Research Comparison

Tesamorelin vs Ipamorelin: GHRH vs GHS Receptor Comparison

Tesamorelin and ipamorelin both stimulate growth hormone release but through entirely different receptor mechanisms. Tesamorelin is a GHRH receptor agonist, while ipamorelin is a ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist.

Property
Tesamorelin
Ipamorelin
Amino Acids
44
5
MW
5,135.9 Da
711.85 Da
Target Receptor
GHRH-R
GHS-R1a (ghrelin)
CAS
218949-48-5
170851-70-4
FDA Status
Approved (Egrifta)
Investigational
Selectivity
GHRH-R specific
Selective GHS (no cortisol/ACTH)

Mechanism Comparison

Tesamorelin is a 44-amino-acid GHRH analog with a trans-3-hexenoic acid N-terminal modification. It activates the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs. Falutz et al. (2010, PMID: 20554713) reported a −15.4% reduction in visceral adipose tissue in a phase 3 RCT.

Ipamorelin is a 5-amino-acid selective GHS-R1a agonist. Raun et al. (1998, PMID: 9849822) demonstrated it stimulates GH release without significantly affecting cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH — making it one of the most selective ghrelin mimetics studied.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between tesamorelin and ipamorelin?+
They target different receptors. Tesamorelin activates the GHRH receptor (44 amino acids, MW 5136 Da). Ipamorelin activates the ghrelin receptor GHS-R1a (5 amino acids, MW 712 Da). Tesamorelin has FDA approval; ipamorelin is investigational.

Research Use Only

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