Growth Hormone · GHRH Analogue · Visceral Adipose Research

Tesamorelin

44-amino-acid synthetic GHRH analogue with trans-3-hexenoic acid modification for enhanced proteolytic resistance. Studied for selective visceral adipose tissue (VAT) reduction and pulsatile endogenous GH release patterns in metabolic research models.

HPLC Purity
99.3% Batch AV-2025-TES-016
View in Store →
Molecular Specifications
CAS Number218949-48-5
OriginGHRH(1-44)
Modificationtrans-3-hexenoic acid (N-term)
Molecular Weight~5135 Da
Residues44 amino acids
TargetGHRH receptor (GHRHR)
Plasma Half-Life~26 minutes
FormLyophilised powder
Our Purity≥99.3% (RP-HPLC)

Mechanism of Action

Tesamorelin is a synthetic 44-amino-acid analogue of human GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone). The N-terminal addition of a trans-3-hexenoic acid moiety dramatically resists dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) degradation, extending plasma half-life from minutes (native GHRH) to ~26 minutes. This stabilisation preserves pulsatile GH release patterns rather than producing tonic elevation.

GHRHR Engagement
Tesamorelin binds pituitary somatotroph GHRHR with native-like affinity, triggering Gs-coupled adenylyl cyclase activation, cAMP elevation, and somatotroph degranulation — the physiological pathway of endogenous GHRH.
Pulsatile GH Release
Unlike continuous GH replacement, Tesamorelin preserves natural pulsatility. Somatotroph negative feedback via somatostatin remains intact, producing physiological pulse architecture rather than receptor desensitisation.
Selective VAT Reduction
Pulsatile GH preferentially mobilises visceral adipose tissue (VAT) — the metabolically most active fat depot. Subcutaneous fat shows comparatively smaller changes in published clinical research, consistent with depot-specific lipolytic sensitivity.

Mechanism Steps

  1. DPP-IV Resistance

    The N-terminal trans-3-hexenoic acid modification blocks DPP-IV cleavage of the first two amino acids. This is the same enzyme that limits native GHRH to a 2–7 minute half-life — Tesamorelin's modification extends activity ~10-fold.

  2. cAMP Cascade Activation

    GHRHR is Gs-coupled. Receptor activation drives adenylyl cyclase, raising intracellular cAMP. cAMP-dependent protein kinase A phosphorylates transcription factors driving GH gene expression alongside acute GH pulse release.

  3. IGF-1 Axis Engagement

    Released GH binds hepatic GH receptors, triggering IGF-1 synthesis. Elevated IGF-1 mediates many of the anabolic, lipolytic, and tissue-remodelling effects observed in metabolic research models.

Research Overview

HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy

Tesamorelin holds FDA approval for HIV-associated lipodystrophy under the trade name Egrifta. Published Phase III trials demonstrated 15–18% VAT reduction over 26 weeks of daily administration in this specific population. The data have informed broader research into pulsatile-GHRH approaches to visceral adiposity.

Refs: Falutz J et al., N Engl J Med (2007); Stanley TL et al., JAMA (2014)

Cognitive & Metabolic Aging

Aged-rodent research has explored Tesamorelin's effects on age-related GH decline, with measurable improvements in executive-function tasks and reduced hepatic steatosis. The mechanism is hypothesised to involve restored IGF-1 tone in tissues with age-impaired GH-axis signalling.

Refs: Baker LD et al., Arch Neurol (2012)

Regulatory Status Note
Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is FDA-approved exclusively for HIV-associated lipodystrophy in qualified patients. Off-label use is not endorsed by AVREA. WADA prohibited (S2 class). AVREA supplies Tesamorelin strictly for in vitro and preclinical research use only.

Certificate of Analysis — Batch AV-2025-TES-016

Each batch is independently tested by a third-party ISO-accredited laboratory. The analysis below reflects Batch AV-2025-TES-016, tested 22 January 2025.

Tesamorelin — Batch AV-2025-TES-016
RP-HPLC (C18) · MS/ESI+
99.3%
Test Date: 22 Jan 2025 · Release Date: 29 Jan 2025
Test ParameterMethodSpecificationResultStatus
IdentityESI-MS / MS-MSMatches theoretical m/zConfirmed (5135 Da)PASS
Purity (HPLC)RP-HPLC C18, 210nm≥98.0%99.3%PASS
Water contentKarl Fischer≤8.0%5.5%PASS
Heavy metalsICP-MS≤10 ppm<2 ppmPASS
EndotoxinsLAL chromogenic≤10 EU/mg<1 EU/mgPASS
Request Full COA
Full certificate includes raw chromatograms and mass spectra.

Storage & Reconstitution Protocol

FormTemperatureDuration
Lyophilised powder−20°C (strongly preferred)24 months
Reconstituted2–8°C≤14 days (sensitive)
Post-Reconstitution Sensitivity
Tesamorelin is more sensitive to post-reconstitution degradation than most synthetic peptides — particularly to oxidation and freeze-thaw cycles. The 44-AA chain length and central methionine residue make it susceptible. Use BAC water as preferred solvent and consume within 7–14 days for maximal data quality.

Reconstitution Steps

  1. Aseptic Preparation

    Wipe vial with 70% IPA.

  2. Add Solvent Slowly

    For 2 mg vial, add 2 mL BAC water → 1 mg/mL stock. Inject very slowly along the inner vial wall.

  3. Dissolve Without Agitation

    Swirl extremely gently. Vortex/shaking can fragment the long chain.

  4. Use Within 14 Days

    Refrigerate. Use promptly to avoid degradation of the methionine residue and N-terminal modification.

Frequently Asked Questions

VAT has higher GH-receptor density and greater lipolytic sensitivity than subcutaneous adipose tissue. Pulsatile GH release (as triggered by Tesamorelin) preferentially activates hormone-sensitive lipase in visceral depots, with measurable subcutaneous changes being smaller in clinical studies. The depot-selective effect is consistent across rodent and human research.

Both are GHRH analogues with modifications for protease resistance. Tesamorelin (GHRH 1-44, hexenoic-acid modified) has a ~26 minute half-life. CJC-1295 No DAC (GHRH 1-29, tetrasubstituted) has ~30 minute half-life. CJC-1295 with DAC has extended half-life via albumin binding. The full 1-44 sequence of Tesamorelin distinguishes it; the additional 15 amino acids may contribute to specific tissue distribution.

Endogenous GH release peaks during early slow-wave sleep. Administering Tesamorelin before sleep aligns the pharmacologically-stimulated GH pulse with the natural pulse window, maximising amplitude and avoiding daytime somatostatin tone that would blunt the response.

Yes. Sustained Tesamorelin administration produces measurable IGF-1 elevation, typically reaching the upper-normal range. IGF-1 mediates many of the downstream anabolic and lipolytic effects. Research protocols often monitor IGF-1 as a downstream pharmacodynamic biomarker of GH-axis activation.

Related Research Compounds

HPLC-Verified ≥99.3% · Batch-Tested · Cold-Chain Shipped

Tesamorelin — Research-Grade Supply

Independently verified by third-party ISO-accredited laboratory. COA available on request.

View Tesamorelin in Store → Reconstitution Protocol Guide