Tesamorelin is a synthetic polypeptide composed of 44 amino acids analogous to growth hormone-releasing hormone. The N-terminus of the compound has been modified compared to growth hormone-releasing hormone, the modification of which researchers suggest may lead to improved stability.(1)

Tesamorelin has been studied for its potential mechanism of action, posited to be similar to growth hormone-releasing hormones (GHRH) receptors located at the anterior pituitary gland, possibly leading to increased production and secretion of growth hormones. Growth hormones may act on several cells, including hepatocytes, stimulating the systemic synthesis of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). In addition, growth hormone may also stimulate IGF-1 production locally, inside various tissues.