Comparison
GHRP-6 vs. Tesamorelin
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Growth
Growth
CAS no.
87616-84-0
901758-09-6
Molecular weight
873.02 g/mol
5135.83 g/mol
Half-life
0.4 h
0.4 h
Sequence
His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2trans-3-hexenoyl-Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-Gln-Gln-Gly-Glu-Ser-Asn-Gln-Glu-Arg-Gly-Ala-Arg-Ala-Arg-Leu-NH2Mechanism of action
GHRP-6
GHRP-6 is a high-affinity agonist of the growth-hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR-1a) — the same receptor later shown to bind the endogenous hormone ghrelin. The identification of GHRP-6 as a pharmacological anchor led to cloning of GHSR in 1996 and the discovery of ghrelin itself in 1999. GHRP-6 stimulates pituitary GH secretion via a pathway independent of GHRH and can be combined synergistically with GHRH. Via GHSR in the hypothalamus it additionally activates NPY/AgRP neurons, producing an orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) effect in animal models.
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is an N-terminally modified 44-amino-acid version of human GHRH(1-44). A 3-hexenoyl modification protects against rapid dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV cleavage. Binding to the pituitary GHRH receptor stimulates endogenous pulsatile growth-hormone secretion and consequently hepatic IGF-1 production.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human RCT
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
2
4
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
2
2
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between GHRP-6 and Tesamorelin?
- GHRP-6 is classified as "Growth", while Tesamorelin is classified as "Growth". GHRP-6: Synthetic hexapeptide that founded the class of growth-hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs). Cyril Bowers identified GHRP-6 in the late 1970s as the first orally and parenterally active GH secretagogue with no structural similarity to GHRH. Never approved as a medicine; downstream analogs (GHRP-2, hexarelin, ipamorelin) were pursued clinically. Tesamorelin: Stabilised GHRH analog (growth-hormone-releasing hormone). FDA-approved in 2010 as Egrifta for reduction of abdominal lipohypertrophy in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Not approved for the general population. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, GHRP-6 or Tesamorelin?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for GHRP-6 and "Human RCT" for Tesamorelin. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of GHRP-6 and Tesamorelin in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: GHRP-6 — Unapproved, Tesamorelin — Unapproved. United States: GHRP-6 — Unapproved, Tesamorelin — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.