What it is
Tesofensine is an oral compound first developed for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Weight loss seen in those trials led to its study as an obesity drug. It is not a peptide.
How it works
It blocks the reuptake of three brain messengers, noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin, which reduces appetite and may increase energy use.
What the research shows
- In a 24-week phase 2 trial in 203 adults with obesity, people taking tesofensine lost 4.5% to 10.6% of their body weight depending on the dose, compared with 2.0% on placebo (Astrup et al., Lancet, 2008).
- Reported side effects included dry mouth, nausea, constipation, trouble sleeping and a rise in heart rate.
- Larger phase 3 work has been run in Mexico by Saniona's partner Medix.
Regulatory status
Not approved by the FDA. A Mexican regulatory committee gave a favorable, non-binding opinion on it for obesity in February 2023.
Storage and handling
Keep capsules sealed, dry and away from heat and light.
Key references
- Astrup A et al. Effect of tesofensine on bodyweight loss, body composition, and quality of life in obese patients: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2008.
- Search PubMed for Tesofensine studies
Peptide Knowledge is an educational reference. Nothing on this site is medical advice, a treatment recommendation or dosing guidance. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use and are sold for laboratory research only. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, stopping or changing any medication or supplement.
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Related reading: reconstitution guide · how to read a certificate of analysis