Tesamorelin vs Tesofensine
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Growth Hormone PeptidesFat Loss & Metabolic
TesamorelinFat Loss & Metabolic
Tesofensine- 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.
- Tesofensine is a triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor (TMRI) that blocks reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Originally developed for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, it was repurposed as a potent weight loss agent after clinical trials demonstrated substantial fat loss via appetite suppression and increased energy expenditure.
- Half-Life
- ~26 minutes
- 8-10 days (exceptionally long; accumulates over weeks)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 2 mg
- 0.25-0.5 mg per day
- 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
- Potent appetite suppression via triple monoamine reuptake inhibition
- Significant weight loss (8-12% body weight in phase II trials at 0.5 mg)
- Increases basal metabolic rate and energy expenditure
- Reduces fat mass preferentially over lean mass
- Potential cognitive benefit via dopaminergic and noradrenergic enhancement
- Longer half-life than sibutramine allows once-daily dosing
- Side Effects
- Injection site reactions (redness, irritation)
- Arthralgia and joint pain
- Peripheral edema
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- +2 more
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure (sympathomimetic)
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Nausea
- +4 more
- Stacks With
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