Tesamorelin

Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) Analog

Molecular Details

SequenceTrans-3-hexenoic acid–Tyr–Ala–Asp–Ala–Ile–Phe–Thr–Asn–Ser–Tyr–Arg–Lys–Val–Leu–Gly–Gln–Leu–Ser–Ala–Arg–Lys–Leu–Leu–Gln–Asp–Ile–Met–Ser–Arg–Gln–Gln–Gly–Glu–Ser–Asn–Gln–Glu–Arg–Gly–Ala–Arg–Ala–Arg–Leu–NH₂

Molecular FormulaC₂₂₁H₃₆₆N₆₂O₆₇S₁

Molecular Weight5,135.9 Da

CAS Number218949-48-5

Overview

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), consisting of the 44-amino acid sequence of endogenous GHRH with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminus. This structural modification enhances receptor binding affinity and confers resistance to enzymatic degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), significantly extending the compound's biological half-life compared to native GHRH. First developed for clinical investigation in the early 2000s, tesamorelin acts by binding to GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotroph cells, stimulating the pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone through the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.

Published Research

Visceral Adipose Tissue Reduction

Clinical (Phase III) · 2010

In a 26-week randomized controlled trial of 412 subjects, tesamorelin administration significantly reduced trunk fat and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) compared to placebo, with measurable decreases in waist circumference and improvements in patient-reported body image perception.

Growth Hormone Axis Stimulation

Clinical · 2009

Researchers demonstrated that tesamorelin selectively stimulates pulsatile GH release from the anterior pituitary via GHRH receptor activation, resulting in physiologically elevated IGF-1 levels without supraphysiological GH peaks, preserving normal feedback regulation.

Lipid Metabolism and Triglyceride Reduction

Clinical · 2014

Analysis of pooled clinical trial data showed tesamorelin significantly reduced plasma triglyceride levels alongside visceral fat reduction, suggesting improvement in hepatic lipid metabolism independent of direct adipose effects.

Hepatic Fat Content

Clinical · 2019

A 12-month randomized placebo-controlled trial demonstrated significant reduction in liver fat fraction and prevention of hepatic fibrosis progression, with improvements in multiple non-invasive markers of liver health.

Cognitive Function — Memory and Executive Function

Clinical · 2017

In a 20-week randomized trial of older adults, tesamorelin administration was associated with improved executive function and verbal memory, with cognitive benefits correlating with increases in IGF-1 levels, suggesting a GH/IGF-1 axis mechanism.

Storage & Handling

Store lyophilized powder at 2–8°C (refrigerated). Protect from light and moisture. Reconstituted solutions should be refrigerated at 2–8°C and used within 14 days. Do not freeze reconstituted solution. Requires acetic acid water (not bacteriostatic water) for proper reconstitution.

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For research purposes only. Not intended for human consumption. This profile summarizes published preclinical literature and does not constitute medical, clinical, or dosage guidance.