Overview:
Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone, also called GHRH or GRF. It is composed of the 44-amino-acid sequence of human GRF with an added hexenoyl moiety attached at the N-terminal tyrosine residue. It is therefore commonly classified as a GHRH analog or growth hormone-releasing factor analog.
Tesamorelin has been studied primarily for its effects on the GH/IGF-1 axis, body composition, visceral adipose tissue, lipid metabolism, and metabolic parameters. It is FDA-approved as EGRIFTA SV for reduction of excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, but it is not indicated for general weight-loss management.
Much of the scientific interest around tesamorelin comes from its ability to bind and stimulate human GHRH receptors, leading to pulsatile endogenous growth hormone release and downstream increases in IGF-1 and IGFBP-3. These pathways are associated with anabolic and lipolytic signaling, including effects in adipose tissue, muscle, liver, and other target tissues.
Tesamorelin has been investigated in clinical and research settings involving HIV-associated visceral adiposity, ectopic fat accumulation, liver fat, metabolic dysfunction, and GH/IGF-1-related physiology.
Mechanism Overview:
Tesamorelin has been investigated for its interaction with the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotroph cells. Activation of this receptor stimulates synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone, which then contributes to downstream IGF-1 signaling and metabolic effects. Growth hormone has anabolic and lipolytic activity, with effects mediated both directly through GH receptors and indirectly through IGF-1 produced in the liver and peripheral tissues.
Structure:
Short Sequence: YADAIFTNSYRKVLGQLSARKLLQDIMSRQQGESNQERGARARL
CAS: 901758-09-6
Molecular Weight: ~5135.9 Da / g/mol
