Reviewed Mar 2026 | Sources: PubMed

Sermorelin vs Tesamorelin: Head-to-Head Comparison

Both are GHRH analogs but tesamorelin is FDA-approved and has Phase III data for visceral fat reduction. Sermorelin was previously FDA-approved for pediatric use and is widely prescribed off-label in anti-aging clinics. Tesamorelin is more potent but substantially more expensive.

Side-by-Side Comparison

DimensionSermorelinTesamorelin
Evidence LevelFormerly FDA-approved; extensive clinical usePhase III trials; currently FDA-approved
FDA StatusPreviously approved (withdrawn commercially)Currently FDA-approved (Egrifta)
MechanismGHRH(1-29) analogModified GHRH analog with enhanced potency
Primary UseGH deficiency, anti-agingHIV lipodystrophy, visceral fat reduction
Half-Life~10-20 minutes~26-38 minutes
Side EffectsFlushing, headache, injection painArthralgia, injection site reactions, edema
CostLow to moderate (widely compounded)Very high (brand-name pharmaceutical)
Evidence Level
Sermorelin
Formerly FDA-approved; extensive clinical use
Tesamorelin
Phase III trials; currently FDA-approved
FDA Status
Sermorelin
Previously approved (withdrawn commercially)
Tesamorelin
Currently FDA-approved (Egrifta)
Mechanism
Sermorelin
GHRH(1-29) analog
Tesamorelin
Modified GHRH analog with enhanced potency
Primary Use
Sermorelin
GH deficiency, anti-aging
Tesamorelin
HIV lipodystrophy, visceral fat reduction
Half-Life
Sermorelin
~10-20 minutes
Tesamorelin
~26-38 minutes
Side Effects
Sermorelin
Flushing, headache, injection pain
Tesamorelin
Arthralgia, injection site reactions, edema
Cost
Sermorelin
Low to moderate (widely compounded)
Tesamorelin
Very high (brand-name pharmaceutical)

Peptide Overviews

Sermorelin

AFDA Approved

Sermorelin is the shortest fully functional fragment of GHRH (amino acids 1-29). It was the first GHRH analog approved by the FDA, marketed as Geref for diagnostic and therapeutic use.

Growth Hormone SecretagoguesFDA Approved
View full Sermorelin profile →

Tesamorelin

AFDA Approved

Tesamorelin is a synthetic GHRH analog approved by the FDA as Egrifta for reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy.

Growth Hormone SecretagoguesFDA Approved
View full Tesamorelin profile →

Sermorelin vs Tesamorelin: FAQ

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No claims of therapeutic efficacy are made for substances that are not FDA-approved for the discussed indications. Research citations reflect published findings and do not imply endorsement.