Head-to-head
CJC-1295 vs Ipamorelin
A field-by-field comparison of CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin drawn from the PeptideIndex database: mechanism, evidence grade, half-life, administration route, reported dosing, side effects, storage and legal status. Both are indexed as growth hormone compounds, so the useful question is how they differ within that category.
CJC-1295 vs Ipamorelin: editorial summary
CJC-1295 and ipamorelin both influence growth-hormone signalling, but they do so through different receptors. CJC-1295 is a GHRH analogue that stimulates the GHRH receptor, while ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin-receptor agonist that stimulates GH release through GHS-R1a.
Key considerations
- The distinction is particularly important because the compounds are often discussed together rather than as direct substitutes. CJC-1295 acts upstream through the GHRH pathway, while ipamorelin acts through the ghrelin/GH-secretagogue pathway. PeptideIndex therefore describes them as complementary mechanisms in its existing profile data.
- CJC-1295 also has two commonly distinguished forms: with DAC and without DAC. The DAC modification substantially changes its pharmacokinetic profile. Ipamorelin, by contrast, is characterised by its relative selectivity for GH release compared with older secretagogues.
CJC-1295 characteristics
- CJC-1295 is a GHRH analogue with Moderate evidence. The database distinguishes the short-acting no-DAC form from the longer-acting DAC form.
Ipamorelin characteristics
- Ipamorelin is a selective GHS-R1a agonist with Moderate evidence. Its profile emphasises selective GH release without the same cortisol and prolactin effects associated with some older secretagogues.
CJC-1295 vs Ipamorelin at a glance
| Attribute | CJC-1295 | Ipamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth hormone | Growth hormone |
| Evidence grade | Moderate | Moderate |
| Also known as | Modified GRF 1-29, DAC:GRF | NNC 26-0161 |
| Chain | 30 amino acid GHRH analogue | Pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) |
| Mechanism | Binds pituitary GHRH receptors to increase both the amplitude of GH pulses and total GH secretion. The DAC (drug affinity complex) version binds serum albumin, extending the half-life from minutes to about a week. | Acts as a ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist on the pituitary, triggering a clean GH pulse. Its selectivity avoids the appetite and cortisol effects seen with older secretagogues like GHRP-6. |
| Reported benefits | Elevated GH and IGF-1 across the dosing window · Improved sleep depth reported by most users · Supports lean mass retention and fat oxidation | Clean GH pulse without hunger spikes · Better sleep quality and recovery · Mild fat-loss and body-composition support |
| Reported side effects | Water retention · Tingling or numbness in hands · Head rush and flushing after injection · Elevated fasting glucose at higher doses | Mild headache · Injection-site redness · Light-headedness shortly after dosing |
| Half-life | ~30 minutes without DAC; ~6–8 days with DAC | About 2 hours |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, typically before bed on an empty stomach | Subcutaneous injection, 1–3 times daily |
| Dosing overview | 100 mcg (no-DAC) 1–3× daily, or 1–2 mg weekly for the DAC version | 200–300 mcg per dose, often 100–300 mcg before bed |
| Storage | Refrigerate reconstituted product; protect from light and avoid shaking | Reconstituted vials refrigerated 2–8 °C, stable ~4 weeks |
| Legal status | Not FDA-approved. Prescribed off-label by some clinics; banned in sport. | Not FDA-approved; compounding restrictions apply in the US. Banned in sport. |
Key differences between CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin
Both are growth hormone compounds
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are both indexed under growth hormone, so they compete for the same use case rather than complementing each other. CJC-1295: "A growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogue that raises the baseline of natural GH output rather than replacing it." Ipamorelin: "The most selective of the growth-hormone secretagogues, valued because it lifts GH without meaningfully raising cortisol or prolactin."
Mechanism of action
CJC-1295: Binds pituitary GHRH receptors to increase both the amplitude of GH pulses and total GH secretion. The DAC (drug affinity complex) version binds serum albumin, extending the half-life from minutes to about a week. Ipamorelin: Acts as a ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist on the pituitary, triggering a clean GH pulse. Its selectivity avoids the appetite and cortisol effects seen with older secretagogues like GHRP-6.
Half-life and dosing frequency
CJC-1295 is listed at ~30 minutes without dac; ~6–8 days with dac; Ipamorelin at about 2 hours. That difference is what drives the reported schedules: 100 mcg (no-DAC) 1–3× daily, or 1–2 mg weekly for the DAC version versus 200–300 mcg per dose, often 100–300 mcg before bed
Route of administration
CJC-1295 is administered by subcutaneous injection, typically before bed on an empty stomach. Ipamorelin is administered by subcutaneous injection, 1–3 times daily.
Legal and regulatory status differs
CJC-1295: Not FDA-approved. Prescribed off-label by some clinics; banned in sport. Ipamorelin: Not FDA-approved; compounding restrictions apply in the US. Banned in sport. This is usually the most practical difference between two compounds, because it determines whether a supply chain is labelled and regulated at all.
Handling and storage
CJC-1295 is stored refrigerate reconstituted product; protect from light and avoid shaking. Ipamorelin is stored reconstituted vials refrigerated 2–8 °c, stable ~4 weeks.
What CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin have in common
- Category: both listed as Growth hormone
- Evidence grade: both listed as Moderate
Each compound in brief
CJC-1295
Growth hormone · Moderate evidence
A growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogue that raises the baseline of natural GH output rather than replacing it.
Considerations: Usually paired with a GHRP such as Ipamorelin for a synergistic pulse · No-DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) suits pulsatile dosing; DAC suits steady elevation · GH elevation is not desirable for everyone — screen for cancer history
Ipamorelin
Growth hormone · Moderate evidence
The most selective of the growth-hormone secretagogues, valued because it lifts GH without meaningfully raising cortisol or prolactin.
Considerations: Weakest GH release of the GHRPs — usually stacked with CJC-1295 · Effects build over weeks, not days · Dose ceiling: more than ~300 mcg per pulse gives diminishing returns
Frequently asked questions
Do CJC-1295 and ipamorelin work through the same receptor?
No. CJC-1295 acts through the GHRH receptor, whereas ipamorelin acts primarily through the ghrelin receptor GHS-R1a.
Why are CJC-1295 and ipamorelin often discussed together?
Their signalling pathways are different but both promote endogenous GH release, which is why they are commonly discussed together in peptide research and community protocols.
Is CJC-1295 stronger than ipamorelin?
The available PeptideIndex data does not establish a simple "stronger" ranking. They have different mechanisms, pharmacokinetics and evidence bases.
Related comparisons and reading
Every figure on this page is reproduced from the compound profiles in this database and reflects published literature and commonly reported protocols. It is educational information, not medical advice, and not a recommendation to use either compound. See the medical disclaimer.