Ipamorelin vs Sermorelin vs Tesamorelin
A three-way comparison to help you find the right peptide for your research goals.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin.
Full details →Sermorelin
Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of GHRH consisting of the first 29 amino acids of the natural hormone. It was previously FDA-approved for GH deficiency diagnosis and treatment in children.
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 | Ipamorelin | Sermorelin | Tesamorelin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Acts as a ghrelin mimetic, binding to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) in the pituitary to stimulate GH release. Highly selective with minimal effect on other hormones. | Binds to GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland to stimulate natural GH production and release. Maintains the body's natural feedback mechanisms for GH regulation. | 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 ranges from 200-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily, often combined with CJC-1295. | Typical dosing: 200-500mcg administered once daily, usually before bed. Some protocols use twice daily dosing. | FDA-approved dose: 2mg administered subcutaneously once daily. Research protocols may use various dosing schedules. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Best results when administered fasted or before sleep. Often stacked with GHRH peptides. | Subcutaneous injection, preferably at bedtime to work with natural GH release patterns. Can be combined with GHRPs for synergistic effects. | Subcutaneous injection into the abdomen. Rotate injection sites. Best administered at the same time daily, preferably in the evening. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause mild headaches, lightheadedness, or increased hunger initially. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause injection site reactions, headache, flushing, or dizziness. Less side effects than direct GH administration. | 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
Ipamorelin, Sermorelin, Tesamorelin are all commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Ipamorelin:
Unique to Sermorelin:
Detailed Analysis
Commonalities
Both Ipamorelin and Sermorelin are commonly used for Muscle Growth, Fat Loss, Recovery & Healing, Sleep Quality.
Which Should You Choose?
Ipamorelin has stronger evidence for Muscle Growth, Fat Loss, Sleep Quality.
Commonalities
Both Ipamorelin and Tesamorelin are commonly used for Muscle Growth, Fat Loss.
Which Should You Choose?
Ipamorelin has stronger evidence for Muscle Growth.
Commonalities
Both Sermorelin and Tesamorelin are commonly used for Muscle Growth, Fat Loss.
Which Should You Choose?
Tesamorelin has stronger evidence for Fat Loss.