Pramlintide vs Tesamorelin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Pramlintide
Pramlintide (Symlin) is a synthetic analog of amylin, FDA-approved as an adjunct to insulin therapy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It helps control post-meal blood sugar spikes and promotes modest weight loss.
Full details →Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It is FDA-approved under the brand name Egrifta for reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Pramlintide | Tesamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Mimics amylin's effects: slows gastric emptying, suppresses glucagon secretion after meals, and promotes satiety through central mechanisms. Complements insulin therapy. | Stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone by binding to GHRH receptors. Increases IGF-1 levels which promotes lipolysis and reduces visceral adipose tissue. |
| Typical Dosage | Type 1: Start 15mcg before meals, titrate to 30-60mcg. Type 2: Start 60mcg, may increase to 120mcg. Always with meal containing 30+ grams carbs or 250+ calories. | FDA-approved dose: 2mg administered subcutaneously once daily. Research protocols may use various dosing schedules. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection immediately before major meals. Must reduce mealtime insulin by 50% when starting to prevent hypoglycemia. Never mix with insulin. | Subcutaneous injection into the abdomen. Rotate injection sites. Best administered at the same time daily, preferably in the evening. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (very common initially), headache, anorexia, vomiting, and abdominal pain. GI effects typically improve over time. | Common side effects include injection site reactions (erythema, pruritus), joint pain, peripheral edema, and muscle pain. May cause elevated blood glucose. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Pramlintide and Tesamorelin are commonly used for: