— Research monograph
Tesamorelin
A stabilized growth-hormone-releasing-hormone analog studied for visceral adiposity.
- Class
- Stabilized GHRH(1-44) analog with trans-3-hexenoic acid N-terminal modification
- Half-life (research)
- ~25–40 min (subcutaneous administration in clinical studies).
- Origin
- Developed by Theratechnologies. Approved by the FDA in 2010 (brand name Egrifta) for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy — one of the few approved peptide therapeutics in this class.
- Solubility
- Reconstitutes in sterile water; stable refrigerated after reconstitution.
What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is a synthetic 44-amino-acid analog of human GHRH carrying a trans-3-hexenoic acid moiety at the N-terminus. This modification stabilizes the peptide against dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) cleavage, substantially extending plasma half-life relative to native GHRH and to sermorelin.
The compound is the most clinically validated GHRH analog in research literature, having been studied in multiple multicenter randomized trials in HIV-associated lipodystrophy and, more recently, NAFLD.
How does Tesamorelin work?
Selective agonist at pituitary GHRH receptors. The trans-hexenoic acid modification confers DPP-IV resistance, producing longer duration of GHRH-receptor activation per dose. Downstream effects are mediated by pulsatile GH release and consequent IGF-1 generation.
Research applications
- GHRH receptor pharmacology
- HIV-lipodystrophy research
- Hepatic steatosis investigation
- Visceral adipose tissue studies
Handling & reconstitution
Tesamorelin ships as a sealed, lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for laboratory handling. Reconstitutes in sterile water; stable refrigerated after reconstitution. Concentration equals vial mass divided by diluent volume.
See the Tesamorelin reconstitution protocol for a step-by-step guide and an interactive research calculator (vial size → diluent → draw volume).
Frequently asked questions
What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is a synthetic 44-amino-acid analog of human GHRH carrying a trans-3-hexenoic acid moiety at the N-terminus. This modification stabilizes the peptide against dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) cleavage, substantially extending plasma half-life relative to native GHRH and to sermorelin. Merit supplies it as a lyophilized research compound for research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
How does Tesamorelin work?
Selective agonist at pituitary GHRH receptors. The trans-hexenoic acid modification confers DPP-IV resistance, producing longer duration of GHRH-receptor activation per dose. Downstream effects are mediated by pulsatile GH release and consequent IGF-1 generation. Mechanistic descriptions summarize published preclinical findings and are not clinical claims.
What is the half-life of Tesamorelin?
~25–40 min (subcutaneous administration in clinical studies). Values reflect preclinical or research-context reports, not clinical pharmacokinetics.
How is Tesamorelin reconstituted for research?
A lyophilized vial is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water; concentration equals vial mass divided by diluent volume. See the Tesamorelin reconstitution protocol for a step-by-step guide and a research calculator.
Is Merit Tesamorelin for human use?
No. It is sold strictly for research use only — not for human or veterinary use, and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Every lot ships with a certificate of analysis documenting ≥99% HPLC purity.
References
- Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. Falutz J, Allas S, Blot K, et al.. New England Journal of Medicine, 2007 · PMID 18057338
- Effects of tesamorelin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in HIV: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre trial. Stanley TL, Fourman LT, Feldpausch MN, et al.. The Lancet HIV, 2019 · PMID 31611038
- Reduction in visceral adiposity is associated with an improved metabolic profile in HIV-infected patients receiving tesamorelin. Stanley TL, Falutz J, Marsolais C, et al.. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2012 · PMID 22495074
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not FDA-approved. Reference information summarized from published literature — not medical or dosing advice.
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