CJC-1295 vs ipamorelin: two routes into the growth hormone axis

CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are often sold together. They act on the same hormone axis, but through different receptors. This comparison sets out how they differ and what published studies measured.

CJC-1295 vs ipamorelin at a glance

• CJC-1295: a modified form of GHRH(1-29), the active part of growth hormone-releasing hormone. It acts on the GHRH receptor.
• Ipamorelin: a synthetic pentapeptide that acts on the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a).

Two receptors, one axis

The pituitary releases growth hormone in response to two signals. GHRH acts on one receptor, and ghrelin acts on another. CJC-1295 mimics the first signal. Ipamorelin mimics the second. Our post on GHRH and ghrelin-receptor peptides explains both pathways.

The two forms of CJC-1295

The name covers two molecules.

• **With DAC.** A "drug affinity complex" lets the peptide bind albumin in blood, so it is cleared slowly. In healthy adults, a single dose raised growth hormone 2 to 10 times for 6 days or more, and IGF-1 for 9 to 11 days (J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006). A second study found that growth hormone was still released in pulses during that time (J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006).
• **Without DAC.** Often called modified GRF(1-29). It has no albumin-binding group, so it is cleared far faster. The long effects in the 2006 trials do not apply to it.

The certificate and the label tell you which form a vial holds. Peptune's CJC-1295 + ipamorelin blend uses the form without DAC.

Ipamorelin in published studies

Ipamorelin was described in 1998 as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. In pigs, it released growth hormone without raising ACTH or cortisol, even at high doses (Eur J Endocrinol, 1998). A 1999 study modelled its kinetics in healthy volunteers and found a short half-life of about two hours (Pharm Res, 1999). It has also been studied in a rodent model of postoperative ileus (J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 2009).

Why they are paired

Because they act on different receptors, the two signals can be studied together. A study of the pair needs single-compound arms as controls, so each signal can be measured on its own.

Questions people ask

Are CJC-1295 and ipamorelin the same kind of peptide?

No. CJC-1295 is a GHRH analogue of 29 residues. Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide that acts on the ghrelin receptor.

What does DAC mean?

Drug affinity complex. It lets CJC-1295 bind albumin in blood, which slows its clearance. In the 2006 trials, its effects lasted for days.

How does tesamorelin compare?

Tesamorelin is another GHRH analogue. Our post on tesamorelin clinical research covers its trials.

Ordering in Canada

Peptune supplies the CJC-1295 + ipamorelin blend, ipamorelin as a single vial and tesamorelin. Orders ship across Canada by tracked mail, free on orders of $150 or more.

For laboratory research use only. Nothing in this article is medical advice or a suggestion to use any compound on people or animals.