Tesamorelin
A modified GHRH analog studied in laboratory and clinical settings for growth hormone releasing activity and body composition
About Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin (CAS 218949-48-5) is a 44-amino-acid GHRH analog studied for its interactions with pituitary GHRH receptor signaling pathways, with enhanced stability due to a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminus.
Tesamorelin was developed in the early 2000s by Theratechnologies, a Canadian pharmaceutical company based in Montreal. The research team was looking for a stable, effective way to stimulate natural growth hormone release, building on decades of earlier work with growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogs.
What made Tesamorelin unique was its enhanced stability compared to native GHRH. By adding a trans-3-hexenoic acid group to the tyrosine at position 1, scientists created a peptide that resisted enzymatic breakdown while maintaining full biological activity. This modification allowed for once-daily administration in research protocols.
Tesamorelin gained particular attention in the late 2000s through studies examining its effects on body composition. The active compound has been the subject of extensive clinical investigation, including pivotal trials published in the New England Journal of Medicine and JAMA examining its effects on visceral fat and hepatic steatosis. The research-grade form continues to be widely used in GHRH receptor signaling studies.
Quick Facts
| CAS Number | 218949-48-5 |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₂₂₁H₃₆₆N₇₂O₆₇S |
| Molar Mass | 5135.9 g/mol |
| Sequence | 44 amino acids (GHRH analog) |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | 99%+ (HPLC verified) |
| Third-Party Testing | Freedom Diagnostics (COA included) |
| Storage | Room temp 3–4 months; refrigerate post-reconstitution |
| Price (from) | $130.00 USD |
| SKU | PF-TESAM-10MG |
How Tesamorelin Works
Preclinical and clinical studies have examined Tesamorelin's mechanism as a GHRH analog that binds to specific pituitary receptors to stimulate endogenous growth hormone synthesis and release in a pulsatile manner.
GHRH Receptor Binding
Tesamorelin binds with high affinity to the GHRH receptor (GHRHR) on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary. This G protein-coupled receptor activation initiates intracellular signaling cascades that stimulate growth hormone gene transcription and release.
cAMP-PKA Pathway
GHRHR activation stimulates adenylyl cyclase via Gs protein coupling, increasing intracellular cAMP levels. Elevated cAMP activates protein kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates CREB transcription factor to enhance GH gene expression.
Pulsatile GH Release
Unlike exogenous GH administration, Tesamorelin stimulates natural pulsatile GH secretion patterns. This preserves the physiological feedback mechanisms and maintains normal GH/IGF-1 axis regulation.
IGF-1 Axis Stimulation
Increased GH release stimulates hepatic IGF-1 production. IGF-1 mediates many of the anabolic and metabolic effects attributed to growth hormone, including effects on lipid metabolism and body composition.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Tesamorelin?
- Tesamorelin (CAS 218949-48-5) is a 44-amino-acid GHRH analog studied for its interactions with pituitary GHRH receptor signaling pathways, with enhanced stability due to a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminus.
- What is the CAS number for Tesamorelin?
- The CAS number for Tesamorelin is 218949-48-5.
- What purity is Peptide Foundry's Tesamorelin?
- Peptide Foundry's research peptides are manufactured to 99%+ purity. Every batch is verified by an independent third-party laboratory (Freedom Diagnostics) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for purity and identity, Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay for bacterial endotoxin, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for heavy-metal contamination. A Certificate of Analysis is published for every product and batch.
- How should Tesamorelin be stored?
- Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides are stable at room temperature for 3–4 months. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, store refrigerated (2–8 °C) and use within 30 days. Keep away from direct light and extreme temperatures.
- Does Tesamorelin ship with a Certificate of Analysis?
- Yes. Every batch of every product ships with a Certificate of Analysis from Freedom Diagnostics, an independent third-party analytical laboratory. The COA documents HPLC purity, peptide identity, endotoxin testing, and heavy-metals screening.
- Is Tesamorelin sold for human use?
- No. All products sold by Peptide Foundry are strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use only (RUO). They are not intended for human or animal consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic application.
Scientific References
- Falutz J, et al. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. New England Journal of Medicine. 2007. PubMed: 18057338
- Stanley TL, et al. Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients. JAMA. 2014. PubMed: 25038357
- Falutz J, et al. Tesamorelin reduces trunk fat in HIV-infected patients. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2007. PubMed: 20101189
- Makimura H, et al. The effects of tesamorelin on hepatic triglyceride content. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2015.
This product is sold strictly for in-vitro research use only (RUO). It is not intended for human or animal consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic application.