Tesamorelin vs ACE-031
Head-to-head comparison of Tesamorelin and ACE-031 for research applications. Both peptides are studied for Body Composition, but they differ significantly in mechanism and evidence level.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Tesamorelin | Ace 031 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Hormone Secretagogue | Muscle Growth / Research |
| Mechanism | Tesamorelin binds to and stimulates human GRF (growth hormone-releasing factor) receptors on the anterior pituitary with similar potency as endogenous GRF, stimulating synthesis and release of endogenous growth hormone. | ACE-031 is a decoy receptor — it mimics the natural ActRIIB receptor and binds myostatin, activin A/B, GDF-11, and BMP-9/10 before they can engage cell-surface receptors. |
| Evidence Rating | A — FDA Approved | C — Early Human or Mixed Evidence |
| Clinical Status | FDA-approved (Egrifta SV 2019, Egrifta WR March 2025) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy | Phase I/II completed (DMD). Development discontinued by Acceleron Pharma (2013) due to vascular adverse events. Successor programs (ACE-083, local) also discontinued. |
| Safety Profile | Headache, nausea, and flu-like symptoms reported; May increase blood glucose -- monitoring recommended in diabetics | CRITICAL: Vascular safety signals led to clinical discontinuation; Epistaxis (nosebleeds) in multiple subjects |
| Molecular Weight | ~5135.9 g/mol | ~90,000 g/mol (Fc-fusion protein) |
| Half-Life | ~26–38 minutes | ~10-14 days (Fc-mediated FcRn recycling) |
Overview
Tesamorelin and ACE-031 are both research peptides studied across multiple applications. This comparison examines their mechanisms, evidence base, and safety profiles to help researchers understand the key differences and overlaps.
Tesamorelin — Mechanism & Evidence
It stimulates endogenous GH and IGF-1 production. Phase 3 trials demonstrated significant visceral fat reduction with a generally well-tolerated safety profile over 26 weeks of therapy.
Key claims: Reduces visceral adipose tissue in HIV lipodystrophy; Increases skeletal muscle area and density; Effective on INSTI-based HIV regimens.
Tesamorelin 10mg
10mg
ACE-031 — Mechanism & Evidence
ACE-031 is a soluble form of the activin type IIB receptor (ActRIIB) fused to a human IgG1 Fc domain (MW ~90,000 g/mol). Acceleron Pharma conducted Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) before discontinuing development due to vascular safety signals (nosebleeds, telangiectasias).
Key claims: Increases lean muscle mass; Potential therapy for muscular dystrophy; Broadly inhibits muscle-wasting pathways.
Shared Research Applications
Both peptides are studied for: Body Composition.
Tesamorelin is also researched for: no additional unique applications.
ACE-031 is also researched for: no additional unique applications.
Safety Considerations
Tesamorelin: Headache, nausea, and flu-like symptoms reported May increase blood glucose -- monitoring recommended in diabetics FDA pregnancy category X -- tesamorelin can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects
ACE-031: CRITICAL: Vascular safety signals led to clinical discontinuation Epistaxis (nosebleeds) in multiple subjects Telangiectasias (dilated blood vessels in skin/mucosa)
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Quality Documentation
Review batch documentation before making research purchasing decisions. Volta pairs product education with COA literacy so researchers can evaluate purity, identity, lot details, and testing context.
Product cards on this page link to current catalog entries and available quality documentation.
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