Tesamorelin vs CJC-1295
Two GHRH (growth-hormone-releasing-hormone) analogs: tesamorelin — researched for visceral-fat outcomes and the one with an approved use — vs cjc-1295, the widely-studied research analog for growth-hormone pulse amplification. Here's a neutral, sourced side-by-side — no hype, every claim links to its evidence.
Tesamorelin
ApprovedAlso: Egrifta, LN18178 (TesNor®)
Tesamorelin is a lab-made copy of a natural body chemical that tells the brain's pituitary gland to release growth hormone. It is a short chain of building blocks called amino acids, made in a lab.
CJC-1295
ApprovedAlso: CJC 1295, mod GRF 1-29
CJC-1295 is a man-made chemical messenger. It is a short chain of building blocks that tell your body to make more of its own growth hormone.
At a Glance
| Tesamorelin | CJC-1295 | |
|---|---|---|
| Research status | Approved | Approved |
| Highest-tier evidence | Peer-reviewed study | Peer-reviewed study |
| Research citations | 8 | 8 |
| Dosing routes | SubQ | SubQ |
| Receptor targets | GHRH receptor | GHRH receptor |
| Half-life | — | ~6-8 days (with DAC, albumin-bound); minutes-to-hours withou |
| Known side effects | 23 | 18 |
Research Areas
Top preclinical research areas — cited studies for each.
Tesamorelin
- Reduces visceral abdominal fat (HIV lipodystrophy)
- Improves body image
CJC-1295
- Sustained GH elevation
- Sustained IGF-1 elevation
How People Use It
Reported routines — research only, not medical advice.
Tesamorelin
- SubQ — 11.6MG
- SubQ — 1MG
- SubQ — 2MG
- SubQ — Tesamorelin 1–1.4 mg + Ipamorelin 100–200 mcg
CJC-1295
- SubQ — CJC-1295: 50-100 mcg; Ipamorelin: 100-200 mcg
- SubQ — 100 mcg CJC-1295 + 100-200 mcg Ipamorelin
The Evidence
Key studies — click through to verify each on PubMed.
Tesamorelin
8 sourced studies
- Source
Spotlight on tesamorelin in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Review2011 Key study 88/100Rated 88/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Egrifta (tesamorelin) prescribing information
Guideline2020 90/100Rated 90/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
PubChem - Compound - Tesamorelin
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Tesamorelin: a review of its use in the management of HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
2011 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
CJC-1295
8 sourced studies
- Source
Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults.
RCT2006 Key study 86/100Rated 86/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Activation of the GH/IGF-1 axis by CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog, results in serum protein profile changes in normal adult subjects.
AnimalStudy2009 80/100Rated 80/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Human growth hormone-releasing factor (hGRF)1-29-albumin bioconjugates activate the GRF receptor on the anterior pituitary in rats: identification of CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analog.
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse.
2006 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Decision Guide
How to Choose
Neither is a “winner” — they suit different goals. Compare the documented benefits and evidence above against what you’re actually trying to achieve, note the research status (approved vs research-stage), and read each full guide before deciding. Many people also stack peptides rather than pick one.
Source Tesamorelin
Shop TesamorelinSource CJC-1295