GHRP-2 vs Tesamorelin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
GHRP-2
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2 (GHRP-2) is considered one of the most potent GHRPs available. It provides strong GH release with moderate hunger increase compared to GHRP-6.
Full details →Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It is FDA-approved under the brand name Egrifta for reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | GHRP-2 | Tesamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 100 mcg–300 mcg | 2 mg |
| Frequency | 3x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 8–12 weeks | 8–52 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) to stimulate GH release from the pituitary. Also has some direct effects on the hypothalamus. Causes less appetite increase than GHRP-6. | Stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone by binding to GHRH receptors. Increases IGF-1 levels which promotes lipolysis and reduces visceral adipose tissue. |
| Typical Dosage | Typical dosing: 100-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily. Often stacked with GHRH peptides for enhanced GH release. | FDA-approved dose: 2mg administered subcutaneously once daily. Research protocols may use various dosing schedules. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection on an empty stomach. Can be used at bedtime to enhance natural GH pulse during sleep. | Subcutaneous injection into the abdomen. Rotate injection sites. Best administered at the same time daily, preferably in the evening. |
| Side Effects | Moderate hunger increase, water retention, potential prolactin and cortisol elevation (less than GHRP-6), tingling sensations. | Common side effects include injection site reactions (erythema, pruritus), joint pain, peripheral edema, and muscle pain. May cause elevated blood glucose. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
GHRP-2, Tesamorelin are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to GHRP-2:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Muscle Growth: GHRP-2 has stronger research support.
- Fat Loss: Tesamorelin has stronger research support.
| Goal | GHRP-2 | Tesamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Growth | high | medium |
| Fat Loss | medium | high |
Key Studies
GHRP-2
- On the road of dried blood spot sampling for antidoping tests: Detection of GHRP-2 abuse.
Drug testing and analysis, 2021
- Effects of GHRP-2 and Cysteamine Administration on Growth Performance, Somatotropic Axis Hormone and Muscle Protein Deposition in Yaks (Bos grunniens) with Growth Retardation.
PloS one, 2016
- Ghrelin receptor agonist, GHRP-2, produces antinociceptive effects at the supraspinal level via the opioid receptor in mice.
Peptides, 2014
Tesamorelin
- Tesamorelin as an Adjunct to Exercise for Improving Physical Function in HIV (TRIUMPH): a clinical trial protocol.
BMJ open, 2026
- Effects of Tesamorelin on Neurocognitive Impairment in Persons With HIV and Abdominal Obesity.
The Journal of infectious diseases, 2025
- Efficacy and safety of tesamorelin in people with HIV on integrase inhibitors.
AIDS (London, England), 2024
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