Ghrelin vs Macimorelin
Head-to-head comparison of Ghrelin (Ghrelin (acylated human ghrelin; endogenous growth hormone secretagogue)) and Macimorelin (Macimorelin acetate (AEZS-130)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.
Research Score
| Property | Ghrelin | Macimorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Hormone | Growth Hormone |
| Full Name | Ghrelin (acylated human ghrelin; endogenous growth hormone secretagogue) | Macimorelin acetate (AEZS-130) |
| Molecular Weight | 3367 Da | N/A |
| Half-Life | 20-30 minutes | about 4-6 hours |
| Amino Acids | 28 | N/A |
| Typical Dose | 1-3 mcg/kg | 0.5 mg/kg single oral dose |
| Route | Subcutaneous/Intravenous | Oral |
| Purity | ≥98% | ≥98% |
| Studies Count | 2000 | 120 |
| Research Status | Clinical research | Clinical |
Ghrelin Benefits
- ✓increases GH pulses
- ✓supports appetite and energy intake
- ✓may support lean mass preservation
- ✓promotes recovery signaling
Macimorelin Benefits
- ✓diagnostic GH stimulation
- ✓single oral dose
- ✓rapid measurable GH response
- ✓high clinical utility
Ghrelin Dosing
1-3 mcg/kg SC or IV|repeat dosing in short research windows|titrate to GH response in monitored studies
Macimorelin Dosing
0.5 mg/kg orally as a single dose|fasted testing conditions|serial GH sampling after administration
Ghrelin Side Effects
- ⚠hunger/nausea
- ⚠transient flushing
- ⚠changes in glucose/insulin
Macimorelin Side Effects
- ⚠dysgeusia or taste disturbance
- ⚠nausea
- ⚠headache
Research Overview
Ghrelin
Ghrelin is the canonical ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor and is used extensively as a reference compound in GH-axis research. Human and animal studies consistently show rapid, dose-dependent GH release after acyl-ghrelin administration.
Macimorelin
Macimorelin has been validated in clinical testing as an oral alternative to injectable GH stimulation tests. Its short-term use makes it a useful translational tool for evaluating pituitary GH reserve.
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