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Specimen Atlas of Research Peptides81 plates · MIT
Side-by-side · Research reference

LivagenvsTesamorelin

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AAnimal-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED20/32 cited
BFDA-ApprovedFlagship27/68 cited
Livagen
Khavinson Bioregulator · Hepatoprotective Tetrapeptide
50%Dipeptidase inhibitionTimofeeva 2005
Oral / SQRoutes tested
LiverTarget tissueKhavinson 2001
Oral or SQ · Tissue-specific to liver
Tesamorelin
GHRH Analogue · FDA-Approved
SQ · Abdomen · Once Daily

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter
Livagen
Tesamorelin
Primary target
Hepatocyte protein synthesis machineryBrodskiĭ 2001
Hypothalamic GHRH receptorsEGRIFTA® (tesamorelin for inje 2010
Pathway
Tissue-specific bioregulator → Hepatocyte stimulation → Protein synthesis normalizationBrodskiĭ 2001Khavinson 2001
GHRH → Pituitary GH release → Liver IGF-1 synthesisFalutz 2007
Downstream effect
Age-dependent enzyme normalization, hepatoprotection in fibrosis/hepatitis models, elevated protein synthesis in senescent hepatocytes
Increased GH pulsatility, elevated IGF-1, lipolysis of visceral adipose tissueFalutz 2010
Feedback intact?
Yes — physiological pulsatility preserved
Origin
Directed chemical synthesis from amino acid analysis of liver polypeptide preparations (Ventvil)
Synthetic 44-AA GHRH analogue with trans-3-hexenoic-acid modification for stabilityEGRIFTA® (tesamorelin for inje 2010
Antibody development
~50% after 26 wks (non-neutralising in most)Sévigny 2018

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter
Livagen
Tesamorelin
Animal dose (oral)
Not specified in abstracts; 2-week administration protocolTimofeeva 2005
Per os administration in rats.
Duration (experimental)
2 weeks (enzyme study); up to 24 months (cell culture)Timofeeva 2005Brodskiĭ 2001
Route
Oral or subcutaneous
Resists peptidase hydrolysis, enabling oral bioavailability.Timofeeva 2005
Evidence basis
Animal models (rats, 1–24 months age); in vitro hepatocyte cultureTimofeeva 2005Brodskiĭ 2001Khavinson 2002
RCT / FDA-approvedFalutz 2007Falutz 2010
Human data
None in provided literature
Standard dose
2 mg / dayEGRIFTA® (tesamorelin for inje 2010
FDA-approved protocol.
Frequency
Once daily (morning or pre-sleep)
Aligns with natural GH pulse.
Lower / starter dose
1 mg / dayFalutz 2010
1 mg still produces significant IGF-1 elevation.
Duration
12–52 weeks
VAT returns within months of stopping.
Reconstitution
Sterile water per labeling
Preserved at 2–8 °C after reconstitution.
Timing
Empty stomach, pre-sleep preferred
Half-life
~26 min (plasma)EGRIFTA® (tesamorelin for inje 2010
Modified vs native GHRH (7 min t½).

03Metabolic / Fat Loss Evidence

Parameter
Livagen
Tesamorelin
Primary fat target
Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) — abdominal
Quantified reduction
15–20% VAT ↓Falutz 2010
By CT at 26 weeks (Falutz et al., NEJM).
IGF-1 impact
+66 ng/mL (2 mg dose) · +81% mean elevationFalutz 2007
Effect on lean mass
Modest lean mass preservation / slight increase
Insulin sensitivity
Neutral to slight impairment (monitor HbA1c)Clarke 2018
Triglycerides
Significant TG reduction noted in Phase 3Falutz 2010
Glucose metabolism
Generally neutral; 4.5% HbA1c elevation riskClarke 2018
Effect reversibility
VAT returns within months of stopping
Key publication
Falutz et al. NEJM 2007 · Falutz JCEM 2010 · FDA approval 2010Falutz 2007Falutz 2010EGRIFTA® (tesamorelin for inje 2010

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter
Livagen
Tesamorelin
Reported adverse effects
None documented in animal studies
Human safety data
No human trials in provided literature
Peptide hydrolysis
Weakly hydrolyzed; minimal breakdown by intestinal enzymesTimofeeva 2005
Injection site reaction
Erythema, pruritus, redness (common)
Fluid retention / Edema
Peripheral edema, arthralgia, carpal tunnel (GH-axis effect)
Glucose intolerance
HbA1c ↑ in 4.5% vs 1.3% placebo; HbA1c ≥6.5% hazard OR 3.3Clarke 2018
IGF-1 elevation
Dose-dependent; supraphysiological levels = discontinue
Cancer risk
Contraindicated in active malignancy (GH/IGF-1 axis); theoretical tumour growth riskEGRIFTA® (tesamorelin for inje 2010
Antibody formation
~50% at 26 weeks; non-neutralising in most; rare hypersensitivity (<1%)Sévigny 2018
GI symptoms
Nausea, diarrhea (mild, transient)
Pregnancy / OB
Absolute Contraindications
Livagen
Tesamorelin
  • ·Active malignancy or history of treated cancer
  • ·Pregnancy
  • ·Hypersensitivity to tesamorelin or mannitol
  • ·Disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary axis (trauma, tumour, radiation)
Relative Contraindications
Livagen
Tesamorelin
  • ·Untreated diabetes (monitor HbA1c)
  • ·Severe carpal tunnel syndrome
  • ·Acute critical illness

05Administration Protocol

Parameter
Livagen
Tesamorelin
1. Route selection
Oral administration supported by peptidase resistance. Subcutaneous route used in organotypic culture experiments.Timofeeva 2005Khavinson 2001
Add 2.1 mL sterile water to 2 mg lyophilised vial. Roll gently — do not shake. Solution should be clear.
2. Timing
No specific timing documented. Two-week protocols used in animal models with daily administration.Timofeeva 2005
Subcutaneous — abdomen preferred. Rotate sites (avoid same spot within 2 cm). Avoid navel and waistband area.
3. Age-dependent response
Elderly individuals may exhibit different enzyme normalization patterns than younger cohorts, based on rat age-stratified findings.Timofeeva 2005
Once daily. Preferred: evening, 2–3 hrs post-meal, before sleep — aligns with natural GH secretion pulse.
4. Storage
Lyophilised: room temp, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within 21 days.
5. Needle
27–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe. Pinch skin, 45° angle for lean individuals.

06Stack Synergy

Livagen
— no documented stacks
Tesamorelin
+ Ipamorelin
Strong
View Ipamorelin

Tesamorelin (GHRH analogue) and ipamorelin (GHRP / ghrelin mimetic) act on two distinct receptor systems to amplify GH release synergistically — GHRH receptor + ghrelin receptor. This dual-axis stimulation produces a more robust, sustained GH pulse than either alone while maintaining physiological pulsatility. Ipamorelin is highly selective with minimal cortisol or prolactin elevation, making it the preferred GHRP pairing.

Tesamorelin
2 mg SQ · evening
Ipamorelin
200–300 mcg SQ · same injection
Frequency
Once daily, pre-sleep
Primary benefit
Maximal GH pulsatility, fat loss, recovery, sleep quality