Head to head
Tesamorelin against Ipamorelin
The approved GHRH analogue against the unapproved ghrelin mimetic it is most often blended with. They act on different receptors, they have half-lives that differ enormously, and only one of them has phase 3 data behind an approved indication.
Column A
TesamorelinTesamorelin (stabilized GHRH analogue)
An FDA-approved GHRH analogue that reduces visceral fat, now also studied for cognition in older adults at Alzheimer's risk.
Column B
IpamorelinIpamorelin Acetate
A selective growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin receptor agonist that stimulates pulsatile GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin.
Side by side, on the facts we can check
| Attribute | Tesamorelin | Ipamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Hormone | Growth Hormone |
| FDA status | FDA-approved (Egrifta) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy | Not FDA-approved |
| Half-life | ~26-38 minutes | ~2 hours |
| Molecular weight | 5,135.9 Da | 711.85 Da |
| Mechanism | Activates pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate physiological, pulsatile growth hormone release, preserving hypothalamic feedback. | Agonizes the ghrelin/GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) on the pituitary, stimulating pulsatile growth hormone secretion. |
| Human studies cited | 4 | 1 |
| Legal status, US | FDA-approved for a specific indication, prescription only | Not approved; research use only |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Tesamorelin and Ipamorelin?
Tesamorelin: An FDA-approved GHRH analogue that reduces visceral fat, now also studied for cognition in older adults at Alzheimer's risk. Ipamorelin: A selective growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin receptor agonist that stimulates pulsatile GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin.
Which has stronger research evidence, Tesamorelin or Ipamorelin?
This database does not grade compounds. It counts what was run in people: 4 of the 5 studies cited on the Tesamorelin profile were human work, against 1 of 3 for Ipamorelin. Those counts are of our own citation lists and understate any larger literature, and neither is a recommendation.
Are Tesamorelin and Ipamorelin FDA-approved?
Tesamorelin: FDA-approved (Egrifta) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Ipamorelin: Not FDA-approved.
Related posts
Blog articles that cover Tesamorelin or Ipamorelin, newest first.
Reviewed Sep 2026. This page sets two published records side by side. It is educational, it is not medical advice, and it contains no dosing protocols or recommendations for personal use.