Side-by-side · Research reference

GHRP-2vsTesofensine

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

APhase 2Reviewed15/42 cited

BPhase 3Draft10/40 cited

GHRP-2

Hexapeptide GHRP · Phase 2 (clinical diagnostic)

100–300 mcgPer doseBowers 1990

Phase 2Evidence levelBowers 1990 Sigalos 2018

~30 minHalf-lifeMalagón 1999

SQ · Multiple sites · 1–3×/day

Tesofensine

SNDRI · Phase 3 obesity candidate

0.25–0.5 mgDaily doseAstrup 2008

9.2 kgWeight ↓ (24 wk)Astrup 2008

Phase 3Evidence levelAstrup 2008

Oral · Once daily morning

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

GHRP-2

Tesofensine

Primary target

Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on anterior pituitaryBowers 1990

Serotonin / norepinephrine / dopamine transporters (SERT / NET / DAT)Astrup 2008

Pathway

GHS-R1a → Gαq → Ca²⁺ → GH vesicle exocytosisBowers 2002

Triple monoamine reuptake inhibition → ↑synaptic 5-HT, NE, DA → appetite suppression + thermogenesisAstrup 2008

Downstream effect

Strong GH pulse + IGF-1 elevation; appetite increase via ghrelin agonismBowers 2002

Strong appetite suppression, mild thermogenic effect, weight lossAstrup 2008

Feedback intact?

Yes, with somatostatin feedback active

—

Origin

Synthetic hexapeptide; developed by Bowers/Tulane group in the 1980sBowers 1990

Small molecule developed by NeuroSearch (Denmark) for CNS indications, repurposed for obesityAstrup 2008

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

GHRP-2

Tesofensine

Standard dose

100–300 mcg per injectionBowers 1990

0.25–0.5 mg / dayAstrup 2008

Frequency

1–3× per day

Once daily, morning

Lower / starter dose

50 mcg per dose

0.125 mg / day

Evidence basis

Phase 2 + clinical diagnostic useBowers 1990

Phase 2b + ongoing Phase 3Astrup 2008

Duration

8–12 weeks on / 4 off (anecdotal)

24 weeks per studied cycle

Reconstitution

Bacteriostatic water

—

Timing

Pre-sleep + fasted preferred

Morning to avoid sleep disruption

Half-life

~30 minMalagón 1999

~9 days (very long)

Form

—

Oral capsule

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

GHRP-2

Tesofensine

Cortisol elevation

Mild but measurableBowers 1990

—

Prolactin elevation

Mild but measurable

—

Hunger

Strong appetite increase

—

Injection site reaction

Mild erythema

—

IGF-1 elevation

Strong; monitor with chronic high-dose use

—

Cancer risk

Contraindicated in active malignancy

—

Pregnancy / OB

Avoid

Contraindicated

Heart rate / BP

—

Dose-dependent ↑ HR + BPAstrup 2008

Insomnia

—

Dose-related; mitigate with morning timing

Dry mouth

—

Common

Nausea

—

Common

Mood changes

—

Anxiety / agitation possible

Cardiovascular events

—

Phase 3 trial monitoring; not yet FDA-cleared

Absolute Contraindications

GHRP-2

·Active malignancy
·Pregnancy / breastfeeding

Tesofensine

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Severe cardiovascular disease
·Concurrent MAOI use

Relative Contraindications

GHRP-2

·Untreated diabetes

Tesofensine

·Hypertension
·Anxiety disorder
·Insomnia

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

GHRP-2

Tesofensine

1. Reconstitution

Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to 5 mg vial → 2.5 mg/mL.

Oral capsule (investigational; not commercial).

2. Injection site

SQ — abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.

Swallow whole with water, morning only.

3. Timing

Pre-sleep + fasted preferred.

Morning to mitigate insomnia. Do not dose evening.

4. Storage

Lyophilised: room temp, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.

Room temp ≤25 °C, dry place.

5. Needle

29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.

Monitor BP + HR + mood. Avoid stimulants + MAOIs.

06Stack Synergy

GHRP-2

+ CJC-1295 (no DAC)

Strong

View CJC-1295 (no DAC) →

GHRP-2 + CJC-1295-no-DAC is a higher-amplitude alternative to the ipamorelin + CJC-1295 stack. GHRP-2 produces a stronger pulse but with cortisol + prolactin signal — choose when maximum GH amplitude is the goal and the side-effect tolerance is acceptable.

GHRP-2: 100–200 mcg SQ · pre-sleep
CJC-1295 (no DAC): 100 mcg SQ · same injection
Primary benefit: High-amplitude GH pulse, body composition

Bowers 1990 Teichman 2006

Tesofensine

— no documented stacks