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Final updates before release. Our biggest update yet!

by February 10, 2020

We’ve been working diligently for the last month, pulling together a few promised developments (and a few very excellent surprises!) on our path to leaving beta on February 28th. 

Version 0.6 is now available: this is our largest change to date and brings with it a host of huge technical improvements, features, and quality of life changes. 

  • The system service is complete and live. This has been a huge project that gives us tremendous flexibility in the platform going forward and the ability to build some very powerful tools, including things like running interactive scripts from the backend or in another user’s session. We believe this is something that no other product on the market does currently. As of today, it is being used for:  
    • Improved auto-updater that will be faster and more reliable. 
    • Executable watchdog. 
    • Bi-directional communication, enabling some of our most requested features such as chat and real-time refresh of the diagnostic data. 
  • Remote command line. (optional) We have added a really, seriously, ridiculously fast remote command line. (Get in there and toss a “tree c:\” at it.) This is currently enabled or disabled on the backend with the same checkbox as the “remote access tool”. This is the base framework for a lot of other very powerful and cool tools that we will be introducing in the next few months. 
  • New 99.99% uptime guarantee. Our critical backend runs on AWS “Serverless” lambda with redundant data centers in geographically isolated regions. If we go down, most of the internet is probably down with us. We have been ensuring people of our reliability since the beginning, now we are putting our money where our mouth is with an Official SLA of 99.99% uptime.
  • Geo IP Whitelisting, Anonymous IP Blocking, Breached Password Protection: We are very aggressive about security and want to be way, way ahead of the curve on this. To that effect, we have added a section on the backend to restrict logins by country code, ISP or IP address. This is in addition to all of our other security features, which you can read all about on our blog post “How we protect your account from bad guys, Russians, and robots”.
  • Phonescan.net: submit tickets with no internet connection! For those of you who don’t know, we have added the ability to submit tickets even without internet access by putting a QR code up on the screen for users to scan with their phone. We have a huge host of network diagnostic tools we are embedding in the QR code being tested internally right now set to go live by next month. Now, if a computer is offline, you’ll start with an idea of where to look, whether it’s an IP conflict, bad DNS, or one of several other common LAN issues. To address the frustrating inconsistencies between how Android and iPhone camera apps handle QR codes, we built phonescan.net to bridge the gap. Now if a ticket fails to submit, end users will get a screen that looks like this. 

Take a second to try it yourselves and let us know how you like phonescan.net, and let us know if it works well on your phone. It can be used for other QR codes, too!

Quality of Life improvements:

  • Device list is now sortable and searchable. We have color-coded the most recent check-in times as well. Expect more improvements to this in the future. 
  • Virus scanning. We have been working much more closely with antivirus vendors and virus-total to make sure that our software isn’t flagged as a false-positive. We have made several changes which should reduce the occurrences of this. Our general recommendation is to white-list our directory, just in case. 
  • Password field removed from the Settings page. Password Managers kept interfering with the update process. So instead we:
  • Added an Account Settings widget to Settings and Home pages. It’s in the top right corner of these pages. Sub-users can change their passwords! We will be breaking the Settings page into multiple pages in the future. 
  • Added Copy MSI URL to Builds page.
  • Failures are now silent. If the script or executable fails now, it will drop an entry into the log and be restarted by the watchdog service rather than put an error on the user’s screen. (Also, this problem has been caused by an anti-virus removing pieces of our platform 99% of the time, so please consider whitelisting our directory.) 
  • Improvements to 2fa new user registration process.
  • “remember this computer” on the 2fa login so you do not have to enter it every time you click a ticket. 
  • Get started documentation. In addition to other documentation we’ve pulled together, we’re working on helping the setup process be clearer to you. We’re also offering demos/walkthroughs if you haven’t been through one yet, where we can show you the full set up and help you with your integrations and deployments. 
  • The ticket links are now slightly more controlled and should return more useful results. 
  • New! Append to Private Note through our update to Advanced Options/Custom Rules.
  • Building a new installer has been sped up by a factor of 20. Whereas it used to take 10 minutes to build a new installer, it now takes 30 seconds.

Bug Fixes

  • Mac address Duplicate devices. Mac addresses are not as unique as we thought they were. Additionally, there are instances like docking stations where machines might change their mac intermittently. We have adopted a more complex methodology for identifying unique machines and you will see this in the v0.6 update. When you push it out, you might see your machine count spike up temporarily as we migrate to the new convention. It should be back to normal within an hour or two of pushing the update as our migration jobs run. 
  • Fixed the logo scaling issue for larger logos on the landing page when windows DPI is turned up.

