CJC-1295 (without DAC / Mod GRF 1-29) vs Tesamorelin

Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.

CJC-1295 (without DAC / Mod GRF 1-29)Tesamorelin
CategoryPeptidesPeptides
Standard DoseResearch indicates 100-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.Research indicates 2 mg administered once daily via subcutaneous injection (FDA-approved dose for HIV lipodystrophy).
TimingBest administered at bedtime (primary), upon waking, and/or post-workout. Always on empty stomach — wait 2+ hours after last meal. Avoid carbohydrates 30+ minutes after injection.Morning administration on empty stomach. Consistent daily timing recommended.
Cycle Duration12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks.26+ weeks in clinical trials. Long-term use is common; effects are not sustained after discontinuation.
Evidence Levelmoderate_humanStrong (FDA-approved indication), Moderate (longevity)

Mechanism

Mod GRF 1-29 (Modified Growth Hormone Releasing Factor, amino acids 1-29) is a truncated and modified GHRH analog that binds to GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotrophs, activating cAMP via Gs protein/adenylate cyclase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Without the DAC moiety, it has a short half-life of approximately 30 minutes, producing acute GH pulses that more closely mimic natural pulsatile GH secretion. It also stimulates pituitary gene transcription of GH mRNA, preserving endogenous pituitary reserve.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 100-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.

Timing

Best administered at bedtime (primary), upon waking, and/or post-workout. Always on empty stomach — wait 2+ hours after last meal. Avoid carbohydrates 30+ minutes after injection.

Cycle Duration

12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks.

Side Effects

  • Flushing post-injection
  • Head rush
  • Hunger increase
  • Water retention (mild)
  • Tingling in extremities

Contraindications

  • Active cancer
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Intracranial hypertension

Best Stacking Partners

IpamorelinGHRP-2GHRP-6Hexarelin
B

Tesamorelin

Peptides

Mechanism

Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved synthetic 44-amino acid GHRH analog with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminal tyrosine that confers resistance to DPP-IV degradation. It binds GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating endogenous GH production and secretion while maintaining pulsatile release patterns. Tesamorelin selectively reduces visceral adipose tissue (15-20% reduction in trials) while preserving subcutaneous fat, and markedly increases plasma GH and IGF-1 levels with once-daily dosing.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 2 mg administered once daily via subcutaneous injection (FDA-approved dose for HIV lipodystrophy).

Timing

Morning administration on empty stomach. Consistent daily timing recommended.

Cycle Duration

26+ weeks in clinical trials. Long-term use is common; effects are not sustained after discontinuation.

Side Effects

  • Injection site reactions (erythema, pruritus)
  • Arthralgia
  • Peripheral edema
  • Myalgia
  • Paresthesia
  • Elevated blood glucose

Contraindications

  • Active cancer or pituitary tumors
  • Pregnancy (Category X)
  • Hypersensitivity to GHRH analogs
  • Disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary axis from surgery/radiation
  • Active cancer
  • Pregnancy
  • Pituitary surgery or disease

Best Stacking Partners

IpamorelinAOD-9604

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