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
- Downstream IGF-1 production measured
Visceral Adipose Signalling
Tesamorelin is studied for GH-mediated lipolytic signalling in visceral adipose tissue. GH is associated with hormone-sensitive lipase activity in adipocytes and free fatty acid release from visceral depots. The pharmaceutical formulation is approved under the brand name Egrifta; this research material is not.
- GH-dependent hormone-sensitive lipase activity measured
- Visceral (not subcutaneous) depot selectivity
- Preserves lean body mass in research models
Cognitive & Brain Research
Research examines tesamorelin in relation to brain structure and function via IGF-1 signalling. Studies in older adults with mild cognitive impairment report changes in regional grey matter volume and functional connectivity. GH/IGF-1 axis modulation is one hypothesised mechanism.
- Raised 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
Visceral adipose signalling is the principal focus of tesamorelin research. The mechanism studied is GH-driven lipolysis in visceral depots, with limited effect on subcutaneous fat.
Brain Structure & Function
Regional brain volume and cognitive measures are a further area of research interest for this compound, studied via IGF-1 signalling.
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.
Lipid & Cardiovascular Markers
Studies report triglyceride, non-HDL cholesterol and carotid intima-media thickness measures in HIV-positive adults, which is why the GH axis is studied against cardiovascular risk markers.
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 | -20°C for long-term stability |
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
| 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 acts on the pituitary to release endogenous GH, preserving the pulsatile release pattern and the feedback regulation that exogenous GH bypasses.
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.
How is tesamorelin characterised in visceral adipose research?
Tesamorelin is studied for GH-mediated activation of hormone-sensitive lipase in visceral adipose depots specifically, rather than subcutaneous fat. That depot selectivity is the property of research interest.
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. Brain volume and verbal memory measures in cognitive models are an active area of investigation for this compound.
What is tesamorelin's regulatory status?
Tesamorelin is not approved for human use and this material is supplied exclusively for in vitro laboratory research. Handling precautions are the same as for any research peptide; no human safety profile is offered for the material sold here.
How should research-grade tesamorelin be stored?
Lyophilized tesamorelin should be stored at -20°C and protected from moisture and light. The trans-3-hexenoic acid modification raises resistance to dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) cleavage compared to native GHRH, but the material should still be handled carefully to preserve biological activity.
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.