Tesamorelin
Stabilized GHRH analog
Research overview
A GHRH analog studied for its effect on reducing visceral adipose tissue in research models.
Descriptions reference published research areas for laboratory context only and are not claims of efficacy, safety, or intended use in humans or animals.
- Price
- $300 CAD
- Purity
- ≥98.7% (HPLC)
- Presentation
- 5 mg lyophilized vial
Order / inquire about Tesamorelin
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For laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use
Tesamorelin is a chemical reference material sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research by qualified professionals. It is not a drug, food, cosmetic, or natural health product; it has not been evaluated or approved by Health Canada; and it must never be ingested, injected, or applied to humans or animals. Sold in Canada only, to purchasers 18+. See our Research Use Policy.
Research encyclopedia
Everything the literature has studied.
For laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use. The content below summarizes published research context only. It is not medical advice, makes no therapeutic claims, and describes no intended use in humans or animals. These materials have not been evaluated or approved by Health Canada.
What it is
Tesamorelin is a synthetic 44-amino-acid polypeptide analog of human growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-44), stabilized at the N-terminus with a trans-3-hexenoic acid (trans-Δ2-hexenoyl) group that confers resistance to enzymatic degradation. It is the GHRH analog with the strongest clinical support and was approved in the reference literature (as Egrifta) to reduce excess visceral adipose tissue in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Mechanism of action
Binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs (Gs/adenylate-cyclase/cAMP signaling), stimulating synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone while preserving the physiological pulsatile pattern. Elevated GH raises hepatic IGF-1 and promotes lipolysis of visceral adipose tissue via hormone-sensitive lipase, preferentially mobilizing visceral over subcutaneous fat.
Research areas
- HIV-associated lipodystrophy (approved reference indication)
- Reduction of visceral adipose tissue (VAT)
- Hepatic steatosis (NAFLD/MASLD) and metabolic markers
- Body composition and the GH/IGF-1 axis
Studied effects in research models
- VAT reduction of ~15% versus placebo over 26 weeks in Phase III (n=806)
- Decreases in triglycerides and total cholesterol; increases in lean mass
- Preservation of physiological pulsatile GH secretion (unlike exogenous GH)
- Reduction in liver fat in exploratory hepatic-steatosis studies
Effects listed describe observations reported in laboratory or animal research models only — not outcomes claimed for humans or animals.
Biomarkers tracked in related research
Discovery & background
Developed by Theratechnologies (Montreal, Canada) as a stabilized GHRH(1-44) analog. Two Phase III trials in over 800 subjects demonstrated preferential reduction of visceral adipose tissue while preserving pulsatile GH secretion, leading to FDA approval in 2010 (Egrifta) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Considerations & limitations
Research-use-only reference material; not approved by Health Canada or the FDA for the uses described here, and unapproved research variants must be distinguished from the licensed pharmaceutical. May cause glucose intolerance (monitor glucose/HbA1c). Elevated IGF-1 is epidemiologically associated with certain cancers; considered inappropriate with active malignancy, disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, and pregnancy. Effects reverse on discontinuation, and long-term data outside HIV lipodystrophy are lacking.
References
- [1]Falutz et al., 2007 — N Engl J Med; 357:2359-2370; PMID: 18057338
- [2]Falutz et al., 2010 (pooled Phase III) — J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr; 53:311-322; PMID: 20101189
- [3]Stanley et al., 2014 (visceral fat / liver) — JAMA; 312:380-389; PMID: 25038357