GHRH Analogs Compared: Sermorelin, CJC-1295 and Tesamorelin
Written from the cited peer-reviewed literature; every product lot is third-party tested.
For research purposes only. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes. Products mentioned are sold strictly for laboratory research use. Not for human consumption. Not for human use. Read more
Sermorelin, CJC-1295 and Tesamorelin all act on the same receptor: the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor. They differ in how much of the natural hormone they keep and in how they have been modified to survive longer. This comparison sets out those differences.
The starting point: natural GHRH
Human GHRH is a 44-amino-acid peptide. Its first 29 amino acids, GHRH(1-29), are enough for full activity at the receptor. But natural GHRH is broken down quickly, mainly by the enzyme DPP-4, which cuts off its first two amino acids. Each analog below handles length and stability differently.
At a glance
| Analog | Length | Modification | Stability approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sermorelin | 29 amino acids (GHRH 1-29) | C-terminal amide only | None beyond the native sequence; breaks down quickly |
| CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) | 29 amino acids | Four amino-acid substitutions (positions 2, 8, 15 and 27) | Substitutions resist enzymatic cleavage |
| CJC-1295 with DAC | 29 amino acids plus a lysine linker | Same four substitutions plus a drug affinity complex | Binds albumin, greatly extending persistence |
| Tesamorelin | 44 amino acids (full length) | trans-3-hexenoyl group on the N-terminal tyrosine | N-terminal group blocks DPP-4 |
Sermorelin
Sermorelin is GHRH(1-29) with an amidated C-terminus. As the minimal active sequence, it is often used as a baseline reference in laboratory studies of GHRH receptor signaling. Its drawback is stability: without protective changes, it is cleaved quickly.
CJC-1295: two different molecules
The name CJC-1295 covers two compounds. Without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29), it is GHRH(1-29) with four substitutions that make it more resistant to enzymes. With DAC, a reactive "drug affinity complex" is added that binds to albumin, which makes the peptide persist far longer. The two have different molecular weights and behave very differently in experiments, so always confirm which one you have from the certificate of analysis. Our CJC-1295 is the version without DAC.
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin keeps the complete 44-amino-acid sequence and protects it with an N-terminal trans-3-hexenoyl group. It is the choice when researchers want stability without shortening the natural sequence. Our Tesamorelin research overview covers it in detail.
How researchers choose between them
- For the minimal native sequence as a baseline: Sermorelin
- For a stabilized 29-amino-acid analog: CJC-1295 without DAC
- For long persistence in an experimental system: CJC-1295 with DAC
- For a stabilized full-length analog: Tesamorelin
All four act on the GHRH receptor, which is separate from the ghrelin receptor targeted by compounds such as Ipamorelin. That is why GHRH analogs are often studied alongside ghrelin receptor agonists.
Testing and documentation
Every lot we sell is tested by Freedom Diagnostics, an independent laboratory, using HPLC for purity and mass spectrometry for identity. Certificates for tested lots are published in our COA library, and each can be verified directly with the lab.
For research purposes only. All products from Canada Research Labs are supplied strictly as reference materials for in-vitro laboratory research by qualified professionals. They are not drugs, natural health products or cosmetics, and have not been authorized by Health Canada for any human or veterinary use.
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