Sermorelin vs Tesamorelin: evidence, status and structure
A side-by-side look at Sermorelin and Tesamorelin, using the data on each VALREXA profile. Neither comparison is a recommendation.
Key differences
- Tesamorelin has stronger human evidence (Approved use) than Sermorelin (Controlled trials).
- Their U.S. status differs: Sermorelin falls under Discontinued in U.S. (Formerly approved; discontinued); Tesamorelin falls under FDA-approved (FDA-approved for one indication).
- Tesamorelin is about 1.5× heavier than Sermorelin (~5,135.9 vs ~3,357.9 Da).
| Sermorelin | Tesamorelin | |
| Research class | Endocrine & Growth | Endocrine & Growth |
| Human evidence | Controlled trials | Approved use |
| U.S. status | Formerly approved; discontinued | FDA-approved for one indication |
| 2026 compounding decision | — | — |
| Amino acids | 29 | 44 |
| Molecular weight | ~3,357.9 Da | ~5,135.9 Da |
| Formula | Varies by form | Varies by form |
| Sequence | YADAIFTNSYRKVLGQLSARKLLQDIMSR | — |
| Research period | 1982 | 2000s |
| Safety summary | Historical FDA-approved products were discontinued; present formulations should not be assumed FDA-approved. | FDA-approved for reduction of excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy; important warnings and monitoring apply. |
How they differ
Both are analogues of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Sermorelin is the first 29 amino acids of GHRH; its U.S. product was discontinued. Tesamorelin is a full-length, 44-amino-acid GHRH analogue with a chemical modification that slows its breakdown. It is FDA-approved for one use: reducing excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
What each one is
Sermorelin: Synthetic analog of the first 29 residues of growth hormone-releasing hormone. Molecular weight, sequence, research history, human evidence and regulatory status.
Tesamorelin: Synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone. Molecular weight, sequence, research history, human evidence and regulatory status.
Educational reference only. Nothing here is medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or dosing or sourcing guidance. Report an error.