What is Tesamorelin?

Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide and growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog designed to stimulate the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone (GH). Approved by the FDA in 2010 under the brand name Egrifta, Tesamorelin is primarily used to treat HIV-associated lipodystrophy, a condition characterized by abnormal fat distribution due to HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy. By increasing GH levels, it effectively reduces visceral fat in the abdomen, improving body composition and potentially lowering cardiovascular risks linked to excess fat accumulation.

Beyond its established use, Tesamorelin is gaining attention in peptide therapy for its potential benefits in neuroprotection. Research suggests it may enhance peripheral nerve health and serve as an intervention for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to dementia. For individuals exploring solutions for fat redistribution or cognitive health, Tesamorelin offers a scientifically backed option worth considering.

Tesamorelin Structure

Tesamorelin Structure

Sequence (Single Letter): Leu-Gly-Tyr-Ser-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-Gln-Gln-Gly-Glu-Ser-Asn-Gln-Glu-Arg-Gly-Ala-Arg-Ala-Arg-Leu-Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-NH2

Molecular Formula: C₂₂₁H₃₆₆N₇₂O₆₇S

Molecular Weight: 5135.79 g/mol

PubChem CID: 44147413

CAS Number: 901758-09-6

As a GHRH analog, Tesamorelin features a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminus, enhancing its stability and half-life compared to natural GHRH. This 44-amino-acid peptide is engineered for effectiveness in peptide therapy, particularly for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Tesamorelin Research

Effectiveness in HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy

Extensive Tesamorelin research underscores its efficacy in managing HIV-associated lipodystrophy. A pivotal study in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that Tesamorelin reduced visceral adipose tissue by up to 15-20% over 26 weeks, significantly improving metabolic profiles in HIV patients on HAART (Falutz et al., 2007). Another study in Clinical Infectious Diseases linked this fat reduction to better lipid profiles and reduced cardiovascular risk (Stanley et al., 2012).

Peripheral Nerve Damage and Neuroprotection

Emerging studies suggest Tesamorelin may aid in peripheral nerve damage repair. Research published in Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets indicates that enhancing the GH axis with Tesamorelin could improve outcomes following nerve injuries, potentially benefiting conditions like diabetic neuropathy (Tuffaha et al., 2012).

Cognitive Function and Dementia

Tesamorelin’s role in cognitive health is also under investigation. A study in JAMA Neurology found that GHRH analogs like Tesamorelin increased brain GABA levels, improving executive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (Freedman et al., 2013). This positions Tesamorelin as a potential therapy for slowing dementia progression.

For the latest updates on Tesamorelin clinical trials, explore these studies and their implications for future treatments.

References Citation

1. Falutz, J., et al. (2007). “Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in HIV.” New England Journal of Medicine, 357(23), 2359-2370. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa073980
2. Mangili, A., et al. (2015). “Predictors of Treatment Response to Tesamorelin in HIV-Infected Patients with Excess Abdominal Fat.” PLoS One, 10(9), e0143058. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26440538/
3. Stanley, T. L., et al. (2012). “Reduction in visceral adiposity is associated with an improved metabolic profile in HIV-infected patients receiving tesamorelin.” Clinical Infectious Diseases, 54(11), 1642-1651. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22460969/
4. Rochira, V., & Guaraldi, G. (2017). “Growth hormone deficiency and human immunodeficiency virus.” Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 31(1), 91-111. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28477733/
5. Tuffaha, S. H., et al. (2012). “Therapeutic augmentation of the growth hormone axis to improve outcomes following peripheral nerve injury.” Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets, 16(10), 1129-1235. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22900939/
6. Freedman, S. D., et al. (2013). “Growth hormone-releasing hormone effects on brain γ-aminobutyric acid levels in mild cognitive impairment and healthy aging.” JAMA Neurology, 70(7), 883-890. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23649868/
7. CADTH. (2016). “Clinical Review Report: Tesamorelin (Egrifta).” Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/cdr/clinical/SR0478_Egrifta_Clinical_Report.pdf

These references provide a robust foundation for understanding Tesamorelin’s applications. Access the studies for detailed insights into its efficacy and potential.