Tesamorelin
GHRH analog (stabilized)
FDA-approved for HIV-related lipodystrophy.
Half-life
~ 30 minutes
Mol. weight
3135.6 g/mol
Sequence
Modified GRF(1-44) — trans-3-hexenoyl group at N-terminus
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Overview
An N-terminally modified analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GRF(1-44)) that is FDA-approved for the reduction of excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It is the most clinically validated GH secretagogue in this library, with placebo-controlled trial evidence for both visceral fat reduction and improvements in lipid profiles and hepatic fat.
Mechanism of action
Tesamorelin is a stabilized analog of the full GHRH(1-44) sequence with a 3-hexenoyl group added at the N-terminus to resist degradation. It binds GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs to stimulate endogenous, pulsatile growth hormone release and downstream IGF-1. In the pivotal Phase 3 trials, this translated to significant reductions in visceral adipose tissue (measured by CT) in patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, with corresponding improvements in triglycerides and hepatic fat, without the subcutaneous fat loss seen with exogenous GH.
Researched benefits
- FDA-approved (HIV-associated lipodystrophy)
- Placebo-controlled trial evidence for visceral fat reduction
- Improvements in triglycerides and hepatic fat
- Stimulates natural, pulsatile GH release
Considerations
- Prescription medication; medical supervision required
- Can cause injection-site reactions and joint pain
- Quality sourcing critical
Key Academic Literature & Studies
Search more in PubMedPeer-reviewed citations and clinical trials evaluating Tesamorelin in scientific literature.
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View Tesamorelin index on PubMed (NCBI)