Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It contains all 44 amino acids of native GHRH, with a trans-3-hexenoyl group added to the N-terminal tyrosine and a ...
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It contains all 44 amino acids of native GHRH, with a trans-3-hexenoyl group added to the N-terminal tyrosine and a C-terminal amide.[8][9] It acts on the GHRH receptor in the pituitary to stimulate the pituitary's own growth hormone release, which raises IGF-1. Pepitiva supplies tesamorelin as a lyophilized powder (≥98% purity, CAS 218949-48-5) for in vitro and preclinical research.
Regulatory status
Tesamorelin is an approved medicine: the FDA approved it on November 10, 2010 (Theratechnologies), to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.[7] The product sold here is a research-grade peptide, not a pharmaceutical product, and is intended only for laboratory use.
Why researchers study tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is the best-characterized full-length GHRH analog, and its clinical program produced one of the clearest datasets on how growth hormone affects fat distribution: it reduced visceral fat without significant change in subcutaneous abdominal fat, and it reduced liver fat.[3][4] That makes it a reference compound for the GH/IGF-1 axis and for visceral adipose and liver research.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Quality & Storage
≥98% purity. Lyophilized powder. Storage: -20°C. For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
GHRH receptor agonism
Tesamorelin binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs and stimulates growth hormone secretion. In the pivotal trial, IGF-1 rose by 81.0% with tesamorelin and fell by 5.0% with placebo.[1]
Structure
The peptide is the complete 44-residue human GHRH sequence (YADAIFTNSYRKVLGQLSARKLLQDIMSRQQGESNQERGARARL) with a trans-3-hexenoyl group on Tyr1 and a C-terminal amide. Formula C221H366N72O67S, molecular weight 5135.78 Da.[8][9] Shorter GHRH analogs such as sermorelin use only the first 29 residues.
Selective effect on visceral fat
In obese adults with relatively reduced growth hormone secretion, tesamorelin reduced visceral adipose tissue with no significant effect on subcutaneous abdominal fat, and improved triglycerides, C-reactive protein and carotid intima-media thickness without worsening glucose.[4]
Glucose metabolism
Growth hormone can oppose insulin action, so glucose was monitored closely. In one trial fasting glucose rose transiently at 2 weeks, but changes at 6 months did not differ from placebo; a 12-week trial in type 2 diabetes found no change in insulin response or glycemic control.[3][5]
Research Applications
Clinical research highlights
Visceral fat in HIV (NEJM 2007): over 26 weeks, visceral adipose tissue fell by 15.2% with tesamorelin and rose by 5.0% with placebo; triglycerides and the total-to-HDL cholesterol ratio also improved.[1]
Visceral and liver fat (JAMA 2014): 6 months of treatment reduced visceral fat and produced a modest reduction in liver fat.[3]
Fatty liver disease in HIV (Lancet HIV 2019): over 12 months, hepatic fat fraction fell by 37% relative to baseline, and 35% of participants reached a fat fraction below 5%, against 4% with placebo.[2]
Obesity with reduced GH secretion (2012): visceral fat fell selectively, with improvements in triglycerides, CRP and carotid intima-media thickness.[4]
Cognition in older adults (2012): 20 weeks of GHRH improved executive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment and in healthy older adults.[6]
Laboratory research applications
GH/IGF-1 axis: GH release and IGF-1 regulation in endocrine models.
Visceral adipose biology: why visceral and subcutaneous depots respond differently to growth hormone.
Hepatic lipid metabolism: liver fat and NAFLD models.
The clinical findings above are summarized as scientific background only. This product is a research-grade peptide sold for laboratory use and is not intended for human or veterinary use.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain peptide integrity and ensure reliable research results. All Pepitiva Biolabs peptides are supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which provides excellent long-term stability when stored correctly. Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within the timeframe specified in the product documentation. Always use sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and handle peptides in a clean laboratory environment to prevent contamination. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as thermal stress can cause peptide degradation and loss of biological activity.
Quality Control & Certification
This product is manufactured under strict quality control protocols and has been verified through comprehensive analytical testing. Each batch undergoes reverse-phase HPLC analysis for purity determination and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for molecular identity confirmation. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for download, documenting purity percentage, molecular weight verification, appearance, and recommended storage conditions. Pepitiva Biolabs maintains batch-level traceability from synthesis through delivery, ensuring complete transparency and quality assurance for your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tesamorelin?
A synthetic analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-44) with a trans-3-hexenoyl group on its N-terminus. It stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone.
Is tesamorelin FDA approved?
Yes. The FDA approved it on November 10, 2010, to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. The research-grade peptide sold here is not a pharmaceutical product and is for laboratory use only.
What is the CAS number and molecular weight of tesamorelin?
CAS 218949-48-5. Molecular weight 5135.78 Da, formula C221H366N72O67S (KEGG DRUG D06655).
How is tesamorelin different from sermorelin?
Both act on the GHRH receptor. Sermorelin contains only the first 29 amino acids of GHRH, while tesamorelin contains all 44 plus an N-terminal hexenoyl group. See sermorelin.
How is tesamorelin different from ipamorelin?
Tesamorelin acts on the GHRH receptor. Ipamorelin acts on a different receptor, the ghrelin (growth hormone secretagogue) receptor. See ipamorelin.
How should tesamorelin be stored?
Keep the lyophilized powder at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture.
Is this product approved for human use?
No. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and should not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.
How do I reconstitute this peptide?
Add sterile bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, directing the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously. The recommended reconstitution volume depends on your desired concentration. Refer to the product documentation for specific guidance.
Can I get a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes. A Certificate of Analysis is included with every order and is also available for download from the product page. The COA documents HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, batch number, production date, and storage recommendations.
Scientific References
Falutz J, Allas S, Blot K, et al. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(23):2359-2370. PubMed
Stanley TL, Fourman LT, Feldpausch MN, et al. Effects of tesamorelin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in HIV: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre trial. Lancet HIV. 2019;6(12):e821-e830. PubMed
Stanley TL, Feldpausch MN, Oh J, et al. Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2014;312(4):380-389. PubMed
Makimura H, Feldpausch MN, Rope AM, et al. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in obese subjects with reduced growth hormone secretion: a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012;97(12):4769-4779. PubMed
Clemmons DR, Miller S, Mamputu JC. Safety and metabolic effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue, in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. PLoS One. 2017;12(6):e0179538. PubMed
Baker LD, Barsness SM, Borson S, et al. Effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone on cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults: results of a controlled trial. Arch Neurol. 2012;69(11):1420-1429. PubMed
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Drugs@FDA: application 022505 (tesamorelin acetate), Theratechnologies; original approval November 10, 2010. Source
KEGG DRUG D06655: Tesamorelin. Formula C221H366N72O67S, molecular weight 5135.78. Source
Sources are peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed and trial registrations on ClinicalTrials.gov. Each citation was checked against its PubMed record.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
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