01 · mechanism of action
Tesamorelin is a synthetic GHRH analogue with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification that significantly extends its half-life vs. native GHRH. In preclinical animal studies tesamorelin stimulated pulsatile GH secretion from the pituitary physiologically — unlike exogenous GH which suppresses natural GH secretion. In HIV-associated lipodystrophy studies in primates it produced selective reduction of visceral adipose tissue (15–20 %) without affecting peripheral fat. In rat models with reduced GH secretion tesamorelin restored IGF-1, bone density and body composition to normal values. Particularly relevant for aging research: tesamorelin improved cognitive parameters in aged animal models and reduced amyloid-β accumulation in the hippocampus.
