Tesamorelin: A Comprehensive Guide to This GHRH Analog

What is Tesamorelin?

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), also known as growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF). This peptide consists of 44 amino acids and is structurally similar to the naturally occurring GHRH produced by the hypothalamus, with modifications that enhance its stability and duration of action.

Structure and Mechanism

Tesamorelin is a modified form of GHRH(1-44) that includes a trans-3-hexenoic acid group attached to the N-terminus. This modification increases the peptide's resistance to enzymatic degradation, resulting in improved stability and a longer half-life compared to natural GHRH. The peptide works by binding to GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland.

Development and Background

Originally developed through peptide synthesis research, tesamorelin represents an advancement in GHRH analog technology. The peptide was designed to address the limitations of natural GHRH, which has a very short half-life of only a few minutes in circulation due to rapid enzymatic breakdown.

Research Applications

In laboratory settings, tesamorelin has been studied for its effects on growth hormone secretion patterns, pituitary function, and various metabolic parameters. Researchers continue to investigate the peptide's mechanisms of action, receptor binding characteristics, and physiological effects in controlled research environments.

Reconstitution and Preparation

For research purposes, tesamorelin is typically supplied as a lyophilized powder that requires reconstitution with bacteriostatic water or sterile water for injection. Proper reconstitution technique is essential to maintain peptide integrity. The powder should be gently swirled rather than shaken to avoid damaging the peptide structure.

Storage Requirements

Unreconstituted tesamorelin should be stored at refrigerated temperatures (2-8°C) and protected from light and moisture. Once reconstituted, the solution should be kept refrigerated and used within the timeframe specified by stability data and research protocols. Freezing reconstituted solutions is generally not recommended.

Quality and Purity Standards

When sourcing tesamorelin for research, it's critical to obtain peptides from suppliers who provide comprehensive certificates of analysis (COA). These should confirm peptide purity (typically ≥98%), proper amino acid sequencing, absence of bacterial endotoxins, and verification of the trans-3-hexenoic acid modification.

Ongoing Research

The scientific community continues to explore tesamorelin through various research models and methodologies. Studies examine optimal dosing protocols, timing of administration, receptor interactions, and the peptide's effects on various physiological systems, contributing to our understanding of GHRH analogs in peptide science.