Tesamorelin¶
Tesamorelin (CAS 218949-48-5) is a synthetic 44-amino acid peptide analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), with a molecular weight of approximately 5,135 Da. Comprising the full 44-amino acid GHRH sequence with a trans-3-hexenoic acid moiety at the N-terminus, tesamorelin is a potent and selective growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R pathway-independent) agonist. It is a key research tool in growth hormone axis pharmacology and metabolic endocrinology.
Technical Specifications¶
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 218949-48-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₂₁H₃₆₆N₇₂O₆₇S |
| Molecular Weight | ~5,135 Da |
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC-verified) |
| Appearance | Lyophilized white powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in sterile water and aqueous buffers |
| Storage | -20°C (lyophilized), 2–8°C (reconstituted) |
Mechanism of Action¶
Tesamorelin binds with high affinity to the growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRH-R), a class B GPCR expressed on pituitary somatotroph cells. Upon receptor engagement, Gαs-mediated activation of adenylyl cyclase elevates intracellular cAMP, triggering PKA-dependent calcium influx through voltage-gated L-type calcium channels. This initiates exocytosis of pre-formed growth hormone secretory vesicles, producing pulsatile GH release that faithfully replicates endogenous secretory patterns. Unlike ghrelin mimetics (GHRP-2, GHRP-6) that signal through GHS-R1a, tesamorelin preserves the physiological negative feedback loop via somatostatin and IGF-1, reducing the risk of GH desensitization. The GH pulses induced by tesamorelin stimulate hepatic IGF-1 production, with downstream effects on protein synthesis, lipolysis, and lean body mass composition.
Research Applications¶
- Primary: Growth hormone axis pharmacology — GHRH receptor signaling, pulsatile GH secretion
- Secondary: HIV-associated lipodystrophy models, body composition research, IGF-1 axis regulation
- Model Systems: In vitro (rat anterior pituitary cell cultures, GHRH-R-transfected cells), in vivo (hypophysectomized rat models, porcine and primate GH studies)
Quality Control & Analytical Methods¶
- HPLC: ≥98% purity verification at 214/220 nm (C18 reversed-phase column)
- Mass Spectrometry: ESI-MS for molecular weight confirmation (~5,135 Da)
- Peptide Content: Amino acid analysis (AAA) for net peptide content determination
- Endotoxin: <1 EU/mg (LAL assay)
- TFA Content: <1% (ion chromatography)
Stability & Storage¶
| Condition | Stability |
|---|---|
| -20°C (lyophilized) | 24 months |
| 4°C (lyophilized) | 6 months |
| 25°C (lyophilized) | 1 month |
| Reconstituted (4°C) | 7 days |
| Reconstituted (-20°C) | 30 days |
Key Research References¶
- Falutz et al. (2007) — Effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor, in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation. N Engl J Med. PMID: 18057365
- Falutz et al. (2010) — Long-term safety and effects of tesamorelin on abdominal fat in HIV patients. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. PMID: 20515074
- Merriam et al. (2003) — Growth hormone-releasing hormone in aging. Endocr Rev. PMID: 14674644
Source & Purchase¶
For researchers requiring research-grade TESAMORELIN with full analytical documentation including HPLC, LC-MS, and Certificate of Analysis, visit the HK Peptides product page for specifications, bulk pricing, and ordering.
Related Molecules¶
- Sermorelin — GHRH 1-29 analog
- CJC-1295 (DAC) — Long-acting GHRH analog
- CJC-1295 (no DAC) — Short-acting GHRH analog
- All Product Specifications
FAQ¶
Q: What purity level is standard for Tesamorelin? A: HK Peptides supplies Tesamorelin at ≥98% purity by HPLC with full COA documentation.
Q: How should Tesamorelin be stored for research use? A: Lyophilized Tesamorelin should be stored at -20°C. Reconstituted solutions at 4°C for short-term use (up to 7 days).