axis cognition research summarized as 1 mg per dose with a 5-days-on/2-days-off schedule for 20 weeks. [14–15]

These protocols do not establish non-clinical safety. Where tesamorelin is used medically, it is under prescription oversight and regulated labeling. [23]

Reconstitution & Handling (Laboratory Context)

In laboratory settings, peptides may be supplied as lyophilized powders and reconstituted using sterile diluents according to institutional protocols. The overview below is high-level handling guidance only (not clinical instruction).

Materials (example)

  • Sterile diluent (per lab protocol)
  • Sterile syringes/needles (as required)
  • Alcohol prep pads
  • Labeling materials (date, concentration, lot)
  • Cold storage as required by protocol

Process overview

  1. Calculate target concentration and total volume.
  2. Add diluent gently along the vial wall; minimize foaming.
  3. Avoid vigorous shaking; allow time for dissolution.
  4. Mix gently per protocol; label and store appropriately.

Always follow your lab’s aseptic technique, storage, and disposal requirements.

Safety Considerations

Published references note that growth-hormone axis manipulation and related therapies can carry adverse effects, and tesamorelin prescribing information should be consulted in clinical contexts. [7, 23]

Examples of safety topics discussed in references

  • Adverse effects associated with GH/IGF axis manipulation described in endocrine literature. [7]
  • Clinical labeling and safety details are summarized in prescribing information references for Egrifta. [23]

Preclinical findings and narrower study populations are not sufficient to establish general safety or efficacy for self-directed use. This page remains informational and research-focused only.

Regulatory Context

Tesamorelin is described as FDA-approved (U.S.) as a prescription medication for HIV-associated lipodystrophy and is sold under the brand name “Egrifta.” [23]

FDA chemistry review / application

Regulatory chemistry review documentation is referenced in the document’s sources. [1]

Prescribing information

The document cites FDA prescribing information for Egrifta as a primary clinical reference. [23]

Conclusion

Tesamorelin is a GHRH analog studied across GH-axis research, with prominent clinical and research interest in HIV-associated visceral fat and related metabolic endpoints, along with broader investigations in cognition and aging research contexts. [10–12, 14–15, 17]

Dosing regimens presented here reflect reported protocols from studies and labeling references and are provided strictly for educational reference.

References

  1. Food and Drug Administration (2010). Chemistry Reviews: Application 22-505.
  2. Mine, Y., Li-Chan, E., & Jiang, B. (2010). Biologically active food proteins and peptides in health: an overview.
  3. Dhillon, S. (2011). Tesamorelin. Drugs, 71(8), 1071–1091.
  4. Bergan-Roller, H. E., & Sheridan, M. A. (2018). The growth hormone signaling system. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 258, 119–133.
  5. Bartke, A. (2019). Growth hormone and aging: Updated review. The World Journal of Men's Health, 37(1), 19–30.
  6. Jørgensen, J. O. L., et al. (1989). Beneficial effects of growth hormone treatment in GH-deficient adults. The Lancet, 333(8649), 1221–1225.
  7. Anderson, L. J., Tamayose, J. M., & Garcia, J. M. (2018). Use of growth hormone, IGF-I, and insulin for anabolic purpose. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 464, 65–74.
  8. Editorial, A. (2004). Pralmorelin (GHRP-2) overview. Drugs in R & D, 5, 236–239.
  9. Broglio, F., et al. (2002). EP1572: a novel peptido-mimetic GH secretagogue. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, 25(8), RC26–RC28.
  10. Sivakumar, T., et al. (2011). Growth hormone axis treatments for HIV-associated lipodystrophy: systematic review. HIV Medicine, 12(8), 453–462.
  11. Stanley, T. L., et al. (2014). Tesamorelin effects on visceral and liver fat in HIV. JAMA, 312(4), 380–389.
  12. Adrian, S., et al. (2019). Tesamorelin decreases muscle fat and increases muscle area in adults with HIV. The Journal of Frailty & Aging, 8(3), 154–159.
  13. Zdravkovic, M., et al. (2000). PK/PD, safety and tolerability of NN703 single dose. Growth Hormone & IGF Research, 10(4), 193–198.
  14. Friedman, S. D., et al. (2013). GHRH effects on brain GABA in mild cognitive impairment and healthy aging. JAMA Neurology, 70(7), 883–890.
  15. Baker, L. D., et al. (2012). GHRH effects on cognitive function in MCI and healthy older adults. Archives of Neurology, 69(11), 1420–1429.
  16. Tuffaha, S. H., et al. (2016). Therapeutic augmentation of the growth hormone axis after peripheral nerve injury.
  17. Falutz, J., et al. (2007). Metabolic effects of a growth hormone–releasing factor in HIV. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(23), 2359–2370.
  18. Zdravkovic, M., et al. (2001). PK/PD, safety, tolerability after 7 days oral NN703. Growth Hormone & IGF Research, 11(1), 41–48.
  19. Svensson, J., et al. (2003). Oral NN703 in adult GHD patients. Clinical Endocrinology, 58(5), 572–580.
  20. Zdravkovic, M., et al. (2003). PK interaction study: NN703 and midazolam. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 58(10), 683–688.
  21. Piccoli, F., et al. (2007). PK/PD effects of an oral ghrelin agonist. JCEM, 92(5), 1814–1820.
  22. Luzi, L., et al. (2005). GH treatment reduces trunkal adiposity in HIV lipodystrophy. European Journal of Endocrinology, 153(6), 781–789.
  23. FDA (n.d.). Highlights of Prescribing Information: Egrifta.

Reference list compiled from the uploaded A–Z guide document. (Branding updated to NordisPharma; no vendor/sales sections included.)

Educational content for research discussion only. Not medical advice. — NordisPharma