Comparison
Sermorelin vs tesamorelin: how do the two GHRH peptides compare?
Both copy growth-hormone-releasing hormone. Tesamorelin is FDA-approved as Egrifta, only to reduce excess belly fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, and its label says it is not for weight loss. Sermorelin was once sold as Geref for growth hormone deficiency in children; it is no longer marketed and is now prepared by compounding pharmacies.
How do Sermorelin and Tesamorelin compare?
| Attribute | Sermorelin | Tesamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory status | Compounded · Prescription | FDA-approved · Prescription |
| Human evidence | Emerging evidence | Moderate human evidence |
| Comes as | Injection (compounded) | Daily injection |
| How you get it | A prescription, prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy. Not FDA-approved. 7 providers are listed on DiscoverMedica. | A prescription from a licensed clinician, filled by a licensed pharmacy. 1 provider is listed on DiscoverMedica. |
| What it isSermorelinMetabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor (tesamorelin) in patients with HIV (NEJM 2007) | A 29-amino-acid version of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) | A modified GHRH analog |
| Approved forSermorelinFederal Register (Mar 4, 2013)Egrifta label | Nothing today. Geref was used for growth hormone deficiency in children and is no longer sold; FDA found in 2013 that this was not for safety or effectiveness | Reducing excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy (Egrifta) |
| Key trialSermorelinMetabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor (tesamorelin) in patients with HIV (NEJM 2007) | Pediatric studies: improved growth over 12 months, less than growth hormone itself | NEJM 2007: visceral fat fell 15.2% at 26 weeks, versus a 5.0% rise on placebo |
| For weight lossEgrifta label | No good trials in adults | The label says it is not indicated for weight loss and is weight-neutral |
| Tested sportWADA 2026 Prohibited List (Dutch Treaty Series, Trb. 2026, 25) | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Key risksSermorelinEgrifta label | Facial flushing and injection-site pain were the main side effects in pediatric studies. Compounded injectables are not FDA-reviewed, so sterility and strength depend on the pharmacy. | Joint pain, injection-site reactions, swelling and muscle aches are common. Label warnings cover raised IGF-1, fluid retention, glucose intolerance, allergic reactions and cancer risk. Not for use in pregnancy, active cancer or pituitary disorders. |
| Listed prices | Listed starting prices run from $99 to $199.99 across 6 providers, checked October 7, 2026. | 1 provider lists it without a public price. |
Status, evidence, formats, routes and prices come from each compound’s page. Prices are the providers’ own listed starting prices, which may exclude a membership fee and change often; they are not DiscoverMedica’s prices.
Is tesamorelin or sermorelin FDA-approved?
Tesamorelin is, as Egrifta, for one use: reducing excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Its label says it is not indicated for weight loss and that its long-term cardiovascular safety has not been established. Any other use is off-label. Egrifta label
Sermorelin has no current approved product. It was sold as Geref, and in 2013 FDA determined that Geref was not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness, which allows FDA to consider generic applications. Federal Register (Mar 4, 2013)
What do trials show for sermorelin and tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin has the stronger data. In a 2007 NEJM trial of 412 adults with HIV and excess abdominal fat, visceral fat fell 15.2% over 26 weeks with tesamorelin and rose 5.0% with placebo, and IGF-1 rose by 81%. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor (tesamorelin) in patients with HIV (NEJM 2007)
Sermorelin’s best evidence is older pediatric work: it improved growth over 12 months in some children with growth hormone deficiency, but less than growth hormone itself, and its effect on adult height was not established. Sermorelin
Why do people ask about sermorelin and tesamorelin off-label?
Both are marketed for body composition and aging, beyond their evidence. The Egrifta label warns about raised IGF-1, fluid retention and glucose intolerance: in trials, about 5% of people on tesamorelin developed a raised HbA1c, versus 1% on placebo. Compounded sermorelin is not reviewed by FDA. Egrifta label
Which might suit whom: Sermorelin or Tesamorelin?
Which, if either, fits depends on your diagnosis and goals. Questions worth asking:
- Do I have HIV-associated lipodystrophy, the one approved use for tesamorelin?
- Has my growth hormone or IGF-1 been tested, and what would treatment aim to change?
- How would we monitor blood sugar and IGF-1 on either one?
- Given my cancer history, is stimulating growth hormone safe for me?
- If you prescribe compounded sermorelin, which pharmacy makes it and how is it tested?
DiscoverMedica does not recommend one over the other. Only a licensed clinician who knows your history can decide.
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Adds Sermorelin, Tesamorelin to My Journal, with the questions to ask a clinician. It stays in this browser, and nothing on it is a commitment.
Where to get each
Licensed providers that list each one on DiscoverMedica, by name. The full list is on each compound’s page.
- See all 7 offers for SermorelinFrom $126 first monthlisted, checked September 23, 2026Visit$175/molisted, checked October 7, 2026Visit
- Compare them on the Tesamorelin pageTHERA patient support (Egrifta WR)Egrifta WR (tesamorelin), branded, via specialty pharmacysee siteVisit
Prices as listed by the provider when we checked; they change.
Sermorelin vs Tesamorelin: questions, answered
Is tesamorelin stronger than sermorelin?
They have not been compared directly. Tesamorelin has a large randomized trial showing visceral fat reduction in adults with HIV, and an FDA approval for that use. Sermorelin’s data are mostly older pediatric studies. Neither is proven for general fat loss or anti-aging, and the Egrifta label says tesamorelin is not indicated for weight loss.
Is tesamorelin the same as Egrifta?
Yes. Egrifta is the brand name for tesamorelin, made by Theratechnologies, and Egrifta WR is a newer formulation. It is FDA-approved, prescription only, to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Use for other goals is off-label.
Are sermorelin and tesamorelin banned in sport?
Yes. WADA’s 2026 Prohibited List names both sermorelin and tesamorelin as growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogues, a prohibited class.
What do sermorelin and tesamorelin cost?
Sermorelin: Listed starting prices run from $99 to $199.99 across 6 providers, checked October 7, 2026. Tesamorelin: 1 provider lists it without a public price. Listed prices change often, and insurance changes the real cost.
Sources
- DailyMed: Egrifta WR (tesamorelin) prescribing information
- Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor (tesamorelin) in patients with HIV (NEJM 2007)
- Federal Register (Mar 4, 2013): Geref (sermorelin acetate) not withdrawn for reasons of safety or effectiveness
- Sermorelin: a review of its use in children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency (BioDrugs 1999)
- WADA 2026 Prohibited List (Dutch Treaty Series, Trb. 2026, 25)
- PubChem: Sermorelin (CID 16132413)
- DailyMed: Egrifta (tesamorelin) prescribing information
- PubChem: Tesamorelin (CID 16137828)
Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Every source above was checked on or before that date. Educational information only, not medical advice; it does not replace a conversation with a licensed clinician. DiscoverMedica does not employ clinicians.