Sermorelin and tesamorelin are both growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analogs, studied for stimulating the pituitary gland's own growth hormone release rather than supplying growth hormone directly. Sermorelin comprises the first 29 amino acids of natural GHRH and was historically FDA-approved as Geref, a product since discontinued. Tesamorelin is a stabilized GHRH analog currently FDA-approved as Egrifta for a specific indication.
At a glance
| Sermorelin | Tesamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | GHRH analog made of GHRH's first 29 amino acids; long used to support natural GH production | Stabilized GHRH analog, FDA-approved as Egrifta for visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy |
| How it's thought to work | Binds pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate the body's own pulsatile growth hormone release | Stimulates pulsatile GH release, raising IGF-1 and preferentially mobilizing visceral abdominal fat |
| Regulatory status | Originally FDA-approved as Geref, since discontinued; compounded versions today are not FDA-approved | FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy specifically; other uses are off-label |
| Strength of evidence | Historically FDA-approved and used diagnostically; extensive clinical familiarity from that approved history | Multiple human clinical trials support visceral fat reduction; basis for FDA approval |
| Reported side effects | Injection site reactions, flushing, headache, mild water retention; generally milder than direct GH | Injection site reactions, joint pain, fluid retention, tingling, elevated blood sugar |
| Common vial sizes | 2mg, 5mg | 2mg, 5mg, 10mg |
| Mixing math example | 5 mg + 2 mL BAC water = 2,500 mcg/mL, 25 mcg per unit | 5 mg + 2 mL BAC water = 2,500 mcg/mL, 25 mcg per unit |
Key differences
Sermorelin is studied for binding pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate pulsatile growth hormone release generally, preserving the body's natural feedback regulation. Tesamorelin is studied for the same GHRH pathway but is specifically linked to elevating IGF-1 and preferentially mobilizing visceral abdominal fat, the fat stored around internal organs, which is the basis for its approved use in reducing visceral fat.
Sermorelin's branded product, Geref, was FDA-approved but has since been discontinued; compounded versions available today are not themselves FDA-approved. Tesamorelin remains FDA-approved as Egrifta specifically for HIV-associated lipodystrophy; use for other purposes is off-label and not FDA-approved.
Sermorelin's reported side effects, injection site reactions, flushing, headache, and mild water retention, are described as generally milder than those of direct growth hormone. Tesamorelin's reported side effects add joint pain, fluid retention, tingling in the extremities, and elevated blood sugar, and monitoring of IGF-1 and glucose is part of its reported profile.
What the research covers
Sermorelin was historically FDA-approved under the brand name Geref and used diagnostically to test for growth hormone deficiency, giving it extensive clinical familiarity even though that branded product is discontinued. Tesamorelin has multiple clinical trials supporting visceral fat reduction, which led to its current FDA approval as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy specifically.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sermorelin and tesamorelin?
Both are GHRH analogs. Sermorelin's original approved product has been discontinued, while tesamorelin remains FDA-approved as Egrifta for a specific indication tied to visceral fat reduction.
Is sermorelin or tesamorelin FDA-approved?
Tesamorelin is currently FDA-approved as Egrifta. Sermorelin's branded product, Geref, was FDA-approved but has since been discontinued; compounded versions today are not FDA-approved.
Which has more human research, sermorelin or tesamorelin?
Both have clinical trial history. Sermorelin has extensive clinical familiarity from its approved diagnostic history; tesamorelin has multiple clinical trials supporting its current approved indication.
Are sermorelin and tesamorelin the same thing?
No. Both are GHRH analogs but are distinct molecules with different current FDA status and different studied effects on body fat.
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