TESA PEPTIDE: TESAMORELIN
Tesamorelin is a synthetic Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) analog developed to stimulate the natural production of growth hormone (GH) through physiologic, pulsatile release. Composed of 44 amino acidsâthe full-length GHRH sequence, with a stabilizing N-terminal modification, Tesamorelin binds to pituitary GHRH receptors to trigger GH secretion, which subsequently increases circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). This cascade enhances lipolysis (fat breakdown) and supports anabolism (muscle protein synthesis).
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved for the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy, where it has demonstrated significant reductions in visceral abdominal fat. Additionally, it is being researched for metabolic disorders like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), NASH, age-related cognitive decline, and muscle wasting.
$129.00
đ Free shipping on all orders (US Only )
đ All sales are final
FDA Disclaimer:Â The statements made within this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The statements and the products of this company are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All products are for laboratory developmental research USE ONLY. Products are not for human consumption.
Overview
Tesamorelin (brand name: EgriftaÂŽ) functions as a GHRH receptor agonist, designed to emulate the bodyâs natural GHRH signaling. By inducing GH pulses and raising IGF-1 levels, Tesamorelin exerts dual benefits:
- Reduces visceral adipose tissue (VAT) without depleting subcutaneous fat
- Preserves or slightly increases lean body mass (LBM)
- Improves metabolic markers (triglycerides, cholesterol ratios)
- Potential cognitive benefits in aging and mild cognitive impairment
In clinical trials, Tesamorelin reduced visceral fat by 15â18% over 6â12 months in HIV-positive patients. It does not directly cause weight loss, but rather improves fat distribution and metabolic health, especially in the abdominal region. Tesamorelin is not classified as a steroid and does not replace exogenous GH; instead, it stimulates the bodyâs natural hormone release, preserving the pulsatile rhythm essential for optimal endocrine function.
Structure
Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide composed of 44 amino acids, identical to the endogenous GHRH(1-44) sequence, except for the addition of a trans-3-hexenoic acid group at the N-terminus. This structural modification increases resistance to enzymatic degradation, primarily from dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), enhancing bioavailability and half-life.
- Molecular Formula: CâââHâââNââOââS
- Molecular Weight: ~5135.91 Da
- Sequence: TyrâAlaâAspâAlaâIleâPheâThrâAsnâSerâTyrâArgâLysâValâLeuâGlyâGlnâLeuâSerâAlaâArgâLysâLeuâLeuâGlnâAspâIleâMetâSerâArgâGlnâGlyâGlnâGlyâSerâAsnâGlnâGlnâGlyâGluâSerâAsnâAlaâGluâArgâHisâNHâ
The trans-3-hexenoic acid moiety attached to the Tyr residue improves peptide stability and pharmacokinetics, allowing for once-daily subcutaneous administration.
Research
FDA-Approved Use: HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy
- Visceral Fat Reduction: Tesamorelin (2 mg/day SC) significantly reduced visceral adipose tissue by 15â18% over 6â12 months in Phase III clinical trials (Falutz et al., JAIDS 2010).
- Subcutaneous Fat Preservation: Unlike liposuction or general fat loss methods, Tesamorelin specifically targets visceral fat, sparing subcutaneous and peripheral fat stores.
- Lean Body Mass: Modest but significant increases in lean body mass were reported in HIV-positive patients compared to placebo.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) / NASH
- Tesamorelin reduced liver fat content and markers of hepatic fibrosis in a randomized study on HIV-positive patients with NAFLD (Stanley et al., JAMA 2014).
- Currently under investigation in Phase III trials for NASH in the general population.
Cognitive Function in Aging and Mild Cognitive Impairment
- In a 20-week trial of older adults (aged 55â87), Tesamorelin improved executive function and overall cognitive performance compared to placebo (Baker et al., Arch Neurol 2012).
- Participants saw a 117% increase in IGF-1 and a 7.4% decrease in total body fat, showing dual cognitive and body composition benefits.
Potential Muscle Preservation and Physical Function
- Studies show Tesamorelin helps preserve muscle mass during fat loss phases, making it attractive for applications in sarcopenia, COPD-associated muscle loss, and performance recovery.
Safety Profile
- Generally well tolerated. The most common side effects include:
- Injection site reactions (itching, redness, swelling)
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Mild fluid retention
- Occasional transient blood glucose elevation (caution advised in pre-diabetics)
- Injection site reactions (itching, redness, swelling)
- Contraindicated in patients with active cancer due to IGF-1âs proliferative potential.
- No long-term increase in cancer or cardiovascular risk found in trials to date.
Referenced Citations
- Falutz J, et al. âMetabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV.â JAIDS, 2010. PubMed ID: 21084980
- Stanley TL, et al. âEffects of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal obesity.â JAMA, 2014. Link
- Baker LD, et al. âEffects of growth hormone-releasing hormone on cognitive function in older adults.â Arch Neurol, 2012. Link
- EgriftaÂŽ (Tesamorelin) Prescribing Information, FDA. PDF
- WADA Prohibited List 2024. Link
- Theratechnologies Investor Briefs and Clinical Pipeline. Link


