Tesamorelin Peptide: what the research shows
Tesamorelin peptide is a synthetic 44-amino-acid analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with a trans-3-hexenoyl group added to its N-terminus for stability. It binds GHRH receptors in the pituitary and stimulates the body's own growth hormone release, and it is the active ingredient of an FDA-approved medicine for excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Researchers looking to buy tesamorelin for laboratory work can find ≥98% purity, HPLC-tested vials here — research use only.
Specifications
| Sequence length | 44 amino acids (modified GHRH 1-44) |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 218949-48-5 |
| Molecular weight | 5135.83 g/mol |
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC) |
| Form | Lyophilised powder |
| Receptor target | GHRH receptor (pituitary) |
What is tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin belongs to the GHRH-analog class of growth hormone secretagogues. Unlike recombinant growth hormone, it does not replace GH directly; it signals the pituitary to release GH in its natural pulsatile pattern, which in turn raises IGF-1.
The N-terminal hexenoyl modification protects the peptide from rapid breakdown by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4, giving it a longer duration of action than native GHRH.
Published clinical research
In a 26-week randomised, placebo-controlled trial in HIV patients with abdominal fat accumulation, tesamorelin reduced visceral adipose tissue compared with placebo (Falutz et al., 2007).
A later randomised trial in the same population reported reductions in both visceral fat and liver fat content (Stanley et al., 2014), making liver fat a continuing research area.
Handling in the lab
Store lyophilised vials cold, dry and away from light. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water using sterile technique and keep reconstituted solutions refrigerated. See the reconstitution and storage guides for details.
Frequently asked questions
What is tesamorelin peptide?
A synthetic 44-amino-acid GHRH analog that stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone. It has been studied in randomised clinical trials in HIV-associated abdominal fat accumulation.
How is tesamorelin different from ipamorelin?
Tesamorelin acts on the GHRH receptor; ipamorelin is a five-amino-acid peptide that acts on the ghrelin (GHS-R1a) receptor. They reach GH release through two different receptors.
How should tesamorelin be stored?
Lyophilised powder should be kept cold, dry and protected from light. Reconstituted solutions should be refrigerated and used within the stability window for your lab protocol.
Where can I buy tesamorelin peptide for research?
PeptidesDirect sells tesamorelin in 5mg and 10mg vials, plus a tesamorelin + ipamorelin blend, for laboratory research only. Orders placed before 1:00 PM Central on business days ship the same day. See our research peptides guide (/learn/research-peptides) for how to compare suppliers and read test documents.
How do I check tesamorelin purity?
Check the product page for current test documentation, and compare the tested mass and purity to the vial label. See our research peptides guide (/learn/research-peptides) for how to compare suppliers and read test documents.
Is this product for human use?
No. PeptidesDirect sells this compound for laboratory research only. It is not a drug, food or cosmetic and is not for human or veterinary use. This page summarises published research and is not dosing or medical guidance.
References
- Falutz J, et al. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. N Engl J Med. 2007. PubMed 18057338
- Stanley TL, et al. Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2014. PubMed 25038357
Research compounds
Related guides
- Tesamorelin vs Ipamorelin
- GH peptide comparison
- Research peptides guide
- Reconstitution guide
- Storage guide
Research Use Only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not dosing or medical guidance.
