Tesamorelin Vs Ipamorelin: Key Differences, Benefits, And Uses Tesamorelin Vs Ipamorelin: Key Differences, Benefits, And Uses Tesamorelin vs Ipamorelin: What are the Key Differences, Benefits, and Uses This comparison explores two popular growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) – Tesamorelin and Ipamorelin. Both target the pituitary to stimulate growth hormone release, yet they differ in structure, clinical indications, dosing schedules, and side-effect profiles. What Are Tesamorelin and Ipamorelin? Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs. It has an extended half-life allowing once-daily subcutaneous injections. Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide belonging to the ghrelin receptor agonist family. It mimics natural ghrelin but with higher selectivity for growth hormone release and minimal stimulation of other pituitary hormones. Tesamorelin Overview FDA approved for reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Administered subcutaneously once daily, typically 2 mg per dose. Approved dosing schedule: 5–10 days on, 3–4 days off to monitor insulin sensitivity and lipid profile. Ipamorelin Overview Not FDA approved for any indication but widely used in research, anti-aging clinics, and bodybuilders. Common doses range from 1000–3000 µg per injection, given twice daily (morning and evening). Shorter half-life (~30 minutes) necessitates multiple daily injections. Mechanisms of Action Tesamorelin activates GHRH receptors → ↑cAMP → growth hormone release. It also modestly increases insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Ipamorelin binds to ghrelin receptors on somatotrophs, stimulating GH secretion without significant cortisol or prolactin elevation.