New
We now accept credit & debit cards at checkout! Use code CARD20 for 20% off
→
RESEARCH USE ONLY: All products are for in-vitro laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption.
Not FDA-approved. By using this site, you confirm you are 21+ and agree to our
Terms of Service and
Compliance Policy.
CJC-1295 vs Ipamorelin: GH Secretagogue Comparison
Published: 2026-03-07Updated: 2026-03-10Category: Comparisons
CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are the most frequently paired GH secretagogues in research literature. They stimulate growth hormone release through different receptor pathways — GHRH and ghrelin receptors respectively — which is why they're often studied together. This guide compares their published research profiles.
Structural Comparison
| Property | CJC-1295 | Ipamorelin |
|---|
| Full Name | Modified GRF (1-29) / Tetrasubstituted GRF | Ipamorelin acetate |
| Amino Acids | 29 (modified) | 5 |
| Receptor Target | GHRH receptor | Ghrelin receptor (GHSR) |
| Half-Life | ~30 min (without DAC); ~8 days (with DAC) | ~2 hours |
| Selectivity | Stimulates GH + cortisol in some studies | Highly selective — GH only in published data |
| CAS Number | 863288-34-0 | 170851-70-4 |
Why They're Studied Together
CJC-1295 and ipamorelin activate different receptor pathways that converge on GH release. Published research suggests this dual-pathway approach may produce greater GH output than either compound alone — a potential synergistic effect that makes the combination one of the most studied GH secretagogue protocols in preclinical literature.
CJC-1295 stimulates GH release through the GHRH receptor (the body's natural GH-releasing pathway). Ipamorelin stimulates GH release through the ghrelin receptor (GHSR), which represents a separate signaling pathway. Combined stimulation of both pathways has been observed to amplify GH pulsatility in published animal models.
DAC vs No DAC
CJC-1295 is available in two forms: with Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) and without. The DAC modification binds to serum albumin, extending the half-life from ~30 minutes to ~8 days. This means CJC-1295 with DAC produces sustained, elevated GH levels, while CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29) produces shorter, more pulsatile GH release patterns. Most published research protocols reference the no-DAC version when paired with ipamorelin.
Ipamorelin's Selectivity Advantage
What makes ipamorelin unique among ghrelin receptor agonists is its observed selectivity. In published studies, ipamorelin stimulated GH release without significantly affecting cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH levels. This selectivity profile is unusual among GH secretagogues — other ghrelin agonists like GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 have been observed to affect cortisol and appetite signaling in addition to GH release.
Research Availability
Both compounds are available individually: Ipamorelin | CJC-1295. Browse all GH Secretagogues.
All information is sourced from published peer-reviewed literature and provided for educational purposes only. This content does not represent claims about products sold by Pepta Labs. All products are chemical reference materials for in-vitro laboratory research only. Not for human or animal consumption. See
Terms of Service and
Compliance Policy.
Browse Research Compounds
34+ peptides. Third-party COAs. Free US shipping.
View Catalog →