Tesamorelin is a synthetic stabilised analog of the full-length GHRH(1-44) sequence — the complete growth hormone releasing hormone with an N-terminal trans-3-hexenoic acid modification that protects against DPP-IV degradation. It is the only GHRH analog with FDA approval (Egrifta, 2010) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy — a condition of aberrant visceral fat accumulation. Phase 3 trials demonstrated 15.2% visceral fat reduction at 26 weeks. Unlike sermorelin (GHRH 1-29 fragment) or CJC-1295 (also 1-29 with DAC/no-DAC modifications), tesamorelin uses the full 44-amino-acid GHRH sequence — providing the most complete GHRH receptor activation of any available analog.
GHRH feedback: Preserves hypothalamic GH pulse regulation — tesamorelin amplifies but does not bypass physiological regulation (unlike direct HGH)
Tesamorelin vs sermorelin vs CJC-1295 — the GHRH sequence matters
Sermorelin is GHRH(1-29) — the minimum active fragment with lower GHRHR binding affinity. CJC-1295 No-DAC is also GHRH(1-29) with 4 amino acid substitutions for DPP-IV resistance. Tesamorelin uses the full GHRH(1-44) sequence — more complete receptor activation, superior GH pulse amplitude in comparative studies. The FDA approval is also specific to tesamorelin, giving it a Phase 3 evidence base that sermorelin and CJC-1295 lack for visceral fat outcomes.
Key Research Studies & Clinical Data
Key tesamorelin clinical trials
Trial
Design
Key result
Falutz et al. 2010 (NEJM)
412 HIV lipodystrophy patients, 26 weeks SC daily 2mg
Visceral fat −15.2% tesamorelin vs +5.0% placebo by CT
LIDO study extension
26-week extension of responders
Maintained visceral fat reduction; IGF-1 elevated throughout
NAFLD pilot (Stanley et al. 2014)
50 HIV+ patients with NAFLD, tesamorelin vs placebo 6mo
Tesamorelin vs sermorelin vs CJC-1295 No-DAC equimolar SC single dose. Serial serum GH draws (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240 min) by ELISA — AUC, peak, duration comparison.
Tesamorelin vs HGH SC in fasted male rats. Serum IGF-1 time course (0, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 72 hr post-dose) — establishes IGF-1 AUC comparison for pituitary-dependent vs pituitary-independent GH delivery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is a stabilised analog of the full-length growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH(1-44)) with FDA approval for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It stimulates pituitary GH secretion, leading to IGF-1 elevation and visceral fat reduction.
How does tesamorelin differ from sermorelin?
Sermorelin is GHRH(1-29) — the minimum active fragment. Tesamorelin uses the complete GHRH(1-44) sequence with DPP-IV-protective N-terminal modification, producing greater GHRHR binding affinity and higher GH pulse amplitude. Tesamorelin also has Phase 3 human data (Egrifta FDA approval); sermorelin does not.
What are the Phase 3 results for tesamorelin?
The NEJM 2010 trial (412 HIV lipodystrophy patients) showed 15.2% visceral fat reduction at 26 weeks vs +5.0% in placebo by CT. A separate pilot study showed 37% hepatic fat reduction in HIV+ patients with NAFLD.
What formats does QSC supply tesamorelin in?
QSC supplies tesamorelin as lyophilised research vials, ≥99% purity HPLC verified with Janoshik COA. Ships from domestic QSC warehouses in USA, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Is tesamorelin the same as Egrifta?
Egrifta is FDA-approved pharmaceutical tesamorelin for human use. QSC tesamorelin is research-grade material — same peptide sequence, ≥99% purity — supplied for laboratory research only.
Research Use Only: All QSC compounds are sold strictly for laboratory research purposes. Not for human use. Not approved by the FDA or equivalent regulatory bodies for human administration. All purchases confirm research intent and compliance with applicable local regulations.
