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Growth Hormone Axis
A selective growth-hormone secretagogue with a clean side-effect profile.
Growth Hormone Axis
The only GHRH analog FDA-approved today, and only to reduce excess belly fat in HIV lipodystrophy.
Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved and rated 3/5 for evidence; Tesamorelin is FDA-approved and rated 5/5. Tesamorelin has more human evidence behind it. Both are banned in sport by WADA. Both are used for growth hormone axis goals.
Often used together: Sometimes combined (GHRH + GHRP) though no formal trials exist.
| Compare | Ipamorelin A selective growth-hormone secretagogue with a clean side-effect profile. | Tesamorelin The only GHRH analog FDA-approved today, and only to reduce excess belly fat in HIV lipodystrophy. |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Hormone Axis | Growth Hormone Axis |
| Evidence | 3/5Phase 2 human trials for postoperative ileus; GH-release effects are well documented in humans. | 5/5Phase 3 RCTs in HIV lipodystrophy led to FDA approval; off-label populations less studied. |
| FDA status | Not FDA-approved | FDA-approved (Egrifta, 2010) |
| WADA (sport) | Banned | Banned |
| Also known as | NNC 26-0161 | Egrifta, TH9507 |
| How it works | Ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist producing a short, pulsatile GH release. Often paired with a GHRH analog (CJC-1295, sermorelin) for a stronger combined pulse. | Stimulates pituitary GH release through the GHRH receptor, raising IGF-1 and reducing visceral adipose tissue while preserving the natural pulse pattern. |
| Half-life | About 2 hours | About 25–40 minutes |
| Commonly reported doses |
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| Route | Subcutaneous | Subcutaneous, abdomen |
| Good once mixed | ~30 days in the fridge | ~14 days in the fridge |
| Top side effects |
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| Lowest research-listing price per mg | $3.00 (10 mg vial, 40% off) | $4.20 (10 mg vial, 40% off) |
| Latest lab purity | 99.79% (lot IPA0002) | 99.61% (lot TES0003) |
Want a third? Add another peptide. Doses are commonly reported ranges, not recommendations.
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Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved and rated 3/5 for evidence; Tesamorelin is FDA-approved and rated 5/5. Tesamorelin has more human evidence behind it. Both are banned in sport by WADA. Both are used for growth hormone axis goals.
Ipamorelin: Not FDA-approved. Tesamorelin: FDA-approved (Egrifta, 2010). Regulations change, so confirm with the FDA.
Ipamorelin is rated 3 out of 5: Phase 2 human trials for postoperative ileus; GH-release effects are well documented in humans. Tesamorelin is rated 5 out of 5: Phase 3 RCTs in HIV lipodystrophy led to FDA approval; off-label populations less studied. The scale is explained on our methodology page.
Ipamorelin is banned by WADA, by name or as part of a named class. Tesamorelin is banned by WADA, by name or as part of a named class.
Sometimes combined (GHRH + GHRP) though no formal trials exist. That describes how some people use them, not a recommendation.