Peptide Comparison

Tesamorelin vs Sermorelin

A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research.

Te

Tesamorelin

Growth Hormone
VS
Se

Sermorelin

Growth Hormone

Tesamorelin and Sermorelin are both GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone) analogs that stimulate the pituitary to release growth hormone. However, they have significant differences in their regulatory status, structure, and researched applications. Tesamorelin is the only GHRH with current FDA approval, specifically for visceral fat reduction.

Quick Comparison

Aspect
Tesamorelin
Sermorelin
FDA Status
Currently FDA-approved (Egrifta)
Previously FDA-approved, now discontinued
Approved Indication
HIV-associated lipodystrophy (visceral fat)
Was approved for GH deficiency diagnosis
Structure
Full 44 amino acids of GHRH + stabilizing modification
First 29 amino acids of GHRH (GRF 1-29)
Half-Life
Longer due to chemical modification
Short (minutes)
Dosing
2 mg once daily
100-300 mcg once daily
Research Focus
Visceral fat reduction, cognitive function
General GH stimulation, anti-aging
Clinical Evidence
Phase III trials for fat reduction
Extensive but older clinical data
Cost
Expensive (FDA-approved drug)
More affordable (research peptide)
Availability
Prescription only in US
Research chemical status

Key Similarities

  • Both are GHRH analogs that stimulate natural GH release
  • Both work at GHRH receptors on the pituitary
  • Both produce physiological GH release patterns
  • Both are well-tolerated with minimal side effects
  • Both can be combined with GHRPs for enhanced effects
  • Both maintain natural feedback mechanisms

Key Differences

  • Tesamorelin is currently FDA-approved; Sermorelin is not
  • Tesamorelin has proven efficacy for visceral fat reduction
  • Tesamorelin contains the full GHRH sequence; Sermorelin is truncated
  • Tesamorelin is significantly more expensive
  • Sermorelin has a longer history of use in anti-aging
  • Tesamorelin requires a prescription; Sermorelin is a research peptide

When to Choose Each

Choose Tesamorelin

Choose Tesamorelin when specifically targeting visceral fat reduction and you want FDA-approved medication with proven clinical efficacy. It's the gold standard for GHRH peptides but comes at a higher cost.

Choose Sermorelin

Choose Sermorelin for general GH stimulation and anti-aging purposes when cost is a factor. Its long track record and good safety profile make it a popular choice despite lack of current FDA approval.

Can You Stack Them?

Both can be combined with GHRPs like Ipamorelin for synergistic GH release. Due to Tesamorelin's higher cost, some use Sermorelin for daily GH support and add Tesamorelin specifically when fat loss is the priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tesamorelin has clinical trial evidence specifically for visceral fat reduction. Sermorelin may help with body composition but doesn't have the same level of evidence for fat loss.
As an FDA-approved drug (Egrifta), Tesamorelin carries the costs of pharmaceutical development, approval, and manufacturing standards. Generic competition doesn't exist.
Sermorelin may support fat metabolism through GH elevation, but it lacks the specific clinical evidence for fat loss that Tesamorelin has. Results may be less predictable.
They work similarly as GHRH analogs, but Tesamorelin's full GHRH sequence and stabilizing modification may provide more consistent and potent effects.

References

  1. Falutz J, et al. "Tesamorelin for visceral fat." NEJM, 2007. PMID: 17989381
  2. Walker RF. "Sermorelin clinical applications." Drugs, 2006. PMID: 16929329

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