A note on February 28th. 

We truly want you to benefit from our beta program because your success and feedback makes our product even better. We’re leaving beta on February 28th – that’s three Fridays from now! New pricing will take effect on March 1st. Lock in your current beta pricing for life by installing the Helpdesk Buttons software on 100 devices or by purchasing 100 physical buttons. We’ve added starter packs that include the set up of your PSA Integration, RMM deployment, and any custom rules you dream up and would like help troubleshooting. You can find a pack that suits you, here: https://cms.helpdeskbuttons.com/product-category/starter-pack/.

We’re extending our Beta lock-in period to an undetermined future date for our Australian customers due to wildfires. We recognize it’s mostly NSW and Victoria who are hardest hit, but we have heard first-hand accounts of a few of you who have been tending to family and hometowns and want to support you best we can. 

For our non-Australian clients, if you’ve been wanting to do something about the devastation caused by the fires, here are direct links to the Red Cross and the fire services in the two worst-affected states:  

We’ll add $10 to your Helpdesk Buttons escrow account for every $100 you donate. 

And on that note, we’ll be in touch with our next round of updates at the end of February. If you have any questions, or just want to say hello, give us a call at +1 833-328-8866.

Warmly, 

T2T

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32 thoughts on “Final updates before release. Our biggest update yet!”

  31. Growth hormone secretagogues are a class of peptides that stimulate the pituitary gland to release endogenous growth hormone (GH). Among the most frequently discussed agents in clinical and research circles are Sermorelin, Ipamorelin (often paired with CJC-1295), and Tesamorelin. Each of these molecules has distinct pharmacokinetic profiles, receptor affinities, and therapeutic indications, yet they share a common goal: to increase circulating GH and downstream insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels in a controlled manner.

    —

    Growth Hormone Secretagogues: Comparing Sermorelin, CJC-1295/Ipamorelin, and Tesamorelin

    1. Sermorelin

    Structure & Origin: A synthetic decapeptide that mimics the first six amino acids of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It is a truncated version of the natural peptide, designed to be more stable in circulation.

    Mechanism of Action: Binds to GHRH receptors on somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary, triggering intracellular cyclic AMP production and subsequent GH release.

    Half-Life & Dosing: The half-life is approximately 30–60 minutes. Typical dosing involves a daily subcutaneous injection of 0.2 mg (1.5 µg/kg) at bedtime or early evening to align with the natural circadian rhythm of GH secretion.

    Clinical Use: Approved for diagnosing growth hormone deficiency in adults and children, as well as for therapeutic use in GH-deficient patients. It is also employed off-label for anti-aging protocols and body composition improvement.

    2. Ipamorelin (often combined with CJC-1295)

    Structure & Origin: Ipamorelin is a hexapeptide that selectively activates the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a), but unlike ghrelin, it does not stimulate appetite or cortisol release. CJC-1295 is a growth hormone-releasing hormone analogue containing a 28-amino-acid peptide linked to a PEGylated domain, which extends its half-life.

    Mechanism of Action: Ipamorelin acts as a potent secretagogue by stimulating the same GHSR-1a receptor that ghrelin activates, leading to GH release. CJC-1295 amplifies this effect and provides sustained stimulation due to PEGylation, which protects it from enzymatic degradation.

    Half-Life & Dosing: Ipamorelin alone has a short half-life (~10 minutes), but when combined with CJC-1295 (Pegvisomant) the overall effect can last 24–48 hours. Standard dosing ranges from 100 to 200 µg of Ipamorelin subcutaneously, often combined with 0.1 mg of CJC-1295 daily or thrice weekly.

    Clinical Use: Primarily used in research settings and for body-building communities to enhance muscle mass, reduce fat, and improve recovery. Its appetite-neutral profile makes it attractive for individuals who wish to avoid the caloric side effects associated with ghrelin.

    3. Tesamorelin

    Structure & Origin: A recombinant human GHRH analogue comprising a modified version of natural GHRH that has been engineered for greater stability and potency.

    Mechanism of Action: Similar to Sermorelin, it binds the same GHRH receptors but with higher affinity and longer activity. The peptide is designed to resist degradation by peptidases, resulting in prolonged GH stimulation.

    Half-Life & Dosing: Tesamorelin has a half-life of about 3–4 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing of 1 mg subcutaneously. This regimen produces a sustained increase in GH and IGF-1 levels throughout the day.

