For laboratory research use only. This page summarises the published scientific literature on tesamorelin in plain English. It does not give medical advice, and it contains no guidance on doses or administration.
What is tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It contains all 44 amino acids of the natural hormone, with a trans-3-hexenoyl group attached to the N-terminal tyrosine. That small chemical change protects the peptide from rapid breakdown by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), which quickly inactivates native GHRH and shorter fragments such as sermorelin [1].
Key molecular facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Structure | hGRF(1-44)-NH2 with N-terminal trans-3-hexenoyl group |
| Length | 44 amino acids |
| Average molecular weight | approx. 5,136 Da |
| Development code | TH9507 |
| Usual supplied form | Lyophilised (freeze-dried) acetate salt |
How it works: the GHRH receptor
Like native GHRH, tesamorelin binds the GHRH receptor on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary. This G-protein-coupled receptor raises cyclic AMP and leads to growth hormone release, which remains subject to the body’s normal brakes: somatostatin and IGF-1 feedback. Non-clinical pharmacology and safety studies of TH9507 characterised this receptor activity and its stability compared with native GHRH [1].
Main areas of published research
- Non-clinical pharmacology: receptor activity, stability and toxicology in animal models [1].
- Formulation and delivery chemistry: for example, studies of alternative delivery routes in animal models [2].
- Clinical research history: tesamorelin was studied in randomised trials in a specific patient population with HIV [3], and is the active ingredient of a prescription medicine authorised in the United States for that narrow indication. That authorisation is specific to the licensed medicine and does not apply to research-grade material.
Tesamorelin compared with other GHRH analogues
| Compound | Length | Key structural change | DPP-4 resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sermorelin | 29 aa | Truncated native sequence | No |
| CJC-1295 (without DAC) | 29 aa | Four substitutions incl. D-Ala2 | Yes |
| Tesamorelin | 44 aa | N-terminal trans-3-hexenoyl group | Yes |
For more detail see sermorelin vs tesamorelin and our sermorelin research guide.
Regulatory status in the UK
Tesamorelin is not authorised as a medicine in the UK. Research-use labelling does not settle how a product is classified, so laboratories should check their own regulatory obligations.
Limits of the evidence
Published findings come from specific study designs, often in animals or cell systems, and do not transfer automatically to other settings. A paper about the molecule is not proof that any particular batch has a given biological effect. Purity data show what is in a vial; they do not show sterility, safety or suitability for any use outside the laboratory.
Laboratory handling
- Store lyophilised powder sealed, cold (−20 °C for long-term storage), dry and protected from light.
- Let vials reach room temperature before opening to limit condensation.
- Prepare solutions with suitable laboratory solvents and calibrated equipment, and label each with lot number, concentration and date.
- Split solutions into single-use aliquots and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
- Use the peptide calculator for concentration arithmetic (mg/mL).
Quality checks for research material
- Batch-specific certificate of analysis (COA)
- HPLC purity, with the chromatogram available
- Mass spectrometry identity confirmation (expected mass about 5,136 Da)
- Net peptide content and counter-ion information for accurate concentration calculations
Researchers can find tesamorelin with batch documentation on our tesamorelin product page.
Related research pages
References
- Ferdinandi ES, et al. Non-clinical pharmacology and safety evaluation of TH9507, a human growth hormone-releasing factor analogue. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2007;100(1):49–58. PubMed 17214611
- Jansen M, et al. Pulmonary delivery of TH9507, a growth hormone releasing factor analogue, in the dog. Int J Pharm 2004;276(1-2):75–81. PubMed 15113616
- Falutz J, et al. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. N Engl J Med 2007;357(23):2359–2370. PubMed 18057338
Reference titles are reproduced as published. Their inclusion documents the literature and does not imply that any product is suitable for, or approved for, use in people.
For laboratory research use only. Tesamorelin sold by Peptides Lab UK is supplied strictly for in vitro laboratory research. It is not for human or veterinary use, and nothing on this page is medical advice or guidance on administration. UK purchasers are responsible for complying with all applicable legislation.
