Verified July 2026 · Cited to primary sources

Tesamorelin: Evidence Grade A — FDA-approved / proven in humans.

Grade AFDA-approvedSafety: green

The honest verdict

Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved drug (Egrifta, 2010) — Grade A, the strongest evidence tier here. But it is approved for HIV-associated visceral fat, not general weight loss; for that, approved GLP-1s are the evidence-backed route.

Tesamorelin at a glance

Class
Synthetic GHRH (growth-hormone-releasing hormone) analog
Mechanism
A GHRH analog that stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone, which reduces visceral (abdominal) fat.
Also known as
Egrifta, TH9507
Research applications
  • HIV-associated visceral fat reduction (its FDA-approved indication)
  • Body recomposition / visceral fat loss (off-label)
Forms
subcutaneous injection
Legal status
FDA-approved
WADA (anti-doping)
Prohibited (S2 — GHRH analog) at all times
Evidence grade
Grade AFDA-approved / proven in humans

How we grade evidence

Every grade is assigned by a fixed A–F rubric — human-trial strength, not hype or affiliate status. Last verified July 6, 2026.

What is Tesamorelin?

One of only two FDA-approved peptides in this space — proven to cut visceral fat, but approved for a narrow HIV indication.

A GHRH analog that stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone, which reduces visceral (abdominal) fat.

How strong is the evidence for Tesamorelin?

Grade A: FDA-approved (2010) on multiple pivotal Phase 3 RCTs (rule 1 fired — FDA-approved for ≥1 indication). The only currently-marketed FDA-approved GHRH analog.

Primary sources (3)

  1. Drugs@FDA — Egrifta (tesamorelin) approval record
  2. WADA Prohibited List (S2 — GHRH analog)
  3. Falutz et al., N Engl J Med 2007 — tesamorelin pivotal Phase 3 (n=412)

What is Tesamorelin used for?

Tesamorelin is marketed for the goals below. See how it ranks against other peptides in each — by evidence, not hype.

Best peptides for Weight Loss →Best peptides for Muscle Growth →

What does Tesamorelin cost — and how do you access it legally?

Typical cost

High — branded Egrifta commonly $3,000+/month retail

Branded Egrifta retail is high ($3,000+/month; verify current list price). Compounded tesamorelin is cheaper but variable. Approved indication is HIV-associated visceral fat, not general weight loss.

Legal access routes

Peter MD

telehealth

$90–$300 per program (Katalys CPA band)

Check Peter MD →

Marek Health

telehealth

Membership + labs; pricing varies by protocol

Check Marek Health →

Hone Health

telehealth

$30–$75 per program (Katalys CPA band) + at-home labs

Check Hone Health →

Ways2Well

telehealth

Protocol-based pricing; consult required

Check Ways2Well →

Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Access routes are legit telehealth/clinics, never gray-market vendors. How this works.

Trying to lose weight?

For weight loss, an approved GLP-1 beats this peptide.

No research peptide here has proven, legally-available weight-loss data that beats an approved GLP-1. Our sister site compares the options that actually work.

Compare GLP-1 options →

Is Tesamorelinsafe? Side effects & risks

Well-characterized human safety (FDA-approved or long clinical history)

Well-characterized in trials. Glucose intolerance/insulin resistance, injection-site reactions, fluid retention. Contraindicated in active malignancy and pregnancy. WADA-prohibited (S2).

Medical disclaimer: This page is independent editorial information, not medical advice, and Best Peptide For That is not a medical provider. We do not provide dosing. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, stopping, or changing any peptide or medication. Full medical disclaimer.

FAQ

Tesamorelin FAQ

Is tesamorelin FDA approved for weight loss?

Tesamorelin is FDA-approved (as Egrifta) to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy — not for general weight loss. It genuinely reduces visceral fat in that population (Grade A), but using it for everyday weight loss is off-label. For proven general weight loss, see our GLP-1 guidance.

How much does tesamorelin cost?

Branded Egrifta commonly runs $3,000+ per month at retail. Compounded tesamorelin is cheaper but variable in price and quality. Check current pricing with a licensed provider.

Is tesamorelin banned in sport?

Yes. As a GHRH analog it is on the WADA Prohibited List under S2.

Compare Tesamorelin with…

Head-to-head evidence-grade matchups people weigh against Tesamorelin.

Keep reading

Grade D

MOTS-c

An "exercise-mimetic" metabolic peptide — real mechanistic interest, but human evidence is association-only.

Grade C

CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin

The classic GH-boosting stack — one human PK study shows it raises GH/IGF-1, but no trial shows it builds muscle or burns fat.

Grade C

CJC-1295

A GHRH analog — usually the long-acting "with DAC" version — that one human study shows raises GH/IGF-1, but no trial shows it builds muscle or burns fat.

How we grade the evidence →Are peptides safe? →FDA peptide status 2026 →

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