Growth hormone axis
Tesamorelin
Also known as TH9507
A synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone, and one of the few peptides in this catalogue with an approved clinical indication.
What it is
Tesamorelin is a stabilised 44-amino-acid analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Rather than supplying growth hormone directly, it acts on the pituitary, which is why it is described as a secretagogue. It holds FDA approval under the brand name Egrifta for a specific, narrow indication in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
What published research examines
- Pulsatile growth hormone release from the pituitary
- Visceral adipose tissue in the approved clinical indication
- IGF-1 as a downstream marker of growth hormone axis activity
- Cognitive endpoints in exploratory studies of older adults
Where the research stands
Tesamorelin has a more developed clinical evidence base than most peptides here, though that evidence relates to its specific approved indication rather than general use.