C17H23Cl2NO · 328.3 g/mol · PubChem CID 11370864 ↗
Tesofensine
also known as NS2330
Originally developed for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, tesofensine is a small-molecule (not technically a peptide) triple reuptake inhibitor of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine; listed for class completeness. A Phase 3 trial in Mexico (Medix) has been completed. Phase 2b in obesity (Astrup Lancet 2008) demonstrated 9.2% mean weight loss at 0.5 mg/day over 24 weeks. [astrup-2008-tesofensine]
- Class
- Triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor (small molecule)
- Evidence level
- Phase 3 clinical
- Regulatory status
- Not FDA-approved (US) — research use only
At a glance
Oral · Once daily morning
Primary target — Serotonin / norepinephrine / dopamine transporters (SERT / NET / DAT) [astrup-2008-tesofensine].
Pathway — Triple monoamine reuptake inhibition → ↑synaptic 5-HT, NE, DA → appetite suppression + thermogenesis [astrup-2008-tesofensine].
Downstream effect — Strong appetite suppression, mild thermogenic effect, weight loss [astrup-2008-tesofensine].
Origin — Small molecule developed by NeuroSearch (Denmark) for CNS indications, repurposed for obesity.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard dose | 0.25–0.5 mg / day [astrup-2008-tesofensine] |
| Frequency | Once daily, morning |
| Lower / starter dose | 0.125 mg / day |
| Evidence basis | Phase 2b + ongoing Phase 3 [astrup-2008-tesofensine] |
| Duration | 24 weeks per studied cycle |
| Form | Oral capsule |
| Timing | Morning to avoid sleep disruption |
| Half-life | ~9 days (very long) |
Reconstitution
A pure mass-to-volume utility. Enter what you have in the vial; the atlas computes the volume per dose. No prescription information.
- — Pregnancy / breastfeeding
- — Severe cardiovascular disease
- — Concurrent MAOI use
- — Hypertension
- — Anxiety disorder
- — Insomnia
- 01Form
Oral capsule (investigational; not commercial).
- 02Administration
Swallow whole with water, morning only.
- 03Timing
Morning to mitigate insomnia. Do not dose evening.
- 04Storage
Room temp ≤25 °C, dry place.
- 05Caveat
Monitor BP + HR + mood. Avoid stimulants + MAOIs.
Frequently asked
How does Tesofensine work?
Tesofensine acts on Serotonin / norepinephrine / dopamine transporters (SERT / NET / DAT), signalling via Triple monoamine reuptake inhibition → ↑synaptic 5-HT, NE, DA → appetite suppression + thermogenesis. [astrup-2008-tesofensine][astrup-2008-tesofensine]
Is Tesofensine FDA-approved?
Tesofensine is not FDA-approved in the United States and is handled as a research compound (research use only). Regulatory status may differ in other jurisdictions.
Sources
of 40 rendered claims carry a resolvable citation.
- [astrup-2008-tesofensine]Astrup 2008 — Effect of tesofensine on bodyweight loss, body composition, and quality of life in obese patients: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Lancet, 2008
Phase 2b tesofensine — 9.2% mean weight loss over 24 weeks at 0.5 mg/day oral. Expression of Concern published (Lancet 2013;381(9873):1167).