ComparisonTesamorelin vs sermorelin
Tesamorelin and sermorelin are both growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogs: each prompts the pituitary to release the body's own growth hormone rather than replacing it. They differ mainly in their approval history and the setting each was studied in, so this comparison is about that context rather than ranking one over the other.
Reviewed for accuracy · Last reviewed July 7, 2026 Side by side
TesamorelinSermorelin
ClassStabilized GHRH analogGHRH (1-29) analog
Route and frequencySubcutaneous, once dailySubcutaneous, once daily (typically at night)
Approval statusFDA-approved (Egrifta) for HIV-associated lipodystrophyFormerly approved as Geref, later discontinued commercially; now compounded off-label
Typical use contextReducing excess visceral (abdominal) fat in HIV lipodystrophyHistorically GH-reserve testing and pediatric GH deficiency
Evidence basePhase 3 trials and a current product labelOlder clinical review literature from its approved era
Which is right for you
The clearest difference is regulatory. Tesamorelin has a current FDA approval (as Egrifta) with Phase 3 trial evidence and a product label, whereas sermorelin's approval (as Geref) was discontinued commercially, and the sermorelin people encounter today is typically compounded off-label rather than an FDA-approved finished-drug product.
Both work the same way at a high level: as GHRH analogs, they stimulate the pituitary to release its own growth hormone, and both are dosed as daily subcutaneous injections. Tesamorelin was developed and studied specifically for visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy, while sermorelin's clinical record centers on diagnostic testing and pediatric growth-hormone deficiency.
Neither of these is a basis for choosing one over the other on your own. Which, if either, is appropriate is a medical decision, and compounded products carry no guarantee of the purity or accuracy testing a regulated product does.
FAQ
Are tesamorelin and sermorelin the same thing?No. Both are GHRH analogs that prompt the pituitary to release growth hormone, but they are different molecules with different histories: tesamorelin is FDA-approved as Egrifta, while sermorelin was approved as Geref and later discontinued, now used off-label through compounding.
Which is FDA-approved, tesamorelin or sermorelin?Tesamorelin has a current FDA approval as Egrifta for HIV-associated fat accumulation. Sermorelin was approved as Geref but later discontinued commercially, so compounded sermorelin is not a current FDA-approved finished-drug product.
Do tesamorelin and sermorelin work the same way?Broadly yes: both are GHRH analogs that stimulate the pituitary to release the body's own growth hormone, and both are daily subcutaneous injections. They differ mainly in stability, approval history, and the clinical settings each was studied in.
This page is an independent educational reference and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before starting any compound.