Tesamorelin vs Sermorelin
Tesamorelin and Sermorelin are both growth hormone-releasing hormones (GHRH). While they share similarities, they differ in their structure and function. Tesamorelin is specifically used for reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV patients with lipodystrophy, while Sermorelin is commonly used in anti-ageing therapies and for treating children with growth hormone deficiency.
What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide, an analogue to growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF). It increases basal and episodic growth hormone (GH) secretion and subsequently influences insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1).
It can be helpful for patients with excess visceral adiposity, who experience a reduction in GH secretion [1].
The typical administration of tesamorelin is subcutaneous and the recommended dose is 2mg per day. This daily dose helps with increasing mean overnight GH, average log10 GH peak area and basal GH secretion. In addition, it also increases IGF-1, however, peripheral insulin-stimulated glucose is preserved [1].
What is Sermorelin?
Sermorelin is a synthetic analogue to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). GHRH is naturally produced in the brain by the hypothalamus and controls the release of human growth hormone (hGH) from the pituitary gland into the bloodstream. hGH is important in healthy growth and development during childhood and adolescence. Afterwards, it maintains tissues and organs healthy throughout life [2].
Sermorelin is administered through subcutaneous injections (injections under the skin) and can be self-administered at home. The injections are typically injected into the stomach or tight [2].
Sermorelin is used in conditions resulting in low hGH levels. In particular, it is used to diagnose and treat children with poor growth and adults with hGH deficiency.
According to some research, sermorelin shown to be beneficial in people with recurrent brain tumours [2].
While some people may claim that Sermorelin can restore the body's natural hGH production or that it can have anti-ageing effects, there is not sufficient research evidence to support this.
However, some older research suggests that Sermorelin may increase general well-being, lean body mass, insulin sensitivity, and libido [2].
What are the differences between Tesamorelin and Sermorelin?
Both Tesamorelin and Sermorelin are synthetic versions of a naturally occurring hormone GHRH. However, they have different structures, uses and effects on the body.
Tesamorelin is of use for people with HIV and abdominal obesity and it helps to decrease visceral adipose tissue and improve muscle quality [3, 4]. It has also been shown to be efficient in reducing liver fat and preventing fibrosis progression in HIV-associated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [4]. It also has effects on hepatic gene pathways, reducing inflammation, tissue repair, and cell division [4].
Sermorelin is a selective estrogen receptor modulator and helps to treat conditions in postmenopausal women. In particular, it has effects on breast, bone, vagina, cardiovascular venous thrombosis risk and brain [5].
For more peptide comparisons, read our blogs about sermorelin vs hexarelin, sermorelin vs CJC-1295, sermorelin vs ipamorelin, tesamorelin vs IGF-1 LR3 or tesamorelin vs ipamorelin.