Sermorelin vs Tesamorelin
Two GHRH analogs: sermorelin, the classic short-acting GH-releasing therapy, vs tesamorelin — the one with an approved use, studied for visceral-fat outcomes. Here's a neutral, sourced side-by-side — no hype, every claim links to its evidence.
Sermorelin
ApprovedAlso: GRF 1-29, GHRH 1-29
Sermorelin is a substance that tells your body to make more of its own growth hormone. Growth hormone is a natural body chemical that helps with healing, muscle, and energy.
Tesamorelin
ApprovedAlso: Egrifta, LN18178 (TesNor®)
Tesamorelin is a lab-made copy of a natural body chemical that tells the brain's pituitary gland to release growth hormone. It is a short chain of building blocks called amino acids, made in a lab.
At a Glance
| Sermorelin | Tesamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Research status | Approved | Approved |
| Highest-tier evidence | Peer-reviewed study | Peer-reviewed study |
| Research citations | 10 | 8 |
| Dosing routes | SubQ | SubQ |
| Receptor targets | GHRH receptor | GHRH receptor |
| Half-life | — | — |
| Known side effects | 46 | 23 |
Research Areas
Top preclinical research areas — cited studies for each.
Sermorelin
- Reliable GH stimulation testing
- Stimulates endogenous GH
Tesamorelin
- Reduces visceral abdominal fat (HIV lipodystrophy)
- Improves body image
How People Use It
Reported routines — research only, not medical advice.
Sermorelin
- SubQ — 0.2 - 0.3 mg once daily at bedtime
- SubQ — 500/500 mcg increasing to 1,000/1,000 mcg
- SubQ — Sermorelin 200 to 300 mcg plus ipamorelin 200 to 300 mcg
Tesamorelin
- SubQ — 11.6MG
- SubQ — 1MG
- SubQ — 2MG
- SubQ — Tesamorelin 1–1.4 mg + Ipamorelin 100–200 mcg
The Evidence
Key studies — click through to verify each on PubMed.
Sermorelin
10 sourced studies
- Source
Sermorelin: a review of its use in the diagnosis and treatment of children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency.
Review2008 Key study 84/100Rated 84/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Stimulatory effect of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH(1-29)NH2) on the proliferation, VEGF and chromogranin A secretion by human neuroendocrine tumor cell line NCI-H727 in vitro.
2009 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Study of the activation mechanism of human GRF(1-29)NH2 on rat mast cell histamine release.
1995 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
PubChem - Compound - Sermorelin
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Tesamorelin
8 sourced studies
- Source
Spotlight on tesamorelin in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Review2011 Key study 88/100Rated 88/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Egrifta (tesamorelin) prescribing information
Guideline2020 90/100Rated 90/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
PubChem - Compound - Tesamorelin
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Tesamorelin: a review of its use in the management of HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
2011 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Decision Guide
How to Choose
Neither is a “winner” — they suit different goals. Compare the documented benefits and evidence above against what you’re actually trying to achieve, note the research status (approved vs research-stage), and read each full guide before deciding. Many people also stack peptides rather than pick one.
Source Sermorelin
Shop SermorelinSource Tesamorelin