What is tesamorelin?

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of the hormone GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone). Unlike many research peptides, it was approved as a medicine in the US. Here you can read how tesamorelin is built, how it differs from CJC-1295 and how to work with it in the lab.

Tesamorelin at a glance

Tesamorelin contains the full 44-amino-acid sequence of human GHRH, with a trans-3-hexenoyl group attached at the start of the chain. This modification makes the peptide more resistant to breakdown by the enzyme DPP-4.

  • Type: GHRH analogue, 44 amino acids
  • Modification: trans-3-hexenoyl group at the N-terminus
  • Receptor: pituitary GHRH receptor
  • Form: white lyophilized powder

How tesamorelin works

Like natural GHRH, tesamorelin binds the GHRH receptor in the pituitary and triggers the release of growth hormone there. It follows the same route as CJC-1295, but with the full 44-amino-acid sequence instead of the shortened GHRH(1-29).

Approval status

In the US, tesamorelin has been approved since 2010 under the name Egrifta for a specific indication in HIV patients. In the EU, tesamorelin is not approved as a medicine. As a growth hormone-releasing factor, it is on the WADA prohibited list.

Tesamorelin vs CJC-1295

Both peptides are GHRH analogues acting through the same receptor. The differences lie in their structure:

  • Tesamorelin: full 44 amino acids, hexenoyl group at the start
  • CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29): shortened 29-amino-acid sequence with four substitutions
  • CJC-1295 with DAC: also carries a group that binds albumin and extends the half-life

Storage and quality

Store lyophilized tesamorelin at −20 °C, dry and protected from light. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, swirl gently and keep the solution at 2–8 °C.

Every batch of tesamorelin from Virexa Labs is tested by HPLC for ≥99% purity and by mass spectrometry for identity. At Virexa Labs, tesamorelin is intended solely for laboratory research and not for human or veterinary use.

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Frequently asked questions

Is tesamorelin approved in Europe?

No. Tesamorelin is not approved as a medicine in the EU; in the US it has been approved since 2010 as Egrifta.

What is the difference between tesamorelin and CJC-1295?

Both are GHRH analogues. Tesamorelin contains the full 44 amino acids of GHRH with a hexenoyl group; CJC-1295 is based on the shortened GHRH(1-29) sequence.

Which receptor does tesamorelin bind?

The GHRH receptor in the pituitary, the same receptor as the natural hormone GHRH.

Is tesamorelin from Virexa Labs intended for human use?

No. It is intended solely for laboratory research and not for human or veterinary consumption.

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