Tesamorelin vs Sermorelin
How they differ on evidence quality, dosing schedule, half-life and cost.
| Tesamorelin | Sermorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence grade | AApproved, phase 3 data | CSmall or early human studies only |
| Studied for | Growth-hormone and belly-fat peptide | Growth-hormone support peptide |
| Half-life | About 26 to 38 minutes | About 11 to 12 minutes |
| Schedule | Once daily, subcutaneous | Once daily at night, subcutaneous |
| Amount in research | 2 mg daily | 100–300 mcg at bedtime |
| Vial sizes sold | 5 mg, 10 mg | 5 mg, 10 mg |
| Cost | $17.80 per dose | No verified price yet |
Tesamorelin has the stronger evidence base, graded A against C. Phase 3 data. Approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Sermorelin sits lower because: Human data is mainly historical pediatric use. Adult use is off-label with thin evidence. That is a wide gap, not a close call. Anything said about Sermorelin in people is far more provisional than what can be said about Tesamorelin.
An evidence grade describes how strong the research is, and it is not a safety rating or a recommendation. A higher grade on an approved drug does not make a research-use version of it approved.
Tesamorelin
Rather than adding growth hormone to the body, tesamorelin nudges the pituitary gland to release more of its own. It binds to GHRH receptors on the gland, which raises growth hormone in the natural on and off pulses the body already uses. That in turn lifts IGF-1 and encourages the body to burn fat, with the strongest effect on the deep abdominal fat that sits around the organs. Because the signal still runs through the body's own feedback loop, output stays self limiting in a way that injecting growth hormone directly is not.
Sermorelin
Sermorelin is the first 29 amino acids of GHRH, the shortest piece that still triggers growth hormone release. It prompts the pituitary to put out its own growth hormone in normal pulses, which is why it was long used as a test of pituitary function and studied in growth hormone deficiency.
Tesamorelin
- Studied for reduction of excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV lipodystrophy.
- May lower triglycerides and improve some lipid measures.
- Raises GH and IGF-1 by mimicking growth-hormone-releasing hormone.
- Studied for modest effects on liver fat and cognition in small trials.
Sermorelin
- Historically used to diagnose and treat childhood growth hormone deficiency.
- Stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone by acting as a GHRH fragment.
- Studied for raised IGF-1 and possible body-composition effects in adults.
- May support sleep quality in some users through GH-axis effects.
Tesamorelin
- Injection-site reactions such as redness, itching and pain.
- Joint pain, swelling and fluid retention from GH elevation.
- Can raise blood glucose and reduce insulin sensitivity.
- Visceral fat returns after stopping, and use is not advised in active cancer.
Sermorelin
- Injection-site pain, redness and swelling are common.
- Flushing, headache and dizziness reported.
- Fluid retention and joint discomfort from GH elevation.
- Adult long-term safety and benefit are not well established.
Which has better evidence, Tesamorelin or Sermorelin?
Tesamorelin, graded A against C. Phase 3 data. Approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
How do the dosing schedules differ?
Tesamorelin: Once daily, subcutaneous. Sermorelin: Once daily at night, subcutaneous.
How do their half-lives compare?
Tesamorelin: About 26 to 38 minutes. Sermorelin: About 11 to 12 minutes. Half-life is what the dosing frequency follows from.
Can Tesamorelin and Sermorelin be studied together?
Some research protocols pair compounds and some do not. There is no combined trial data for this pairing on file here, so treat any stacking claim you read elsewhere as untested.
Tesamorelin
Growth-hormone and belly-fat peptideA growth-hormone peptide with real trial data on stubborn belly fat.
AApproved, phase 3 dataSermorelin
Growth-hormone support peptideA gentle growth-hormone peptide that nudges the body to make more of its own.
CSmall or early human studies only