Molecular data
| Molecular formula | C221H366N72O67S |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 5135.89 Da |
| Sequence | Modified GHRH(1-44) analog (trans-3-hexenoic acid-GRF(1-44)-amide) |
| Sequence length | 44 residues |
| CAS / identifier | 218949-48-5 |
| Physical form | Lyophilized Powder |
| Available sizes | 10mg |
How it works
Growth Hormone Secretagogue
Tesamorelin is a synthetic trans-3-hexenoic acid–modified analog of human GHRH(1-44). It binds and activates pituitary GHRH receptors, stimulating endogenous growth hormone (GH) secretion while preserving normal pulsatile GH release patterns — unlike exogenous GH administration.
- Selective GHRH receptor agonism
- Preserves pulsatile GH secretion physiology
- Stimulates downstream IGF-1 production
Visceral Adipose Reduction
Clinical trials demonstrate tesamorelin reduces visceral adipose tissue (VAT) through GH-mediated lipolytic pathways. GH activates hormone-sensitive lipase in adipocytes, promoting free fatty acid release from visceral fat depots. This mechanism underlies its FDA-approved indication for HIV-related lipodystrophy.
- Stimulates GH-dependent hormone-sensitive lipase activity
- Selectively targets visceral (not subcutaneous) fat
- Preserves lean body mass in research models
Cognitive & Brain Research
Emerging research explores tesamorelin's effects on brain structure and function via IGF-1 signaling. Studies in older adults with mild cognitive impairment report changes in regional gray matter volume and functional connectivity. GH/IGF-1 axis modulation is hypothesized to support neuroplasticity mechanisms.
- Increases circulating IGF-1, which crosses the blood-brain barrier
- Associated with changes in cortical gray matter volume
- Under investigation for cognitive aging research models
What the research shows
Visceral Fat & Body Composition
Phase III trials confirmed significant reductions in visceral adipose tissue in HIV+ adults with abdominal fat accumulation. Mechanism involves GH-driven lipolysis in visceral depots without disproportionate effects on subcutaneous fat.
Falutz et al. 2010
Brain Structure & Function
Randomized controlled trials in older adults with mild cognitive impairment report tesamorelin's effects on regional brain volume and cognitive performance, mediated through elevated IGF-1 signaling.
Baker et al. 2019
GH/IGF-1 Axis
Research model for studying GHRH receptor pharmacology, GH secretagogue effects, and downstream IGF-1 modulation in the context of GH deficiency states and aging-related GH decline.
Stanley et al. 2011
Lipid & Cardiovascular Markers
Studies report tesamorelin's effects on triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, and carotid intima-media thickness in HIV-positive adults, supporting research into GH-axis modulation of cardiovascular risk markers.
Falutz et al. 2014
Specification
| Chemical Name | Trans-3-hexenoic acid–GRF(1-44)-amide |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Modified GHRH(1-44) analog (44 amino acids) |
| Molecular Weight | 5135.8 Da |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₂₁H₃₆₆N₇₂O₆₇S |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Testing | Third-party HPLC, Mass Spec, Endotoxin |
| Storage (lyophilized) | -20°C for long-term stability |
| Storage (reconstituted) | 2–8°C, use within 14 days |
| Solubility | Bacteriostatic water for reconstitution |
| COA | Included with every order |
Frequently asked questions
What is tesamorelin and how is it different from growth hormone?
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of human growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH), specifically a modified version of GHRH(1-44) with a trans-3-hexenoic acid group added to extend stability. Unlike exogenous growth hormone, tesamorelin stimulates the pituitary gland to produce its own GH, which preserves the natural pulsatile release pattern and provides physiological feedback regulation that exogenous GH bypasses entirely.
Is tesamorelin FDA approved?
Yes. Tesamorelin is FDA-approved under the brand name Egrifta (approved 2010) for treatment of excess abdominal fat (lipodystrophy) in HIV-positive adults receiving antiretroviral therapy. This is the only approved indication. Research-grade tesamorelin sold here is for in vitro research purposes only and is not the approved pharmaceutical product.
What does research show about tesamorelin and visceral fat?
Phase III clinical trials demonstrated approximately 15% reduction in visceral adipose tissue as measured by CT scan after 26 weeks of treatment in HIV-positive adults. The effect was attributed to GH-mediated activation of hormone-sensitive lipase specifically in visceral fat depots. Trunk fat area reduction averaged ~18% vs. placebo in the primary trials.
What is the cognitive research interest in tesamorelin?
Emerging research is exploring tesamorelin's potential effects on brain structure and cognitive function via elevated IGF-1 signaling. A randomized controlled trial by Baker et al. (2019) in older adults with mild cognitive impairment reported changes in brain volume and verbal memory scores associated with 20-week tesamorelin treatment. This represents an active area of academic investigation.
What are the safety considerations for tesamorelin?
In Phase III trials, common adverse events included injection site reactions, joint pain (arthralgia), water retention/edema, and glucose intolerance. Tesamorelin may increase IGF-1 to supranormal levels, which requires monitoring. It is contraindicated in active malignancy and during pregnancy. Long-term effects beyond 52 weeks in clinical use are still under study.
How should research-grade tesamorelin be stored?
Lyophilized tesamorelin should be stored at -20°C and protected from moisture and light. Once reconstituted, store at 2–8°C and use within 14 days. The trans-3-hexenoic acid modification improves resistance to dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) cleavage compared to native GHRH, but reconstituted peptide should still be handled carefully to preserve biological activity.
Literature
- PubMed Effects of Tesamorelin on Visceral Fat and Liver Fat in HIV-Infected Patients with Abdominal Fat Accumulation
- PubMed Effects of Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone on Cognitive Function in Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Healthy Adults
- PubMed Tesamorelin, a Growth Hormone–Releasing Factor Analogue, Reduces Carotid Intima Media Thickness in HIV-Infected Patients
- PubMed Tesamorelin: A Synthetic Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor Analogue for HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy
For laboratory research use only. Not a drug, supplement, or medical product; not for human or animal use. All findings referenced are from published preclinical/laboratory research.