Ghrelin 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.
Ghrelin
Endogenous 28-amino acid peptide secreted primarily by the stomach that functions as both the primary hunger signal and a potent growth hormone secretagogue. The n-octanoyl modification at Ser-3 (acylated form) is required for GHS-R1a receptor binding and GH-stimulating activity. Understanding ghrelin explains the mechanism behind the entire GHRP class of research peptides.
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| Ghrelin | Tesamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Performance & Growth Hormone | Performance & Growth Hormone |
| Also known as | GHRL, growth hormone-releasing peptide endogenous, ghrelinergic peptide, acyl ghrelin | Egrifta, Egrifta SV, TH9507, GHRH analog |
| Evidence | Investigational (in trials) | FDA-approved |
| Dosing range | 0.5mcg/kg–2mcg/kg mcg/kg, IV or SC bolus; endogenous levels peak pre-meal | 1.28mg–2mg mg, once daily (subcutaneous) |
| Administration | Intravenous (research), Subcutaneous injection | Subcutaneous injection (abdomen, with site rotation) |
| Key side effects | Appetite stimulation, Transient hyperglycemia, Water retention, GH pulse stimulation | Injection site reactions (erythema, pruritus), Peripheral edema, Arthralgia (joint pain), Myalgia |
| Cited sources | 2 references | 5 references |
Key differences
- Evidence level differs: Ghrelin is investigational (in trials), while Tesamorelin is fda-approved.
- Administration: Ghrelin — Intravenous (research), Subcutaneous injection; Tesamorelin — Subcutaneous injection (abdomen, with site rotation).
- Dosing units differ: Ghrelin is dosed in mcg/kg, Tesamorelin in mg — they operate at different scales.
- Frequency: Ghrelin is typically IV or SC bolus; endogenous levels peak pre-meal; Tesamorelin is once daily (subcutaneous).
- Research depth: this profile cites 2 sources for Ghrelin vs 5 for Tesamorelin.
How each works
Ghrelin
Ghrelin was discovered in 1999 as the endogenous ligand for the GHS-R1a receptor. Its acylated form activates GH release from the pituitary, stimulates appetite via NPY/AgRP hypothalamic neurons, and modulates energy homeostasis and fat storage. The des-acyl form (majority of circulating ghrelin) lacks GHS-R1a activity but has independent cardiovascular and cellular effects.
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.