GH secretagogues compared: sermorelin, ipamorelin, CJC-1295, tesamorelin
Four peptides that all raise growth hormone, by three different mechanisms, with wildly different levels of evidence.
30 July 2026 · 10 MIN READ
Two receptors, two families
Sermorelin, CJC-1295 and tesamorelin are GHRH analogues: they talk to the pituitary through the GHRH receptor. Ipamorelin and hexarelin are ghrelin-receptor agonists working through GHS-R1a. Because the pathways are separate, they are frequently combined in research protocols.
Evidence gradient
Tesamorelin is the only one with FDA approval and Phase 3 outcome data, in HIV-associated visceral fat. Sermorelin had approval historically for paediatric growth-hormone deficiency. Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 were both discontinued before efficacy was established in any indication.
The pulsatility argument
Secretagogues preserve the body's feedback loop, so GH rises in pulses rather than sitting elevated. That is a plausible safety advantage over exogenous HGH, but it has never been tested head-to-head for long-term outcomes in healthy adults.
Educational reference only. Nothing here is medical advice, a dosing protocol or an endorsement of any product. Investigational and research peptides are not approved medicines.