Tesamorelin vs ARA-290
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Growth Hormone PeptidesFat Loss & Metabolic
TesamorelinImmune SupportRecovery & Repair
ARA-290- Summary
- Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved synthetic GHRH analog specifically indicated for reduction of excess abdominal (visceral) fat in HIV patients with lipodystrophy. It is the only GHRH peptide with FDA approval for a fat-reduction indication and is studied off-label for metabolic syndrome and cognitive function.
- ARA-290 is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the helix B region of erythropoietin (EPO). Unlike EPO, it selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) without stimulating hematopoiesis, providing tissue protection, anti-inflammation, and neuropathy relief.
- Half-Life
- ~26 minutes
- ~2–4 hours (SC administration)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 2 mg
- 4 mg (fixed dose)
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- FDA-approved for visceral fat reduction in HIV lipodystrophy
- Significant reduction in trunk/visceral fat (average 15–20% in trials)
- Improved triglyceride and lipid profiles
- Potential cognitive benefits and memory improvement
- Preserves lean mass while reducing fat
- Natural pulsatile GH stimulation
- Reduces neuropathic pain from small fiber neuropathy
- Anti-inflammatory without immune suppression
- Tissue protection after ischemia/reperfusion injury
- Promotes nerve fiber regeneration
- Improves symptoms of sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy
- May reduce insulin resistance and improve metabolic health
- Shown to improve autonomic neuropathy symptoms
- Side Effects
- Injection site reactions (redness, irritation)
- Arthralgia and joint pain
- Peripheral edema
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- +2 more
- Injection site reactions
- Mild fatigue at initiation
- Transient warm sensation post-injection
- Rare: mild headache
- Stacks With
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