CJC-1295 and tesamorelin belong to the same class: both are analogs of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), studied for stimulating the body's own growth hormone release. The comparison on this page is with CJC-1295 without DAC. The two differ mainly in regulatory status and in how much human research stands behind them.
At a glance
| CJC-1295 (no DAC) | Tesamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | GHRH analog that extends the body's natural growth hormone pulse; almost always paired with ipamorelin | Stabilized GHRH analog, FDA-approved as Egrifta for visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy |
| How it's thought to work | Amplifies and extends the natural growth hormone pulse, studied as working synergistically with ghrelin-mimetics like ipamorelin | Stimulates pulsatile GH release, raising IGF-1 and preferentially mobilizing visceral abdominal fat |
| Regulatory status | Not FDA-approved | FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy specifically; other uses are off-label |
| Strength of evidence | Studies show amplified GH release combined with GHRP compounds; human data on the combination is limited | Multiple human clinical trials support visceral fat reduction; basis for FDA approval |
| Reported side effects | Water retention, flushing, headache, and dizziness, similar to the profile reported for ipamorelin | Injection site reactions, joint pain, fluid retention, tingling, elevated blood sugar |
| Common vial sizes | 2mg, 5mg | 2mg, 5mg, 10mg |
| Mixing math example | 5 mg + 2 mL BAC water = 2,500 mcg/mL, 25 mcg per unit | 5 mg + 2 mL BAC water = 2,500 mcg/mL, 25 mcg per unit |
Key differences
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, and research describes it as raising IGF-1 and preferentially mobilizing visceral abdominal fat. CJC-1295 is not FDA-approved, and it is almost always discussed paired with ipamorelin, a ghrelin-receptor compound studied as working synergistically with it.
Both are reported to cause fluid retention. CJC-1295 reports also include flushing, headache and dizziness. Tesamorelin reports include injection site reactions, joint pain, tingling and elevated blood sugar, and its prescribing information calls for monitoring blood sugar.
What the research covers
Tesamorelin has multiple human clinical trials of visceral fat reduction, the basis of its FDA approval. Research on CJC-1295 without DAC shows amplified growth hormone release when combined with GHRP-class compounds such as ipamorelin, and human data specific to the no-DAC version is limited.
Sources
- Growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide stimulates GH release in normal men and acts synergistically with GH-releasing hormone. Bowers CY et al. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 1990. Human trial
- Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Raun K et al. European Journal of Endocrinology, 1998. Preclinical
- Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. Falutz J et al. N Engl J Med, 2007. Human trial
- EGRIFTA (tesamorelin for injection), for subcutaneous use - Prescribing Information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2019. Fda label
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CJC-1295 and tesamorelin?
Both are GHRH analogs. Tesamorelin is FDA-approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy and has multiple human trials. CJC-1295 is not FDA-approved and its human data is limited.
Is CJC-1295 or tesamorelin FDA-approved?
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy only; other uses are off-label. CJC-1295 is not FDA-approved.
Are CJC-1295 and tesamorelin the same class of peptide?
Yes. Both are analogs of growth hormone-releasing hormone and act on the GHRH receptor, though they are different molecules.
Which has more human research, CJC-1295 or tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin has more, with multiple human clinical trials supporting its FDA approval. Human data specific to CJC-1295 without DAC is limited.
Both entries, plus the calculator
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