What Is Tesamorelin? Research Guide
Definition
Tesamorelin (development code TH9507) is a synthetic analog of the complete 44-amino-acid human growth hormone-releasing hormone, carrying a trans-3-hexenoyl group on the N-terminal tyrosine (CAS 218949-48-5, C221H366N72O67S, 5135.9 Da). That acylation blocks DPP-4 cleavage. It is the only GHRH analog in this library that reproduces the whole hormone rather than its 1-29 fragment.
Key Takeaways
- →Tesamorelin (development code TH9507) is a synthetic analog of the complete 44-amino-acid human growth hormone-releasing hormone, carrying a trans-3-hexenoyl group on the N-terminal tyrosine (CAS 218949-48-5, C221H366N72O67S, 5135.9 Da). That acylation blocks DPP-4 cleavage.
- →Available for in-vitro research at ≥99% HPLC-verified purity from Peptide.Express.
- →Certificate of Analysis included with every order. Same-day US shipping.
Tesamorelin Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Compound | Tesamorelin |
| CAS Number | 218949-48-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C221H366N72O67S |
| Molecular Weight | 5136 Da |
| Sequence / Structure | Stabilized 44-amino-acid GHRH analog (trans-3-hexenoyl-modified) |
| Mechanism Class | Long-acting GHRH analog |
| Purity | ≥99% by HPLC, batch-specific CoA included |
Registry records for Tesamorelin: PubChem
Tesamorelin Mechanism of Action
Tesamorelin engages the same GHRH receptor as sermorelin and CJC-1295 and drives the same Gs/cAMP cascade in somatotrophs; the difference is the molecule presented to that receptor. It reproduces all 44 residues instead of the truncated 1-29 fragment, and the trans-3-hexenoyl group on Tyr1 sterically obstructs dipeptidyl peptidase-4 at the N-terminus. Published work reports increased IGF-1 with the pulsatile pattern of GH release preserved, which follows from acting upstream at the hypothalamic-pituitary interface rather than supplying exogenous growth hormone. Among the compounds here it is unusual in having a licensed drug product behind it, and its pharmacology is correspondingly better documented.
Tesamorelin Research Applications
GHRH receptor research, where a full-length 44-residue ligand allows direct comparison against the 1-29 fragment analogs on the same assay.
Visceral adipose tissue and lipid-metabolism models — the area with the deepest published tesamorelin record, and the one its approved product addresses.
IGF-1 axis studies, since GHRH-receptor agonism raises IGF-1 indirectly through endogenous GH rather than by administering it.
Acylation chemistry, where tesamorelin and semaglutide represent two different structural answers to the same DPP-4 and clearance problem.
Tesamorelin Storage Requirements
Store lyophilized tesamorelin at -20°C (-4°F) with the vial sealed. Reconstituted, hold at 2-8°C (36-46°F) and use within 30 days. Its single methionine is an oxidation site, and at 44 residues with an N-terminal acyl chain it adsorbs onto plastic more readily than the short peptides in this group, so prepare working dilutions in low-binding tubes if concentration accuracy matters.
Tesamorelin at Peptide.Express
All Tesamorelin sold by Peptide.Express is HPLC-verified at ≥99% purity with a Certificate of Analysis included. Same-day US shipping on orders before 2 PM EST. For in-vitro laboratory research use only.
View Tesamorelin Product DetailsFrequently Asked Questions
What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin, development code TH9507, is a synthetic analog of the full 44-amino-acid human growth hormone-releasing hormone bearing a trans-3-hexenoyl group on the N-terminal tyrosine. Its CAS number is 218949-48-5, its molecular formula is C221H366N72O67S and its average molecular weight is 5135.9 Da. It is studied in GHRH-receptor and lipid-metabolism research.
Is Tesamorelin FDA approved?
A tesamorelin drug product is approved: Egrifta, cleared by the FDA to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. That approval covers the finished, labeled product only. Research-grade tesamorelin powder is not a drug, has not been evaluated as one, and is supplied for in-vitro laboratory research.
What is the difference between Tesamorelin and Sermorelin?
Length and stability. Sermorelin is GRF (1-29), the shortest GHRH fragment retaining full activity, unmodified and cleaved by DPP-4 within minutes. Tesamorelin reproduces all 44 residues and adds a trans-3-hexenoyl group at Tyr1 that blocks that cleavage. At 5135.9 Da it is roughly one and a half times the mass of sermorelin at 3357.9 Da.
What is the molecular weight of Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin has an average molecular weight of 5135.9 Da, molecular formula C221H366N72O67S and CAS registry number 218949-48-5. Its PubChem CID is 16137828. It is the largest GHRH analog in this research library.
Where can I buy Tesamorelin for research?
Research-grade Tesamorelin is available from Peptide.Express at ≥99% HPLC-verified purity with a Certificate of Analysis included. Visit peptide.express/catalog/tesamorelin for full specifications.
References
- Falutz J, et al. "Long-term safety and effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue, in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation." AIDS, 2008. Read the tesamorelin long-term safety study on PubMed
- Falutz J, et al. "Tesamorelin Improves Fat Quality Independent of Changes in Fat Quantity." AIDS, 2021. Read the tesamorelin fat quality analysis on PMC
- LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury — Tesamorelin. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH Bookshelf. Read the LiverTox tesamorelin monograph on NCBI Bookshelf
- Egrifta (tesamorelin for injection) FDA prescribing information, 2024. The authoritative source for the approved indication, pharmacokinetic parameters and monitored laboratory values. Read the Egrifta FDA prescribing information (PDF)
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