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Comparison

CJC-1295 (no DAC) vs Tesamorelin

How CJC-1295 (no DAC) and Tesamorelin compare on research category, evidence tier, regulatory status, and reported side effects.

The verdict

Both raise growth hormone through the GHRH pathway, but they sit at very different evidence levels. Tesamorelin is FDA-approved (specifically for excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy) and carries real human trial data, so it is the one with a documented clinical record. CJC-1295 is a research-use-only compound with far thinner human evidence, mostly early-stage. On proof and regulatory standing Tesamorelin is the far better-characterized of the two; CJC-1295 shows up mainly in research-use discussion, not because it has comparable clinical support.

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CJC-1295 (no DAC)
GH-axisEvidence: Limited

CJC-1295 (the 'no-DAC' version) is the partner peptide to Ipamorelin. Together they push a stronger natural GH pulse. Always paired, never run alone in this protocol.

Onset
65
Documentation
75
Side intensity
64
Popularity
70
014
Tesamorelin
GH-axisEvidence: Strong

Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved GH-axis peptide that specifically targets visceral fat, the deep belly fat around organs. Daily injection. Slow burn, but the visceral fat reduction is well-documented.

Onset
65
Documentation
75
Side intensity
82
Popularity
55
Side-by-side
Field
Left
Right
Category
GH-axis
GH-axis
Half-life
~30 min (no DAC)
~30 minutes
Route
Subcutaneous
Subcutaneous
Schedule
1-3x daily, paired with Ipamorelin
Once daily
Cycle length
8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
12-26 weeks typical
Dose
100 mcg sub-q, 1-3x daily, paired 1:1 with Ipamorelin.
1-2 mg sub-q daily. Taken at the same time each day, ideally before bed.
FDA
Not FDA approved.
Approved as Egrifta, 2010, for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
WADA
Banned (S2)
Banned (S2)
Natty?
Not natty
Not natty
Prescribed
Some longevity clinics prescribe via compounding pharmacies, off-label.
Yes for HIV indication. Off-label use outside that scope is common but not on-label.
Top side effects
Head-rush; Brief facial flush; Hunger pulse
Injection-site reaction; Fluid retention; Joint stiffness

Which one should you pick?

Pick CJC-1295 (no DAC) if users stacking with ipamorelin (the canonical pair) or people wanting gh benefits while preserving the natural pulse rhythm.

Pick Tesamorelin if users targeting visceral (deep abdominal) fat specifically or older adults wanting gh-axis support without hgh.

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