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Sermorelin and ipamorelin are two synthetic peptides used to stimulate growth hormone release, while tesamorelin is another peptide in the same family with a slightly different profile. All three act by mimicking natural growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) or its analogues, but they differ in potency, duration of action, side-effect profile, and clinical applications.
Tesamorelin vs Sermorelin vs Ipamorelin
The first distinction lies in their molecular structure. Tesamorelin is a modified form of GHRH that contains 44 amino acids and has a longer half-life than sermorelin or ipamorelin. Sermorelin, on the other hand, is a shorter peptide consisting of 29 amino acids that closely resembles the first nine residues of native GHRH; it is designed to be rapidly cleared from circulation. Ipamorelin is a hexapeptide (six amino acids) that selectively activates the growth hormone secretagogue receptor without significant prolactin or cortisol release.
Potency and duration of action
Because tesamorelin has an extended half-life, a single daily dose can produce sustained stimulation of endogenous growth hormone secretion for several hours. Sermorelin requires more frequent dosing (often two to three times per day) to maintain adequate GH levels because it is cleared from the body relatively quickly. Ipamorelin’s short duration allows it to be used in repeated injections throughout the day, but each dose produces a brief surge of growth hormone that returns to baseline within 30–60 minutes.
Clinical uses
Tesamorelin is approved by regulatory agencies for the treatment of excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Its long action makes it convenient for patients who prefer once-daily therapy and has been studied extensively for metabolic benefits such as improved lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity.
Sermorelin and ipamorelin are two synthetic peptides used to stimulate growth hormone release, while tesamorelin is another peptide in the same family with a slightly different profile. All three act by mimicking natural growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) or its analogues, but they differ in potency, duration of action, side-effect profile, and clinical applications.
Tesamorelin vs Sermorelin vs Ipamorelin
The first distinction lies in their molecular structure. Tesamorelin is a modified form of GHRH that contains 44 amino acids and has a longer half-life than sermorelin or ipamorelin. Sermorelin, on the other hand, is a shorter peptide consisting of 29 amino acids that closely resembles the first nine residues of native GHRH; it is designed to be rapidly cleared from circulation. Ipamorelin is a hexapeptide (six amino acids) that selectively activates the growth hormone secretagogue receptor without significant prolactin or cortisol release.
Potency and duration of action
Because tesamorelin has an extended half-life, a single daily dose can produce sustained stimulation of endogenous growth hormone secretion for several hours. Sermorelin requires more frequent dosing (often two to three times per day) to maintain adequate GH levels because it is cleared from the body relatively quickly. Ipamorelin’s short duration allows it to be used in repeated injections throughout the day, but each dose produces a brief surge of growth hormone that returns to baseline within 30–60 minutes.
Clinical uses
Tesamorelin is approved by regulatory agencies for the treatment of excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Its long action makes it convenient for patients who prefer once-daily therapy and has been studied extensively for metabolic benefits such as improved lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity.