Description
Tesamorelin (trans-3-hexenoyl-GHRH(1-44) amide) is a synthetic peptide. It is chemically distinct due to an N-terminal modification that increases resistance to enzymatic degradation, extending its half-life relative to endogenous GHRH.
Researchers utilize this molecule to investigate the regulation of the somatotropic axis, specifically quantifying the downstream effects of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Receptor (GHRHR) activation on insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) dynamics, and hepatic lipid content.
Biochemical Characteristics
Chemically, Tesamorelin is characterized by a 44-amino acid sequence with a trans-3-hexenoic acid group attached to the N-terminal tyrosine residue, a structural modification designed to enhance stability against dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) cleavage.
- Sequence/Structure: Peptide (44 amino acids); N-terminal trans-3-hexenoyl modification.
- Permeability: Requires specific GHRH receptor interaction on pituitary somatotrophs in cellular models.
- Stability: Supplied as a lyophilized salt to ensure long-term stability and prevent hydrolytic degradation during storage.
- Specificity: Highly specific agonist for the GHRH receptor, stimulating pulsatile GH secretion without altering basal GH levels in physiological models.
Chemical Properties
| Property |
Specification |
| Molecule Name |
Tesamorelin |
| Synonyms |
TH9507; Egrifta (active moiety); trans-3-hexenoyl-GHRH(1–44) |
| PubChem CID |
16137828 |
| Molecular Formula |
C221H366N72O67S |
| Molecular Weight |
5135.78 g/mol |
| Form |
Lyophilized Powder |
| Purity |
≥99% (Verified via HPLC) |
| Solubility |
Soluble in water and aqueous buffers (refer to SDS) |
| Documentation |
COA and SDS available per lot |
Tesamorelin is strictly for laboratory research and is commonly employed in the following investigational areas:
Visceral Adiposity and Lipolysis
Research models utilize Tesamorelin to evaluate the mechanisms of lipolysis in visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Investigations focus on quantifying changes in VAT cross-sectional area and density, assessing how GHRH agonism influences fat distribution patterns independent of overall weight change.
Hepatic Lipid Metabolism
In metabolic research, Tesamorelin is used to study hepatic steatosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathways. Researchers measure endpoints such as hepatic fat fraction (HFF) and analyze transcriptomic signatures related to oxidative phosphorylation and inflammation in liver tissue models.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Risk
Experimental protocols employ this peptide to characterize the relationship between the GH/IGF-1 axis and cardiovascular risk markers. Studies quantify changes in lipid profiles (specifically triglycerides and VAT density) and evaluate cardiovascular disease risk prediction scores in metabolic dysfunction models.
Neurocognitive Function
Recent investigations have utilized Tesamorelin to explore the role of the somatotropic axis in cognitive health. Researchers assess neurocognitive performance domains, including executive function and memory, to determine if visceral adiposity reduction correlates with changes in cognitive impairment markers.
Pathway / Mechanistic Context
The primary mechanistic context for Tesamorelin in research settings is the agonism of the GHRH receptor on the anterior pituitary.
- Receptor Binding: Tesamorelin binds to GHRHR, activating the Gs-protein/cAMP signaling cascade.
- Hormonal Flux: This interaction stimulates the synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone (GH), which subsequently stimulates the hepatic production of IGF-1.
- Metabolic Regulation: The resulting elevation in GH and IGF-1 levels is investigated for its role in promoting lipolysis (specifically in visceral depots) and enhancing protein synthesis, while sparing subcutaneous fat reserves.
Preclinical Research Summary
Published literature documents investigations of Tesamorelin across various experimental models for pathway characterization and endpoint measurement:
- Adipose Tissue Remodeling: Clinical research models involving HIV-associated lipodystrophy have documented significant reductions in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area and improvements in fat quality (radiodensity) following administration, without significant changes in subcutaneous fat.
- Hepatic Gene Expression: In subjects with NAFLD, research indicates that Tesamorelin administration is associated with favorable changes in hepatic gene expression signatures linked to inflammation and DNA repair, alongside reductions in liver fat content.
- Cardiovascular Biomarkers: Studies assessing cardiovascular risk have reported that Tesamorelin treatment may improve lipid parameters, specifically reducing triglyceride levels and visceral fat density, which are key markers in cardiovascular risk prediction models.
- Cognitive Metrics: Recent data from abdominally obese models suggest that modulation of the visceral fat depot via Tesamorelin may be linked to measurable changes in global neurocognitive T-scores and specific domains like executive function.
Form & Analytical Testing
This material is produced via solid-phase peptide synthesis and supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder.
- Lyophilization: Removes water content under vacuum to maintain compound integrity and extend shelf-life.
- Identity Verification: Each lot undergoes Mass Spectrometry (MS) to confirm molecular weight and identity.
- Purity Verification: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is performed to ensure the product meets the $\ge99\%$ purity standard required for reproducible research data.
Storage & Handling
Stable at room temperature for up to 90 days. For long-term storage, keep at -20C (-4F) or colder.
Once mixed with a solvent (e.g., bacteriostatic water), the solution must be stored at 4C (39F) and utilized within 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as this degrades the peptide structure.
Referenced Citations
References are provided for informational purposes only and are not clinical claims.
- [1] Falutz, J., et al. (2010). Effects of tesamorelin (TH9507), a growth hormone-releasing factor analog, in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with excess abdominal fat: a pooled analysis of two multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 trials with safety extension data. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 95(9), 4291-304. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2010-0490.
- [2] Fourman, L., et al. (2020). Effects of tesamorelin on hepatic transcriptomic signatures in HIV-associated NAFLD. JCI Insight, 5. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.140134.
- [3] Lake, J., et al. (2021). Tesamorelin improves fat quality independent of changes in fat quantity. AIDS, 35, 1395 – 1402. https://doi.org/10.1097/QAD.0000000000002897.
- [4] Grinspoon, S., et al. (2025). P-433. Impact of Tesamorelin on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prediction Scores in Phase 3 Studies Treatment Arms: Subanalysis. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 12. https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofae631.633.
- [5] Ellis, R., et al. (2025). Effects of Tesamorelin on Neurocognitive Impairment in Abdominally Obese Persons with HIV. The Journal of Infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiaf012.
RESEARCH USE ONLY
This product is intended strictly for laboratory research use only. It is not for human or veterinary use. It is not intended for diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. All purchases are subject to our Terms of Service and Purity Guarantee.
No COAs available for this product.
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