Mechanism difference
| Ipamorelin | Tesamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | GHRP (ghrelin receptor) | GHRH analog |
| Amino acids | 5 | 44 (modified) |
| Half-life | ~2 hours | ~26 minutes |
| FDA status | Research only | FDA-approved (Egrifta) |
| Mechanism | Triggers stored GH release | Stimulates GH production and release |
Often combined
GHRP + GHRH stacks produce amplified GH release. CJC-1295 (longer-acting GHRH) + Ipamorelin is more common than tesamorelin + ipamorelin, but the latter combination is used in research.
When to use which
- Ipamorelin alone: research-grade selective GHRP
- Tesamorelin alone: FDA-approved visceral fat treatment
- Combined: amplified GH release for body composition support
Tesamorelin vs CJC-1295?
Both GHRH analogs. Tesamorelin FDA-approved but shorter half-life. CJC-1295 (with DAC) has longer half-life but not FDA-approved.