Hexarelin 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.
Hexarelin
Hexarelin is a potent synthetic hexapeptide GHRP (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide) that stimulates GH release via the ghrelin receptor. It produces among the highest GH pulses of any GHRP, but also elevates cortisol and prolactin — a trade-off that distinguishes it from more selective options like Ipamorelin.
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| Hexarelin | Tesamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Performance & Growth Hormone | Performance & Growth Hormone |
| Also known as | Examorelin, EP 23905, MF-6003 | Egrifta, Egrifta SV, TH9507, GHRH analog |
| Evidence | Preclinical only | FDA-approved |
| Dosing range | 50mcg–200mcg mcg, 1–3x daily (cycling recommended to prevent desensitization) | 1.28mg–2mg mg, once daily (subcutaneous) |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection | Subcutaneous injection (abdomen, with site rotation) |
| Key side effects | Cortisol elevation, Prolactin elevation, Water retention, Increased appetite | Injection site reactions (erythema, pruritus), Peripheral edema, Arthralgia (joint pain), Myalgia |
| Cited sources | 1 reference | 5 references |
Key differences
- Evidence level differs: Hexarelin is preclinical only, while Tesamorelin is fda-approved.
- Administration: Hexarelin — Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection; Tesamorelin — Subcutaneous injection (abdomen, with site rotation).
- Dosing units differ: Hexarelin is dosed in mcg, Tesamorelin in mg — they operate at different scales.
- Frequency: Hexarelin is typically 1–3x daily (cycling recommended to prevent desensitization); Tesamorelin is once daily (subcutaneous).
- Research depth: this profile cites 1 source for Hexarelin vs 5 for Tesamorelin.
How each works
Hexarelin
Hexarelin produces dose-dependent GH release significantly greater than GHRP-6 or Ipamorelin. It also has direct cardioprotective effects via CD36 receptor binding, independent of GH — making it unique among GHRPs. Studies show protection from ischemic cardiac injury and myocardial fibrosis reduction in animal models. Desensitization occurs with chronic continuous use.
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.