Tesamorelin and sermorelin are both GHRH analogs that stimulate the body's own growth hormone, and both have regulatory histories — but different current standing. Tesamorelin is an actively FDA-approved drug (Egrifta) for HIV-related visceral fat; sermorelin was previously approved (Geref) and is now typically supplied through compounding.
At a glance
| Tesamorelin | Sermorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | GHRH analog | GHRH analog (GHRH 1–29) |
| Brand name | Egrifta | Geref (discontinued) |
| FDA status | Approved | Formerly approved; now compounded |
| Approved use | Visceral fat in HIV lipodystrophy | Historic diagnostic/pediatric GH uses |
| Mechanism | Stimulates pituitary GH release | Stimulates pituitary GH release |
| Sport status | Banned (WADA) | Banned (WADA) |
The bottom line
Bottom line: Both are GHRH analogs, but tesamorelin is a currently-approved drug with a specific indication and trial evidence, whereas sermorelin's approval lapsed and it now reaches patients mainly via compounding pharmacies. Neither is an approved general anti-aging or physique therapy, and both are banned in sport.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between tesamorelin and sermorelin?
Both are GHRH analogs that boost growth hormone. Tesamorelin is currently FDA-approved (Egrifta) for HIV-related visceral fat; sermorelin was previously approved and is now usually compounded.
Is sermorelin still FDA-approved?
Sermorelin's branded product (Geref) was discontinued; it is now typically supplied through compounding pharmacies rather than as an approved branded drug. Tesamorelin remains approved.
Are they used for anti-aging?
Neither is an approved anti-aging therapy. Tesamorelin's approval is specific to HIV lipodystrophy. Both are prohibited in sport.
References
Combined peer-reviewed sources from both peptide guides. Inclusion is not endorsement.
- Falutz J, Allas S, Blot K, et al. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. N Engl J Med. 2007. Peer-reviewed study
- Stanley TL, Falutz J, Mamputu JC, et al. Effects of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2014. Peer-reviewed study
- Russo SC, Ockene MW, Arpante AK, et al. Efficacy and safety of tesamorelin in people with HIV on integrase inhibitors. AIDS. 2024. Peer-reviewed study
- Grunfeld C, Dritselis A, Kirkpatrick P. Tesamorelin. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2011. Peer-reviewed study
- Dhillon S. Tesamorelin: a review of its use in the management of HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Drugs. 2011. Peer-reviewed study
- Spooner LM, Olin JL. Tesamorelin: a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Ann Pharmacother. 2012. Peer-reviewed study
- Walker RF. Sermorelin: a better approach to management of adult-onset growth hormone insufficiency? Clin Interv Aging. 2006. Peer-reviewed study
- Kerrigan JR, Martha PM Jr, Blizzard RM, et al. Treatment with GHRH(1-29)NH2 in children with idiopathic short stature induces a sustained increase in growth velocity. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1994. Peer-reviewed study
- Prakash A, Goa KL. Sermorelin: a review of its use in the diagnosis and treatment of children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency. BioDrugs. 1999. Peer-reviewed study
- Chang Y, Huang R, Zhai Y, et al. A potentially effective drug for patients with recurrent glioma: sermorelin. Ann Transl Med. 2021. Peer-reviewed study