Octreotide vs Tesamorelin
These two sit at opposite ends of the GH axis. Octreotide mimics somatostatin to suppress GH (it is used in acromegaly), while tesamorelin mimics GHRH to stimulate GH release.
Octreotide
A long-acting synthetic analogue of somatostatin — the hormone that switches growth-hormone release off.
BEST STUDIED FOR
GH secretagogues
Read the cited profile →
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a stabilised synthetic analogue of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH).
BEST STUDIED FOR
GHRH-analogue and visceral-fat research
R1 199View product →
Side by side · to buy
Price, purity and dispatch
| Compare | Octreotide | Tesamorelin10 mg · more sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — | fromR1,199 |
| Cost per mg | — | R120 / mg |
| Purity (Janoshik) | — | On request |
| Stock | — | Restocking |
| Dispatch | — | When restocked |
| Certificate | — | Request CoA |
| Literature | — | 3 papers → |
| Research focus | GH secretagogues | GHRH-analogue and visceral-fat research |
| Read the cited profile | Notify me |
Prices are read live from the catalogue. Cost per mg is the vial price over its stated mg. Purity is shown only where the certificate is published. Every compound is supplied for laboratory research only.
SIDE BY SIDE
| Octreotide | Tesamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| The key difference | Somatostatin analogue — suppresses GH | GHRH analogue — stimulates GH |
| Class | GH secretagogues | GH secretagogues |
| Mechanism | Octreotide binds somatostatin receptors (mainly SSTR2), suppressing GH, IGF-1 and many gut hormones. | Tesamorelin is a stabilised synthetic analogue of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). |
| Status | Approved for acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumours, with injectable, depot and oral forms; also used in chylothorax and other off-label settings. | An approved medicine (US) for excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy; research use elsewhere. |
| Reported safety signals | Gallstones and gastrointestinal effects are the class-recognised adverse effects; glucose regulation can shift. | Label-level trial data exist for its approved indication, including IGF-1 elevation and injection-site effects. |
| A key study | Reviews octreotide’s chemistry, pharmacology, clinical uses and adverse effects. (Clin Pharm 1989, PMID 2653711) | A pooled analysis of two phase-3 trials reported that tesamorelin reduced visceral adipose tissue in HIV patients with excess abdominal fat. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010, PMID 20554713) |
WHEN TO RESEARCH WHICH
Octreotide models GH suppression and neuroendocrine tumour control; tesamorelin models GH stimulation. Both are discussed here strictly as research compounds; nothing on this page is medical advice or a dosing guide.
REFERENCES (PUBMED)
- [Octreotide] Octreotide, a new somatostatin analogue — Clin Pharm 1989. PMID 2653711
- [Octreotide] Octreotide Subcutaneous Depot for Acromegaly: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Phase 3 Trial, ACROINNOVA 1 — J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2025. PMID 39378125
- [Octreotide] Treatment of acromegaly with oral octreotide — Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024. PMID 38443224
- [Tesamorelin] Effects of tesamorelin (TH9507), a growth hormone-releasing factor analog, in HIV-infected patients with excess abdominal fat: a pooled analysis of two multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 trials — J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010. PMID 20554713
- [Tesamorelin] Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial — JAMA 2014. PMID 25038357
- [Tesamorelin] Effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor, in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial with a safety extension — J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2010. PMID 20101189
FREQUENTLY ASKED
What is the difference between Octreotide and Tesamorelin?
These two sit at opposite ends of the GH axis. Octreotide mimics somatostatin to suppress GH (it is used in acromegaly), while tesamorelin mimics GHRH to stimulate GH release.
What is the regulatory status of Octreotide and Tesamorelin?
Octreotide: Approved for acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumours, with injectable, depot and oral forms; also used in chylothorax and other off-label settings. Tesamorelin: An approved medicine (US) for excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy; research use elsewhere.
What safety signals have been reported?
Octreotide: Gallstones and gastrointestinal effects are the class-recognised adverse effects; glucose regulation can shift. Tesamorelin: Label-level trial data exist for its approved indication, including IGF-1 elevation and injection-site effects.
Which studies is this comparison based on?
For Octreotide: “Octreotide, a new somatostatin analogue” (PMID 2653711); “Octreotide Subcutaneous Depot for Acromegaly: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Phase 3 Trial, ACROINNOVA 1” (PMID 39378125); “Treatment of acromegaly with oral octreotide” (PMID 38443224). For Tesamorelin: “Effects of tesamorelin (TH9507), a growth hormone-releasing factor analog, in HIV-infected patients with excess abdominal fat: a pooled analysis of two multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 trials” (PMID 20554713); “Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial” (PMID 25038357); “Effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor, in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial with a safety extension” (PMID 20101189).
MORE COMPARISONS
All products supplied for research purposes only. Not for human consumption.
In stock · ships from South Africa
In stock now
Supplied for laboratory research only · not for human use