Structure · schematic
Peptide chain of 44 amino acids · GHRH-Analog
Sequence
trans-3-Hexenoyl-GHRH(1–44)
Schematic representation of the amino acid chain — not a chemical structural formula. Each node represents one amino acid (shown truncated).
Research areas*
* Contexts in which the peptide has been scientifically studied — not assured or recommended effects.
Mechanism of action
- Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of human GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone), consisting of the complete GHRH(1-44) peptide with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminus.
- This modification increases stability against enzymatic degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV).
- Tesamorelin stimulates pituitary GH secretion in a physiological, pulsatile manner, as it preserves the endogenous feedback regulation via IGF-1 and somatostatin.
- Unlike exogenous GH, the physiological regulatory mechanism remains intact.
Research status
- Tesamorelin is the only GHRH analog with completed Phase III development and FDA approval.
- Two Phase III studies (LIPO-010 and LIPO-011, each about 400 subjects) investigated the substance in HIV-associated lipodystrophy (abdominal fat accumulation under antiretroviral therapy) and documented significant reductions in visceral fat tissue.
- Further studies investigated tesamorelin in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH) and age-related GH deficiency.
- For bodybuilding or anti-aging applications, no controlled data exist.
Evidence level
Cited studies
Known risks
- 01Fluid retention, peripheral oedema (typical GH-class side effect)
- 02Arthralgia and myalgia under elevated GH/IGF-1 levels
- 03Increased diabetes risk through IGF-1-mediated insulin resistance
- 04Theoretical risk of promoting growth of pre-existing neoplasms
- 05Contraindicated in active malignancy
- 06Legal risk: possession may be punishable under ADBG/DmMV
- 07Product quality cannot be verified from unapproved sources
Frequently asked questions
What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of human GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone), consisting of the complete GHRH(1-44) peptide with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminus.
What type of peptide is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin belongs to the GHRH analog class.
Is Tesamorelin legal in Germany?
Tesamorelin is not approved as a medicine in Germany. Obtaining it outside clinical studies is legally problematic. It is additionally relevant under the German Doping Agent Quantity Ordinance (DmMV).
Where can I buy Tesamorelin?
Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Tesamorelin is "not approved" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.
Is Tesamorelin banned in sport (WADA)?
Yes. Tesamorelin is on the WADA Prohibited List and is therefore banned in competitive sport.
What are the known risks of Tesamorelin?
Documented risks include: Fluid retention, peripheral oedema (typical GH-class side effect); Arthralgia and myalgia under elevated GH/IGF-1 levels. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.
How well researched is Tesamorelin?
The evidence is classified as “clinically established”. 2 studies are cited on this page.
What is the molecular weight of Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin has a molar mass of about 5135.9 Da, with a plasma half-life of ~25–40 minutes.
Which peptides are related to Tesamorelin?
Closely related entries: CJC-1295, Ipamorelin. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.
Related entries
Legal status
Germany
not approvedAustria
not approvedSwitzerland
not approvedEU
not approvedUSA
prescription-onlyCanada
prescription-onlyLegal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Sources & methodology
- 2 peer-reviewed studies cited, linked to PubMed where available.
- Molecular data verified against PubChem and primary literature. PubChem CID 16137828
- Editorial standard: no dosage guidance, no sources, evidence level stated explicitly.
Last editorially reviewed: 1 May 2026
Legal assessment
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved in the USA as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy but has no EMA approval for the EU market. As a GHRH analog, it is on the WADA Prohibited List (S2) and falls under the German Anti-Doping Act (ADBG) and the German Doping Agent Quantity Ordinance (DmMV). Possession of more than a minor quantity may be punishable under § 4 ADBG.
Important notice
This site is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information about peptides. It does not constitute medical advice, does not replace a consultation with a doctor and contains no recommendations for use in humans.
This site does not sell any substances and names no sources for unapproved substances. For medical questions, please consult qualified medical professionals.
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