    Clinical Use: FDA-approved specifically for reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. It has also been investigated for aging, sarcopenia, and metabolic syndrome due to its ability to modulate body composition.

    Growth Hormone Secretagogues Mechanisms of Action

    Agent Primary Receptor Signaling Pathway Duration of GH Release

    Sermorelin GHRH receptor (GHSR-1a) cAMP → PKA → GH secretion Transient, peaks ~60–90 min post-dose

    Ipamorelin Ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a) Calcium influx → ERK/MAPK → GH release Short; sustained with CJC-1295

    Tesamorelin GHRH receptor cAMP/PKA → prolonged GH stimulation Sustained over 3–4 h, daily dosing

    Signal Transduction: All secretagogues ultimately elevate intracellular cyclic AMP within pituitary somatotrophs. This activates protein kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates transcription factors that enhance GH gene expression and promote exocytosis of GH granules.

    Feedback Regulation: Elevated GH levels stimulate the liver to produce IGF-1, which in turn feeds back negatively on the pituitary via somatostatin release and direct receptor inhibition, preventing excessive GH secretion. The design of secretagogues seeks to mimic physiological peaks rather than cause constant stimulation.

    Increasing IGF-1 Levels

    IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) is the principal mediator of many anabolic effects attributed to GH. Its production is largely hepatic and directly proportional to circulating GH concentrations, but also influenced by nutritional status, sex hormones, and age.

    How Secretagogues Raise IGF-1

    GH Surge: Each injection triggers a spike in GH, which travels via the portal circulation to the liver.

    IGF-1 Synthesis: Hepatocytes respond by upregulating IGF-1 gene transcription and secreting the hormone into systemic circulation.

    Peripheral Effects: IGF-1 binds to its receptors on muscle, bone, and adipose tissue, promoting protein synthesis, inhibiting proteolysis, stimulating osteoblast activity, and modulating lipid metabolism.

    Comparative Outcomes

    Sermorelin: Produces modest IGF-1 increases (~20–30% above baseline) with a relatively low risk of side effects. The response is largely circadian, aligning GH peaks with nighttime secretion patterns.

    Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 Combination: Often results in higher and more prolonged IGF-1 elevations due to the sustained GH release from PEGylated CJC-1295. Users report noticeable improvements in lean body mass and reductions in visceral fat.

    Tesamorelin: Consistently increases IGF-1 by 25–40% over baseline, which correlates with significant reductions in abdominal adiposity in HIV patients. Its daily dosing regimen ensures a steady-state increase that can be advantageous for metabolic control.

    Factors Influencing IGF-1 Response

    Dose and Frequency: Higher doses or more frequent injections elevate GH peaks but risk desensitization or receptor downregulation.

    Patient Age: Younger individuals typically exhibit greater IGF-1 responsiveness due to higher baseline sensitivity of hepatic receptors.

    Nutrition: Adequate protein intake supports the anabolic response; caloric restriction can blunt IGF-1 production even with GH stimulation.

    Co-medications: Somatostatin analogues or dopamine agonists can suppress GH release, thereby reducing IGF-1 synthesis.

    Practical Considerations for Selecting a Secretagogue

    Parameter Sermorelin Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 Tesamorelin

    Regulatory Status Approved for diagnosis; off-label therapy Off-label only FDA approved for HIV lipodystrophy

    Ease of Use Simple daily injection Requires combination, longer prep Straightforward once daily

    Side Effect Profile Mild flushing, nausea Rare appetite changes, mild GI upset Similar to Sermorelin but with potential edema

    Cost Moderate Variable (depends on PEGylation) Higher due to specialty formulation

    Target Indication GH deficiency, anti-aging Body composition, athletic performance HIV lipodystrophy, metabolic syndrome

    —

    Summary

    Growth hormone secretagogues such as Sermorelin, Ipamorelin/CJC-1295, and Tesamorelin provide pharmacologic means to stimulate endogenous GH production through distinct receptor pathways. Their ability to elevate IGF-1 levels translates into tangible benefits for body composition, metabolic health, and specific clinical conditions like HIV lipodystrophy. While Sermorelin offers a physiologic mimic of natural GHRH activity with minimal appetite stimulation, the Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 duo delivers sustained GH release suitable for anabolic goals. Tesamorelin bridges the gap between therapeutic approval and robust IGF-1 elevation, particularly valuable in metabolic disorders. Choosing among them hinges on regulatory status, dosing convenience, desired outcomes, and patient-specific factors such as age, nutritional status, and comorbidities.

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