Tesamorelin
Synthetic GHRH(1-44) analogue (trans-3-hexenoyl modified)
Also known as TH9507, Egrifta (proprietary name of the licensed product)
A stabilised analogue of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Licensed in some jurisdictions for a specific indication; used in research to study the hypothalamic–pituitary GH axis.
Technical information
Values are shown with their status. “Verified” means the value has been checked against a primary database such as PubChem.
- Classification
- Synthetic GHRH(1-44) analogue (trans-3-hexenoyl modified)
- CAS number
- 218949-48-5 Pending
- Molecular formula
- C221H366N72O67S Pending
- Molecular weight
- 5135.9 g/mol Pending
- Sequence / structure
- GHRH(1-44)-NH2 with N-terminal trans-3-hexenoyl modification Pending
Some values are still being checked and should be treated as provisional until marked verified.
How this compound is tested
LC-MS intact mass should be consistent with the hexenoyl-modified, C-terminally amidated sequence. HPLC purity is typical; researchers may also wish to see related-substance profiling given the number of potential deletion or oxidation products in a 44-residue peptide.
Research background
Tesamorelin is human GHRH(1-44) with an N-terminal hexenoyl group that increases resistance to DPP-4 cleavage and prolongs activity. It was developed by Theratechnologies and is approved in the United States for reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected adults with lipodystrophy. It is used in research as a reference GHRH-receptor agonist.
Mechanisms investigated in published research
These are the mechanisms examined in the cited literature. Describing them is not a claim that the compound produces any effect in humans.
- GHRH receptor agonism on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating pulsatile growth-hormone release.
- Downstream increases in IGF-1 studied as a biomarker of axis activation.
Summary of evidence
Laboratory and animal findings are kept separate from human clinical evidence.
Preclinical findings
Development pharmacology characterised receptor binding, GH release and pharmacokinetics in animal models.
Human clinical evidence
1 citedTwo phase 3 randomised, placebo-controlled trials in HIV-associated lipodystrophy (Falutz et al., 2007 and subsequent studies) reported reductions in visceral adipose tissue with the licensed product. These data apply only to the licensed medicine in its approved indication.
Limitations and open questions
- Narrow licensed indication; effects outside it are not established.
- Pulsatile GH responses vary with age, sex and metabolic state, complicating study design.
- Peptide of 44 residues with a lipophilic modification: formulation stability matters for research use.
Scientific references
Publications cited on this page. Links open the publisher or PubMed record.
[1]Falutz J, Allas S, Blot K, et al.. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. New England Journal of Medicine (2007).
Human clinical Citation pendingPhase 3; licensed product (tesamorelin, TH9507).
Research use only
Tesamorelin is described here for laboratory research. It is not approved for human or veterinary use unless a regulator has said otherwise, and nothing on this page is medical advice or guidance on administration. A disclaimer does not by itself make any activity lawful. Full disclaimer.
Contact options
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