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Sermorelin vs Tesamorelin

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The key difference

Both are GHRH analogs. Sermorelin is the first 29 amino acids of natural GHRH; it was once FDA-approved but was discontinued by its manufacturer. Tesamorelin is a stabilized full-length GHRH analog that is FDA-approved to reduce excess abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Side by side

What it is
SermorelinA GHRH analog comprising the first 29 amino acids of growth hormone releasing hormone, historically used to assess and stimulate pituitary GH output. A gentler, physiologic GH peptide.
TesamorelinA stabilized GHRH analog FDA-approved to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Studied for its strong effect on visceral adipose tissue.
Research status
SermorelinResearch chemical
TesamorelinClinical
Category
SermorelinGrowth Hormone Secretagogues
TesamorelinGrowth Hormone Secretagogues, Weight & Metabolic
Half-life
SermorelinApproximately 10-20 minutes
TesamorelinApproximately 26-38 minutes
Routes
Sermorelinsubcutaneous
Tesamorelinsubcutaneous
Reported dosing
SermorelinResearch and historical clinical references cite ~100-500 mcg per dose, typically once daily before bed to align with nocturnal GH release. Educational reference only.
TesamorelinThe approved clinical regimen is 2 mg once daily by subcutaneous injection. Stated as the labeled clinical dose, not personal advice.
Studied for
Sermorelin
  • Stimulates the body's own GH production
  • Preserves natural GH feedback and pulsatility
  • Supports recovery, body composition, and sleep
  • Historically used in pediatric GH-deficiency diagnostics
Tesamorelin
  • FDA-approved reduction of visceral abdominal fat in HIV lipodystrophy
  • Increases GH and IGF-1 while preserving pulsatility
  • Improves lipid profile in clinical trials
  • May improve cognition in some studies
Side effects
Sermorelin
  • Injection-site flushing or pain
  • Headache or dizziness
  • Transient flushing of the face
  • Possible water retention
Tesamorelin
  • Injection-site reactions (redness, itching, pain)
  • Arthralgia (joint pain) and peripheral edema
  • Tingling or numbness in extremities
  • Possible reduction in glucose tolerance
Cited studies
Sermorelin3 on its page
Tesamorelin5 on its page

How Sermorelin works

Sermorelin is a truncated GHRH (1-29) analog that binds the pituitary GHRH receptor, stimulating the synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone. Because it works upstream on the pituitary rather than supplying exogenous GH, it preserves natural feedback regulation. Its short half-life produces a brief, physiologic GH pulse, and it synergizes with ghrelin mimetics.

Full Sermorelin profile →

How Tesamorelin works

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of human GHRH stabilized against enzymatic degradation, binding pituitary GHRH receptors to increase endogenous GH and IGF-1. The resulting GH elevation enhances lipolysis, with a particularly pronounced effect on visceral adipose tissue. It preserves pulsatile GH release while achieving clinically meaningful reductions in deep abdominal fat.

Full Tesamorelin profile →

Dosing shown is what research and community sources report, not a recommendation. For educational and research purposes only; not medical advice. How we source this

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