Research use only. The materials discussed on this page are sold exclusively for in vitro laboratory research. They are not for human or veterinary use, and nothing here is medical advice or a claim of benefit. Animal-model and clinical data are mentioned only as cited published literature.
Tesamorelin and CJC-1295 are two GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone) analogs modified to resist enzymatic degradation. Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy; CJC-1295 remains research-use only. This comparison analyzes their profiles for research.
The two compounds
- Tesamorelin — view the Tesamorelin research product page
- CJC-1295 — view the CJC-1295 research product page
Comparison table
| Property | Tesamorelin | CJC-1295 |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Modified GHRH (1-44) analog | Modified GHRH (1-29) analog, with or without DAC |
| Structure | GHRH(1-44) + trans-3-hexenoyl N-terminal group | Modified GHRH(1-29) + MPA (DAC) or unmodified |
| DPP-IV stability | Resistant (N-terminal modification) | Resistant (strategic modifications) |
| Half-life | ~26 min (but GH effect sustained up to 2-3h) | Without DAC ~30 min / With DAC ~8 days |
| Clinical approval | FDA approved (Egrifta) — HIV lipodystrophy | Not approved — research only |
| Research applications | Visceral fat studies, lipodystrophy, somatotropic axis | Sustained GH exposure studies (DAC) or pulsed (without DAC) |
| Purity documentation | Batch CoA (HPLC) | Batch CoA (HPLC) |
Research contexts
Literature contexts for Tesamorelin
Studies on visceral fat, lipodystrophy models, GH/IGF-1 axis research in cell-culture and animal models of metabolic dysfunction.
Literature contexts for CJC-1295
Flexible research: sustained GH exposure (DAC) for chronic studies, or pulsed (without DAC) to reproduce pulsatile physiology.
Mechanisms of action
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a GHRH(1-44) modified by addition of a trans-3-hexenoyl group at the N-terminal, making it resistant to DPP-IV (dipeptidyl peptidase-IV). It selectively stimulates GH release from pituitary somatotropes, without ghrelin agonism. Approved for visceral fat reduction in HIV lipodystrophy.
CJC-1295
CJC-1295 is a GHRH(1-29) modified by 4 amino acid substitutions (D-Ala²,Gln⁸,Ala¹⁵,Leu²⁷) to resist degradation. The DAC version includes an MPA group for covalent binding to albumin — drastically extending half-life. Mechanism identical to Tesamorelin (GHRH-R).
Combined research context
Tesamorelin and CJC-1295 share the same target receptor (GHRH-R) and both stimulate endogenous GH. The clinical difference is approval (Tesamorelin) vs pure research (CJC-1295). For preclinical research, both are valid depending on the desired kinetic profile.
Related research products
Axion Research Peptides supplies research-grade peptides for in vitro use, with a batch certificate of analysis. Browse Tesamorelin, CJC-1295 or the full research catalog.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tesamorelin available by prescription?
As a clinical drug (Egrifta, Theratechnologies), it is FDA-approved for HIV lipodystrophy. The raw research form (lyophilized powder) is intended exclusively for in vitro research.
Why does CJC-1295 have a longer half-life with DAC?
The DAC group (Drug Affinity Complex, MPA) allows covalent binding to serum albumin. Since albumin itself is persistent, the peptide-albumin complex remains active for 8+ days.
Do they stimulate prolactin or cortisol?
No — being selective GHRH analogs (GHRH-R receptor), they modulate neither prolactin nor cortisol, unlike GHRPs (Ipamorelin, GHRP-2/6).
Can Tesamorelin be combined with a GHRP?
Theoretically yes — as with CJC-1295, adding a GHRP (Ipamorelin) creates a synergy GHRH+GHRP that amplifies GH pulsation. This combination is studied in somatotropic research.
Are these peptides approved in the USA?
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved for HIV lipodystrophy. CJC-1295 is approved nowhere. Both are sold at Axion Research Peptides exclusively for in vitro research.
Scientific references
Regulatory disclaimer
The peptides discussed in this comparison are not approved by the FDA, EMA, MHRA, or any regulatory agency for human or veterinary clinical use, except where a specific approved product is named (for example, tesamorelin as Egrifta). They are sold by Axion Research Peptides exclusively for in vitro scientific research. This page summarizes published literature and is neither medical advice nor a recommendation for clinical use.
