Lumera Labs Journal · Compendium
Tesamorelin: GHRH analog reference-standard guide
Published 2024-03-12 · Lumera Labs Editorial · Kelowna, BC
Short answer. Tesamorelin is a 44-residue analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1–44) with an N-terminal trans-3-hexenoic acid attachment that resists DPP-4 cleavage. Lumera ships it lyophilized from $30 CAD.
Why the modification matters
Native human GHRH 1–44 is degraded by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 within minutes of plasma exposure. The N-terminal hexenoic-acid attachment in Tesamorelin sits at the DPP-4 recognition site, blocking cleavage and producing a measurable extension of biological half-life relative to the unmodified peptide.
Reference standard quality criteria
- RP-HPLC purity ≥ 99% at 220 nm.
- ESI-MS confirmation at theoretical mass 5135.86 Da ± 0.5 Da.
- Identity by sequencing (Edman or LC-MS/MS) for net peptide content disambiguation.
- LAL endotoxin < 0.5 EU/mg for cell-based work.
In-vitro applications
Pituitary cell-line GH-release assays, GHRH-receptor binding affinity, comparative pharmacology against unmodified GHRH 1–44, and downstream IGF-1 induction kinetics in hepatocyte models. The hexenoic-acid attachment also makes Tesamorelin a useful structural reference when characterizing other DPP-4-resistant analog series.
Storage and reconstitution
Lyophilized at −20 °C, sealed under nitrogen. Reconstitute with 1.0–2.0 mL of sterile bacteriostatic water; the cake should clear within 60 seconds with gentle swirling. After reconstitution, 2–8 °C for 21 days or −80 °C aliquots for longer storage. Tesamorelin is moderately surface-active; use low-binding pipette tips to avoid loss to plastic.
Sourcing in Canada
Domestic Canadian supply matters more for Tesamorelin than for some peptides because the lipid attachment is sensitive to thermal cycling during long international shipping. Lumera ships cold-chain Xpresspost from Kelowna with insulated packaging and phase-change material; transit times Canada-wide are 24–48 hours.
Lumera Labs ships HPLC-verified Tesamorelin cold-chain across Canada from $30 CAD. View Tesamorelin on the catalog →
Frequently asked questions
What is Tesamorelin's sequence?
It is GHRH 1–44 with a trans-3-hexenoic acid group attached to the N-terminal tyrosine. Mass 5135.86 Da.
How is Tesamorelin different from sermorelin?
Sermorelin is GHRH 1–29 (unmodified). Tesamorelin is GHRH 1–44 with hexenoic-acid attachment for DPP-4 resistance — a longer, modified analog.
Is the hexenoic acid attachment stable to handling?
Yes, stable to typical lab handling at neutral pH. Avoid extended exposure to acidic or strongly basic conditions.
How is Tesamorelin reconstituted?
1.0–2.0 mL bacteriostatic water, gentle swirl, no vortex. Should clear within 60 seconds.
Where can I source Tesamorelin in Canada?
Lumera Labs ships HPLC-verified Tesamorelin cold-chain across Canada from /products/tesamorelin/.
Disclaimer: All Lumera Labs products are supplied for laboratory research use only. They are not approved by Health Canada for human consumption, therapy, or diagnosis. See our research-use declaration for full terms.