CJC-1295 and tesamorelin are both GHRH analogs — they prompt the pituitary to release growth hormone. The decisive difference is regulatory: tesamorelin is an FDA-approved drug (Egrifta) for reducing excess visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy, while CJC-1295 is an unapproved research chemical.
At a glance
| CJC-1295 | Tesamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | GHRH analog (often with DAC) | GHRH analog |
| Brand name | None (research chemical) | Egrifta |
| FDA status | Not approved | Approved (HIV lipodystrophy) |
| Approved use | None | Reducing visceral fat in HIV lipodystrophy |
| Duration | Long-acting with DAC | Short-acting (daily) |
| Sport status | Banned (WADA) | Banned (WADA) |
The bottom line
Bottom line: Same drug family, very different standing. Tesamorelin is a clinician-prescribed, FDA-approved GHRH analog with a specific approved indication and trial evidence. CJC-1295 is an unapproved research chemical, often modified with DAC for a longer-lasting effect. Both raise growth hormone and both are banned in sport.
Frequently asked questions
Is tesamorelin the same as CJC-1295?
They are both GHRH analogs that stimulate growth hormone, but they are different molecules. Tesamorelin is FDA-approved (Egrifta) for HIV-related visceral fat; CJC-1295 is an unapproved research chemical.
Is CJC-1295 approved like tesamorelin?
No. Tesamorelin is FDA-approved for a specific indication, while CJC-1295 has no approval and is sold as a research chemical. Both are prohibited in sport.
What does DAC mean on CJC-1295?
DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) binds the peptide to albumin so it lasts far longer in the body. Tesamorelin, by contrast, is short-acting and dosed daily.
References
Combined peer-reviewed sources from both peptide guides. Inclusion is not endorsement.
- Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al. Prolonged stimulation of GH and IGF-I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006. Peer-reviewed study
- Jette L, Leger R, Thibaudeau K, et al. hGRF(1-29)-albumin bioconjugates activate the GRF receptor: identification of CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analog. Endocrinology. 2005. Peer-reviewed study
- Timms M, Ganio K, Steel R. A method for confirming CJC-1295 abuse in equine plasma samples by LC-MS/MS. Drug Test Anal. 2019. Peer-reviewed study
- Van Hout MC, Hearne E. Netnography of Female Use of the Synthetic Growth Hormone CJC-1295: Pulses and Potions. Subst Use Misuse. 2016. Peer-reviewed study
- Timms M, Ganio K, Forbes G, et al. An immuno polymerase chain reaction screen for the detection of CJC-1295 and other growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogs in equine plasma. Drug Test Anal. 2019. Peer-reviewed study
- Alba M, Fintini D, Sagazio A, et al. Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2006. Peer-reviewed study
- Falutz J, Allas S, Blot K, et al. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. N Engl J Med. 2007. Peer-reviewed study
- Stanley TL, Falutz J, Mamputu JC, et al. Effects of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2014. Peer-reviewed study
- Russo SC, Ockene MW, Arpante AK, et al. Efficacy and safety of tesamorelin in people with HIV on integrase inhibitors. AIDS. 2024. Peer-reviewed study
- Grunfeld C, Dritselis A, Kirkpatrick P. Tesamorelin. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2011. Peer-reviewed study
- Dhillon S. Tesamorelin: a review of its use in the management of HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Drugs. 2011. Peer-reviewed study
- Spooner LM, Olin JL. Tesamorelin: a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Ann Pharmacother. 2012. Peer-reviewed study