SHLP2 vs Tesamorelin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
SHLP2
SHLP2 (Small Humanin-Like Peptide 2) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide similar to humanin. It has shown insulin-sensitizing and cytoprotective effects in research, with potential metabolic benefits.
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 | SHLP2 | Tesamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 1 mg–5 mg | 2 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 4–8 weeks | 8–52 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Provides cytoprotective effects similar to humanin. May act through similar but distinct receptor pathways. | 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 | Research compound with doses in the microgram to low milligram range studied in animal models. Human dosing not established. | FDA-approved dose: 2mg administered subcutaneously once daily. Research protocols may use various dosing schedules. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research settings. Various SHLP analogs (1-6) have different properties. | Subcutaneous injection into the abdomen. Rotate injection sites. Best administered at the same time daily, preferably in the evening. |
| Side Effects | Limited data. Animal studies suggest good tolerability. May affect glucose metabolism. | 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
SHLP2, Tesamorelin are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to SHLP2:
Unique to Tesamorelin:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Fat Loss: Tesamorelin has stronger research support.
| Goal | SHLP2 | Tesamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Loss | low | high |
Key Studies
SHLP2
- Mitochondrial Peptide SHLP2 Limits Poly(I: C)-Induced Alveolar Epithelial Injury by Modulating Redox, Apoptotic, Inflammatory, and Inflammasome Responses.
Cytotechnology, 2026
- SHLP2 restores pre-osteoblastic cells against oxidative stress-induced inflammaging.
Scientific reports, 2025
- SHLP2 alleviates allergic asthma by inhibiting ETV5/GSDMD signaling pathway-mediated pyroptosis.
Cellular signalling, 2025
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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