Tesamorelin
Premium Tesamorelin for research. FDA-approved GHRH analog (44 amino acids) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Selective visceral fat reduction. Third-party tested, 98% purity.
Key Research Properties:
| SKU: | VHL-TES-001 |
|---|---|
| Purity: | 98% (HPLC Verified) |
| Form: | Lyophilized Powder |
| Storage: | Store at -20°C |
| Lot Number: | TES-2410-03: 5mg |
All products are sold strictly for laboratory and research purposes. Products are not intended for human use or consumption of any kind.
The statements presented on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The products of this company are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition or disease.
What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) consisting of 44 amino acids. It is the only GHRH analog approved for treating HIV-associated lipodystrophy and is extensively researched for its effects on visceral adipose tissue.
Tesamorelin Key Properties
- 44-amino acid GHRH analog (GHRH 1-44)
- FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy (2010)
- Selective reduction of visceral adipose tissue[1]
- Stimulates endogenous growth hormone release
- Half-life: 26-38 minutes (requires daily administration)
Molecular Information
| Molecular Weight | ~5135 Da |
| Physical Form | White lyophilized powder |
| Storage | -20°C (powder); 2-8°C (reconstituted, up to 14 days) |
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC) |
Mechanism of Action
Tesamorelin binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating the synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone, which then promotes lipolysis and reduces visceral fat accumulation[2].
GHRH Receptor Activation
Activates adenylyl cyclase pathway, increasing cAMP and stimulating GH gene transcription and secretion
Visceral Fat Reduction
GH-mediated lipolysis selectively reduces visceral adipose tissue, with less effect on subcutaneous fat[3]
Downstream Effects
- GH Release: Stimulates pulsatile GH secretion maintaining physiological patterns
- IGF-1 Production: Secondary elevation of IGF-1 from hepatic production
- Lipolysis: Enhanced fatty acid mobilization from visceral adipocytes
- Metabolic Effects: Improvements in lipid profile and insulin sensitivity
Research Applications
Tesamorelin is primarily studied in contexts of visceral adiposity, metabolic dysfunction, and HIV-associated lipodystrophy[4].
Primary Research Areas
HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy
FDA-approved indication. Clinical trials demonstrate significant reduction in excess visceral fat associated with antiretroviral therapy[5].
Metabolic Syndrome
Research investigates effects on visceral obesity, triglycerides, and cardiovascular risk factors in non-HIV populations.
Clinical Evidence
- Visceral Fat Reduction: 15-18% reduction in VAT after 26 weeks in pivotal trials[1]
- Cardiovascular Risk: Improvements in triglycerides, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio
- Body Composition: Selective visceral fat loss with preservation of lean mass
- Cognitive Function: Emerging research in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease[6]
- Liver Health: Studies examining effects on hepatic steatosis (NAFLD)
Dosing Information
For Research Use Only
Not intended for human consumption outside of approved medical use under physician supervision.
Clinical Dosing Protocols
Approved Dosing: 2 mg subcutaneously once daily
Administration Timing: Typically administered before bedtime
Reconstitution: Reconstituted with sterile water for injection
Duration: Continuous daily administration required for sustained effects; benefits diminish after discontinuation
Reconstitution
| Product Amount | Sterile Water | Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| 2 mg | 2.2 mL | ~0.9 mg/mL |
Storage
- Lyophilized: -20°C, protected from light
- Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 14 days
- Handling: Use sterile technique; do not shake
Safety & Side Effects
Tesamorelin has been evaluated in large-scale clinical trials with generally favorable safety profile[7].
Common Adverse Effects
- Injection site reactions (most common: erythema, pruritus, pain)
- Arthralgia (joint pain)
- Peripheral edema
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
- Paresthesia
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (rare, related to fluid retention)
Metabolic Considerations
Glucose Metabolism: Modest increases in HbA1c observed in some patients. Requires glucose monitoring in diabetes[8].
IGF-1 Elevation: Sustained increases in IGF-1 levels; monitoring recommended
Contraindications
- Active malignancy or history of malignancy
- Disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Hypersensitivity to tesamorelin or excipients
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinical Trials & Research Studies
Tesamorelin has undergone extensive clinical evaluation, including two landmark Phase 3 trials published in major medical journals.
Design: Two identical randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials
Population: N=806 HIV-infected patients with excess visceral adipose tissue
Intervention: Tesamorelin 2 mg SC daily vs. placebo for 26 weeks
Key Results:
- Visceral adipose tissue reduction: -15.2% (tesamorelin) vs +5.4% (placebo), p<0.001
- Trunk fat reduction: mean -1.5 kg vs +0.3 kg placebo
- Triglyceride reduction: -29 mg/dL vs +6 mg/dL placebo
- Improved waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio
- Well-tolerated; most AEs were mild injection site reactions
Reference: Falutz J, et al. N Engl J Med. 2010;363(26):2542-2552.
Objective: Evaluate tesamorelin effects on cognition in mild cognitive impairment
Population: Adults aged 55-87 with mild cognitive impairment
Findings: Improvements in executive function and working memory; increases in hippocampal glucose metabolism on PET scans[6]
References & Citations
- Falutz J, et al. "Effects of tesamorelin on body composition and metabolic parameters in HIV-infected patients with excess abdominal fat." N Engl J Med. 2010;363(26):2542-2552.
- Stanley TL, et al. "Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation." J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014;99(11):4192-4200.
- Grinspoon SK, Falutz J, et al. "Impact of tesamorelin on dyslipidemia, insulin sensitivity, and quality of life in HIV patients." Lancet. 2010;375(9709):123-131.
- Erlandson KM, et al. "Tesamorelin in HIV-associated lipodystrophy." J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2016.
- Falutz J, et al. "Long-term safety and effects of tesamorelin on body composition." AIDS. 2010;24(9):1309-1318.
- Baker LD, et al. "Effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone on cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults." Ann Neurol. 2012;71(2):201-209.
- Egrifta (tesamorelin) Prescribing Information. Theratechnologies Inc. 2020.
- Falutz J. "Tesamorelin: a new therapy for HIV-associated lipodystrophy." Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2011;12(13):2101-2111.
3rd Party Testing & Quality Assurance
All tesamorelin batches undergo comprehensive analytical testing:
Quality Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥98.0% | RP-HPLC |
| Identity | Conforms to standard | MS (MW ~5135 Da) |
| Peptide Content | ≥95% | Amino acid analysis |
| Endotoxins | ≤5.0 EU/mg | LAL assay |
| Sterility | Meets USP standards | USP <71> |