Tesa/IPA Protocol
Also known as: Tesa-IPA, Tesamorelin-Ipamorelin Blend, TI Blend
Tesamorelin + Ipamorelin GH Secretagogue Blend
Overview
The Tesa/IPA blend combines two complementary growth hormone secretagogues: Tesamorelin (a GHRH analog that stimulates GH release from the pituitary) and Ipamorelin (a selective ghrelin mimetic/GHRP that amplifies GH pulses). This combination addresses both the GHRH and GHRP pathways for synergistic GH release. Common formulations include 5mg/5mg (1:1 ratio) and 10mg/3mg (higher Tesamorelin) variants. Tesamorelin is FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, while Ipamorelin remains investigational.
Key benefits
- Synergistic GH release from dual pathways
- More physiological pulsatile GH secretion
- Tesamorelin's proven lipodystrophy benefits
- Ipamorelin's clean side effect profile
- Does not significantly affect cortisol or prolactin
- Single injection convenience
- May improve body composition, sleep, and recovery
Mechanism of action
The blend leverages two distinct GH-releasing pathways: Tesamorelin is a synthetic GHRH analog that directly stimulates growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, triggering GH synthesis and secretion in a pulsatile, physiological manner. Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist that amplifies GH pulses without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin. Together, they produce synergistic GH release greater than either compound alone, while maintaining the body's natural feedback mechanisms.
Molecular data
- Type
- Dual GH secretagogue combination
Sequence
Tesamorelin (GHRH analog) + Ipamorelin (GHRP)
Blend composition
What is in the vial, and in what proportion. Each component has its own reference page.
| Component | Amount | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Tesamorelin | 5 mg | 1 |
| Ipamorelin | 5 mg | 1 |
Total 10 mg per vial.
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Body Composition
Fat Reduction
EffectiveTesamorelin has demonstrated fat reduction in clinical trials; synergy with Ipamorelin may enhance effects.
Visceral Fat Loss
Most effectiveTesamorelin specifically reduces visceral adipose tissue (FDA-approved indication).
Lean Mass Support
ModerateEnhanced GH promotes protein synthesis and lean tissue preservation.
Recovery & Wellness
Sleep Quality
EffectiveGH secretagogues often improve deep sleep quality.
Recovery Enhancement
ModerateEnhanced GH supports tissue repair and recovery from exercise.
Anti-Aging Support
ModerateRestoring more youthful GH levels may provide anti-aging benefits.
Metabolic Health
Lipid Profile
ModerateTesamorelin has shown improvements in lipid parameters in studies.
IGF-1 Optimization
EffectiveIncreased GH leads to increased IGF-1 production.
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Injectable
Subcutaneous injection, typically administered before bed or in the morning on an empty stomach. Evening dosing may enhance natural nighttime GH pulse. Avoid eating 2-3 hours before and 30-60 minutes after injection for optimal results.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard protocol (5/5 blend) Inject on empty stomach; avoid food 30-60 min after | 200-400mcg total | Once daily (evening) | SubQ |
| Enhanced protocol (10/3 blend) Higher Tesamorelin for fat loss focus | 300-500mcg total | Once daily (evening) | SubQ |
| Twice daily (advanced) Split dosing for sustained GH support | 200-300mcg per dose | Morning and evening | SubQ |
Preparation
You will need
- Tesa/IPA vial (5/5mg or 10/3mg)
- Bacteriostatic water (2-3mL)
- Insulin syringes
- Alcohol prep pads
Steps
- Clean vial top with alcohol pad
- Add 2mL bacteriostatic water for convenient dosing
- Gently swirl - do not shake
- Solution should appear clear
- Label with date and concentration
- Store refrigerated immediately
- Use within 4-6 weeks
Work out the water volume and syringe units in the reconstitution calculator →
Interactions
Pairwise interactions with other compounds you might be cycling — the same data behind the cycle builder's safety check.
Tesamorelin (standalone)
AvoidAlready contains Tesamorelin - do not add more.
Ipamorelin (standalone)
AvoidAlready contains Ipamorelin - do not add more.
