Tesamorelin
Growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue
Tesamorelin is a stabilized 44-amino-acid analogue of GHRH. It is the active ingredient in an approved therapy for visceral adiposity, and is studied for its effects on the pulsatile release of growth hormone. Supplied lyophilized, one 20mg vial.
About Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of human growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH). It contains all 44 amino acids of native GHRH with a trans-3-hexenoic acid group added to the N-terminus, a modification that protects the peptide from rapid breakdown by the enzyme DPP-4 and extends its activity.
It was developed by Theratechnologies of Montréal and is one of the few compounds in this catalogue with a full regulatory history: it was approved by the FDA in 2010 under the brand name Egrifta for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. That approval is specific to that indication and formulation; the lyophilized material supplied here is for laboratory research only.
Because tesamorelin acts upstream of growth hormone rather than replacing it, it is used in research on pulsatile GH secretion, the GH/IGF-1 axis, visceral adiposity and hepatic fat.
Mechanism
Tesamorelin binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotroph cells and stimulates the synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone, which in turn raises circulating IGF-1. Because release remains under the normal negative feedback of somatostatin, the pattern of GH secretion is preserved rather than overridden — a key difference from administering growth hormone itself.
Areas of research
- Stimulates endogenous growth hormone release via the GHRH receptor
- Studied for reduction of visceral adipose tissue in clinical populations
- Investigated for effects on IGF-1 without the supraphysiological peaks of exogenous GH
- Research interest in cognitive outcomes in older adults
References
- Falutz J et al. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(23):2359-2370. PubMed
- Stanley TL et al. Effects of tesamorelin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in HIV: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre trial. Lancet HIV. 2019;6(12):e821-e830. PubMed
Research use only. Information on this page is provided for educational and research purposes and summarises published literature, mostly from cell and animal studies; it is not a claim of efficacy or safety. Products are not intended for human or veterinary use, or for any diagnostic or therapeutic purpose.
Molecular details
- Class
- GHRH (1–44) analogue, N-terminally modified
- Length
- 44 amino acids + trans-3-hexenoyl group
- Molecular formula
- C221H366N72O67S
- Molecular weight
- 5135.9 g/mol
- CAS number
- 218949-48-5
- Form
- Lyophilized powder, 20 mg per vial
Storage
Lyophilized: store cool, dark and dry — refrigeration is ideal. Once reconstituted, refrigerate at 2–8 °C.
Reconstitution
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic or sterile water. Refrigerate after reconstitution.
Handling
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water (1 mL per 20 mg vial gives 20 mg/mL). Direct the solvent against the glass, not the powder, and swirl until clear. Tesamorelin is sensitive to heat and repeated freezing; store the lyophilized vial refrigerated and use reconstituted solution within a short period, kept at 2–8 °C.
Details
Tesamorelin · 20mg
Metabolic & Body Composition
Lyophilized powder, sealed vial
