Tesamorelin vs Larazotide Acetate
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Growth Hormone PeptidesFat Loss & Metabolic
TesamorelinRecovery & Repair
Larazotide Acetate- Summary
- Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved synthetic GHRH analog specifically indicated for reduction of excess abdominal (visceral) fat in HIV patients with lipodystrophy. It is the only GHRH peptide with FDA approval for a fat-reduction indication and is studied off-label for metabolic syndrome and cognitive function.
- Larazotide acetate is an 8-amino acid peptide (Gly-Gly-Val-Leu-Val-Gln-Pro-Gly) derived from Zonula Occludens Toxin (ZOT) of Vibrio cholerae. It paradoxically acts as a ZOT antagonist to close tight junctions and reduce intestinal permeability ('leaky gut'). It is the most advanced clinical compound targeting gut permeability directly.
- Half-Life
- ~26 minutes
- Local gut action; minimal systemic exposure
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 2 mg
- 0.5-2 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- 3x daily
- Key Benefits
- FDA-approved for visceral fat reduction in HIV lipodystrophy
- Significant reduction in trunk/visceral fat (average 15–20% in trials)
- Improved triglyceride and lipid profiles
- Potential cognitive benefits and memory improvement
- Preserves lean mass while reducing fat
- Natural pulsatile GH stimulation
- Directly reduces intestinal tight junction permeability
- Clinical efficacy in celiac disease (Phase 3 trials)
- Reduces systemic inflammation from gut permeability
- Targets root cause of leaky gut (Zonulin pathway)
- Local gut action without systemic absorption
- Potential application in IBS, IBD, autoimmune conditions
- Side Effects
- Injection site reactions (redness, irritation)
- Arthralgia and joint pain
- Peripheral edema
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- +2 more
- Headache (mild, dose-dependent)
- Nausea (rare)
- Well-tolerated overall in clinical trials
- Stacks With
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