ACE-031 vs Tesamorelin
A neutral, side-by-side comparison of two performance & growth hormone peptides — their mechanisms, dosing ranges, administration routes, side effects, and research evidence. For research and educational purposes only.
ACE-031
Soluble form of activin type IIB receptor (ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein) that acts as a myostatin and activin trap. Blocks the primary signals that limit muscle growth by sequestering myostatin, activin, and related ligands before they reach cell surface receptors. Phase 2 trials in Duchenne muscular dystrophy demonstrated significant lean mass increases.
Full profileTesamorelin
Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Approved in 2010 as Egrifta, it is the only GHRH peptide with an approved clinical indication — reduction of excess visceral abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It has the most robust human trial evidence of any growth hormone secretagogue, including dedicated studies on visceral fat and liver fat.
Full profile| ACE-031 | Tesamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Performance & Growth Hormone | Performance & Growth Hormone |
| Also known as | ACVR2B-Fc, ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein | Egrifta, Egrifta SV, TH9507, GHRH analog |
| Evidence | Investigational (in trials) | FDA-approved |
| Dosing range | 0.3mg/kg–3mg/kg mg/kg, every 2–4 weeks (subcutaneous injection) | 1.28mg–2mg mg, once daily (subcutaneous) |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection | Subcutaneous injection (abdomen, with site rotation) |
| Key side effects | Nosebleeds (epistaxis — most common reported AE), Telangiectasia (visible small blood vessel dilation), Gum bleeding, Elevated hemoglobin | Injection site reactions (erythema, pruritus), Peripheral edema, Arthralgia (joint pain), Myalgia |
| Cited sources | 2 references | 5 references |
Key differences
- Evidence level differs: ACE-031 is investigational (in trials), while Tesamorelin is fda-approved.
- Administration: ACE-031 — Subcutaneous injection; Tesamorelin — Subcutaneous injection (abdomen, with site rotation).
- Dosing units differ: ACE-031 is dosed in mg/kg, Tesamorelin in mg — they operate at different scales.
- Frequency: ACE-031 is typically every 2–4 weeks (subcutaneous injection); Tesamorelin is once daily (subcutaneous).
- Research depth: this profile cites 2 sources for ACE-031 vs 5 for Tesamorelin.
How each works
ACE-031
ACE-031 functions as a decoy receptor, binding myostatin, activin A/B, GDF-11, and BMP-9 in circulation before they can activate cellular ActRIIB receptors. In the Duchenne muscular dystrophy Phase 2 trial, ACE-031 produced meaningful lean body mass increases but was halted due to vascular side effects (epistaxis, telangiectasia) requiring dose and safety optimization.
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin stimulates pulsatile growth hormone (GH) release from the pituitary, raising serum IGF-1 and preferentially reducing visceral adipose tissue (VAT). FDA-registration trials (Falutz et al., NEJM 2007; JAIDS 2010) showed ~15% VAT reduction versus placebo over 26 weeks. Later randomized trials (Stanley et al., JAMA 2014; Lancet HIV 2019) extended the evidence to liver fat, showing meaningful reductions in hepatic fat fraction and attenuated fibrosis progression in HIV-associated NAFLD.
This comparison aggregates public research and structured profile data for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not recommend either compound for human use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any peptide.