Source comparison
Quick Comparison
Drug class: Tesamorelin is a GHRH analog; Ipamorelin is a GHRP (ghrelin mimetic). Receptor target: Tesamorelin targets GHRH-R on pituitary somatotrophs; Ipamorelin targets GHS-R1a (the ghrelin receptor). Molecular weight: Tesamorelin approximately 5,136 Da (44
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- Drug class: Tesamorelin is a GHRH analog; Ipamorelin is a GHRP (ghrelin mimetic).
- Receptor target: Tesamorelin targets GHRH-R on pituitary somatotrophs; Ipamorelin targets GHS-R1a (the ghrelin receptor).
- Molecular weight: Tesamorelin approximately 5,136 Da (44 amino acids); Ipamorelin approximately 711 Da (5 amino acids).
- FDA status: Tesamorelin is approved (Egrifta SV) for HIV lipodystrophy; Ipamorelin is not approved and is a research compound.
- Clinical evidence: Tesamorelin has Phase 3 trials with over 800 patients and CT-measured fat reduction; Ipamorelin has a Phase 2 pilot for post-operative ileus (discontinued) plus early selectivity studies.
- Primary effect: Tesamorelin drives visceral fat reduction, IGF-1 elevation, and cognitive benefits; Ipamorelin amplifies GH pulses with benefits for body composition, recovery, and sleep.
- Standard dose: Tesamorelin 1–1.4 mg subcutaneous daily; Ipamorelin 100–200 mcg subcutaneous one to three times daily.
- Time to body composition results: Tesamorelin 8–16 weeks for fat reduction, with full effect at 26 weeks; Ipamorelin 6–12 weeks.
- Key advantage: Tesamorelin offers Phase 3 evidence and preserves pituitary feedback architecture; Ipamorelin produces no cortisol or prolactin elevation through its selective GHS-R1a activity.
- Key limitation: Tesamorelin is prescription-only and contraindicated in active malignancy; Ipamorelin has no Phase 3 evidence and produces modest individual GH pulses.
- WADA status: Both are prohibited (S2).
- Cortisol effect: Tesamorelin has mild potential cortisol effects that are GH-mediated; Ipamorelin has none at therapeutic doses.
- Cost: Tesamorelin is higher cost (pharmaceutical-grade); Ipamorelin is lower cost (research chemical).