CJC-1295
MonitorBoth Tesamorelin and CJC-1295 are GHRH analogs; combining may cause excessive stimulation.
GHRP-6/GHRP-2
MonitorAlready has GHRP pathway covered by Ipamorelin; adding more GHRPs may be excessive.
MK-677
MonitorBoth affect GH release; combination may be excessive and affect glucose.
Insulin
MonitorGH affects glucose metabolism; diabetics should monitor carefully.
BPC-157
CompatibleDifferent mechanisms; can complement for healing with GH support.
Semaglutide
CompatibleDifferent pathways; some combine for body composition goals.
Timeline
Typical week-by-week effects reported in clinical and observational data.
- Week 1-2
Improved sleep quality often noticed first; initial GH response
- Week 2-4
Enhanced recovery; subtle body composition changes beginning
- Week 4-8
Noticeable fat loss (especially visceral); improved energy
- Week 8-16
Full body composition benefits; continued improvements
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Injection site reactions (redness, itching)
- Water retention (usually transient)
- Tingling or numbness in extremities
- Joint stiffness
- Increased hunger (Ipamorelin effect)
Rare side effects
- Headache
- Carpal tunnel-like symptoms
- Changes in blood glucose
- Fatigue
Stop signs — stop and seek advice
- Severe injection site reactions
- Significant swelling or edema
- Signs of glucose dysregulation
- Severe joint pain
- Allergic reactions
Contraindications
- Active malignancy (GH may promote tumor growth)
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Pituitary disorders
- Hypersensitivity to components
Monitoring
- IGF-1 levels periodically
- Fasting glucose
- Body composition changes
- Sleep quality
- General well-being
Quality checks
What a legitimate product looks like, what should give pause, and what should make you stop.
Good signs
- Third-party testing confirming both components
- Certificate of Analysis with ratios verified
- Reputable research supplier
- Proper cold chain shipping
Warning signs
- Tesamorelin is FDA-approved as Egrifta - research blends are not
- Ipamorelin remains investigational
Stop signs — don't use
- No Certificate of Analysis
- Cannot verify Tesamorelin:Ipamorelin ratio
- Discolored or particulate solution
Recent research
Newer papers and trial readouts on file for this compound, with source and date.
June 2024 · AIDS
Efficacy and safety of tesamorelin in people with HIV on integrase inhibitors
First dedicated study in patients on INSTI-based regimens: tesamorelin significantly reduced visceral fat, hepatic fat, and trunk-to-appendicular fat ratio with no worsening of glycemic control.
January 2025 · JAMA Network Open
Effects of Tesamorelin on Neurocognitive Impairment in Persons With HIV and Abdominal Obesity
Phase 2 RCT in 73 participants showed tesamorelin reduced waist circumference vs standard of care, though neurocognitive benefits did not reach statistical significance.
July 2025 · Clinical Endocrinology
Body composition, hepatic fat, metabolic, and safety outcomes of Tesamorelin in HIV-associated lipodystrophy: A meta-analysis
Meta-analysis of five RCTs confirmed tesamorelin significantly reduces visceral adipose tissue in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.
Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV
Falutz J, Allas S, Blot K, et al. · New England Journal of Medicine · 2007
Landmark RCT in 412 HIV patients: tesamorelin 2 mg daily for 26 weeks reduced visceral fat by 10.9% vs 0.6% placebo, improved lipid profiles with no change in subcutaneous fat.
Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue
Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, et al. · European Journal of Endocrinology · 1998
Ipamorelin is the first GHRP-receptor agonist with selectivity for GH release similar to GHRH; does not release ACTH or cortisol even at doses over 200-fold the ED50 for GH.
GHRH + GHRP Synergy
Endocrine Reviews
Combining GHRH and GHRP pathways produces synergistic GH release greater than either agent alone, driven by independent receptor mechanisms on pituitary somatotrophs.
No Published Studies on Tesa/IPA Combination
N/A · 2024
No clinical trials have evaluated the specific tesamorelin + ipamorelin blend; synergy is inferred from GHRH/GHRP pharmacology and individual component data.
Last updated . How this page was sourced is described in the methodology.