Tesamorelin vs Sermorelin: the honest comparison
Tesamorelin has the strongest clinical evidence of any GHRH analog — FDA approved for HIV-associated visceral adipose reduction, with documented IGF-1 and visceral-fat effects in trials. Sermorelin has longer clinical history but weaker modern evidence. For visceral-fat goals, Tesamorelin wins; for general GH-axis support, either works.
Side-by-side facts
| Tesamorelin | Sermorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | GHRH analog | Growth hormone-releasing hormone analog (GHRH 1-29) |
| Half-life | Approximately 30 minutes | Approximately 10–20 minutes |
| Typical dose | 1–2 mg daily subcutaneous | 100–500 mcg per injection, typically at bedtime 5 days per week |
| Category | Growth hormone axis | GH secretagogue (GHRH) |
| FDA status | FDA approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy (visceral fat reduction). | Previously FDA approved for pediatric GH deficiency (withdrawn in 2008 for commercial reasons, not safety). Widely compounded. |
| Storage | Lyophilized refrigerated. | Lyophilized refrigerated. |
What they have in common
Both are synthetic GHRH analogs that raise pituitary GH and IGF-1 output. Both are injectable, both have been FDA approved (Sermorelin historically as Geref; Tesamorelin currently as Egrifta).
When to pick Tesamorelin
Pick Tesamorelin when the goal is specifically visceral fat reduction. The Falutz trials showed measurable VAT reduction in HIV-lipodystrophy at clinically meaningful doses (2 mg/day). Tesamorelin also has modern pharmacokinetic data and an active FDA label.
When to pick Sermorelin
Pick Sermorelin when you want a general, low-commitment GH-axis-support compound with the deepest historical safety record. Sermorelin has been used in pediatric GH deficiency for decades; the safety dataset outside of FDA-labeled indications is also substantial.
Can you stack them?
Generally not — both are GHRH analogs on the same receptor. Pick one as your GHRH input and pair with a GHRP.
The two compounds
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a stabilized analog of human GHRH, FDA approved for reducing excess visceral adipose tissue in HIV-associated lipodystroph…
Sermorelin
Sermorelin is a truncated 29-amino-acid analog of endogenous growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It stimulates the pituitary to rele…
Track either compound on iPhone
Peptide Protocol schedules doses, calculates reconstitution, and logs side effects for both — on iPhone, free to download.
See the app →Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Tesamorelin and Sermorelin?
Evidence depth. Tesamorelin has modern trial data for a specific fat-loss indication; Sermorelin has decades of use but weaker differentiating trial data against newer GHRH analogs.
Can you stack Tesamorelin and Sermorelin?
Generally not — both are GHRH analogs on the same receptor. Pick one as your GHRH input and pair with a GHRP.
Which is better, Tesamorelin or Sermorelin?
Tesamorelin has the strongest clinical evidence of any GHRH analog — FDA approved for HIV-associated visceral adipose reduction, with documented IGF-1 and visceral-fat effects in trials. Sermorelin has longer clinical history but weaker modern evidence. For visceral-fat goals, Tesamorelin wins; for general GH-axis support, either works.
When should I pick Tesamorelin?
Pick Tesamorelin when the goal is specifically visceral fat reduction. The Falutz trials showed measurable VAT reduction in HIV-lipodystrophy at clinically meaningful doses (2 mg/day). Tesamorelin also has modern pharmacokinetic data and an active FDA label.
When should I pick Sermorelin?
Pick Sermorelin when you want a general, low-commitment GH-axis-support compound with the deepest historical safety record. Sermorelin has been used in pediatric GH deficiency for decades; the safety dataset outside of FDA-labeled indications is also substantial.
Are Tesamorelin and Sermorelin FDA approved?
Tesamorelin: FDA approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy (visceral fat reduction). — Sermorelin: Previously FDA approved for pediatric GH deficiency (withdrawn in 2008 for commercial reasons, not safety). Widely compounded.
Educational use only. Peptide Protocol is an informational tool. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice. Many peptides are prescription-only or restricted in your jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before injecting any compound.