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FDA Approved

Tesamorelin

Hormonal & Endocrine · Egrifta, TH9507, GRF(1-44) analog

A stabilized analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) studied in models of the somatotropic axis and lipid distribution.

🔬 Research use only — not for human or veterinary use. K4 Elite does not provide dosing instructions.
Molecular Formula
C221H366N72O67S
Molecular Weight
5136 g/mol
PubChem
CID 16137828 ↗
Research Level
FDA Approved
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Tesamorelin chemical structure

Tesamorelin is a synthetic 44-amino-acid analog of human growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH, also called GRF 1-44). It carries an N-terminal trans-3-hexenoic acid modification that increases resistance to enzymatic cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and prolongs its activity relative to native GHRH.

Because it acts upstream of the pituitary rather than supplying growth hormone directly, it is frequently used as a research tool for probing endogenous, pulsatile regulation of the somatotropic axis.

Tesamorelin received regulatory approval for a specific clinical indication and is therefore among the more thoroughly characterized GHRH analogs in the published literature.

Tesamorelin binds the GHRH receptor, a class B G-protein-coupled receptor on pituitary somatotroph cells. Receptor activation raises intracellular cyclic AMP and stimulates the synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone, which in turn influences downstream insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling.

Because the mechanism preserves the body's own feedback loops, studies describe growth hormone output that tracks physiological pulsatility rather than a fixed exogenous level.

  • Somatotropic axis — studied for stimulation of endogenous growth hormone secretion and IGF-1 responses [1].
  • Visceral adipose tissue — investigated in trials measuring changes in abdominal fat distribution in lipodystrophy models [2].
  • Lipid metabolism — evaluated for effects on circulating triglycerides and lipid profiles [2].
  • Hepatic fat research — examined in imaging studies of liver fat fraction [3].
  • Cognitive and neuroendocrine studies — explored in exploratory research on GHRH signaling in older adults [4].
📋 How published studies were conducted — a research reference summarizing study designs from the literature. This is not usage, dosing, or administration guidance. K4 Elite does not provide dosing instructions; determining any research protocol is the sole responsibility of the qualified researcher.

In a phase 3 program, participants with HIV-associated abdominal fat accumulation received tesamorelin and investigators measured change in visceral adipose tissue by CT imaging over 26 weeks [2].

In a separate randomized study, researchers measured hepatic fat fraction by magnetic resonance spectroscopy in participants receiving the compound versus placebo [3]. An earlier exploratory trial administered a GHRH analog to older adults and measured effects on cognition and IGF-1 [4]. These reports describe study observations only.

Combinations examined in the research literature. Descriptive only — not a recommendation to combine compounds.

IpamorelinSynergistic
A GHRP-class secretagogue; GHRH analogs and GHRP peptides are studied together for complementary effects on growth hormone release.
CJC-1295Neutral
Another long-acting GHRH analog; typically compared rather than combined in study designs.
InsulinCaution
Researchers note growth hormone activity can influence glucose handling, relevant to study designs involving insulin sensitivity.
GHRP-6Synergistic
GHRH plus GHRP combinations are a classic paradigm in growth hormone secretion research.
  1. Ferdinandi ES et al., Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2007 (TH9507 pharmacology)
  2. Falutz J et al., N Engl J Med 2007 (tesamorelin visceral fat)
  3. Stanley TL et al., JAMA 2014 (tesamorelin hepatic fat)
  4. Baker LD et al., Arch Neurol 2012 (GHRH and cognition)
What class of compound is tesamorelin?
It is a stabilized synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that acts on the pituitary GHRH receptor.
How does it differ from growth hormone itself?
It stimulates the pituitary to release the body's own growth hormone rather than supplying growth hormone directly, so studies describe pulsatile, feedback-regulated output.
What research areas has it been studied in?
Published studies span the somatotropic axis, visceral adipose tissue, lipid and hepatic fat metabolism, and exploratory neuroendocrine work.
Why is it stabilized at the N-terminus?
The hexenoic acid modification increases resistance to DPP-4 cleavage and prolongs activity relative to native GHRH.
Is this material intended for human use?
No. This entry describes a compound supplied strictly for in-vitro and laboratory research use only, not for human or veterinary use.
Disclaimer: This profile summarizes published preclinical and laboratory research for reference only. It is not medical advice and makes no claim of safety or efficacy in humans. Determining any research protocol is the sole responsibility of the qualified researcher. Products are sold strictly for in-vitro research and have not been evaluated by the FDA.