Tesofensine vs Decapeptide-12
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Fat Loss & Metabolic
TesofensineSkin & Cosmetic
Decapeptide-12- Summary
- 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.
- Decapeptide-12 is a synthetic 10-amino acid peptide developed for skin brightening and depigmentation. It selectively inhibits tyrosinase activity and downstream melanogenesis pathways, reducing hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone without the irritation associated with hydroquinone.
- Half-Life
- 8-10 days (exceptionally long; accumulates over weeks)
- Not applicable (topical)
- Admin Route
- Oral
- Topical
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 0.25-0.5 mg per day
- 5 ppm (0.0005%) concentration
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Twice daily (AM and PM)
- Key Benefits
- 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
- Reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots
- Evens skin tone and improves radiance
- Inhibits post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Well-tolerated alternative to hydroquinone
- Effective for melasma and age spots
- Non-cytotoxic to melanocytes
- Side Effects
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure (sympathomimetic)
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Nausea
- +4 more
- Generally very well-tolerated
- Rare mild irritation or sensitivity in some skin types
- Results may take several weeks to become visible
- Stacks With
- —
- —