CJC-1295 (No DAC) and ipamorelin are both studied for stimulating growth hormone release, but through different receptor pathways, and they are almost always discussed and studied together rather than separately. CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog. Ipamorelin is a ghrelin-mimetic, also called a growth hormone secretagogue, acting on a distinct receptor from CJC-1295. Neither is FDA-approved.
At a glance
| CJC-1295 (no DAC) | Ipamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | GHRH analog that extends the body's natural growth hormone pulse; almost always paired with ipamorelin | Selective growth hormone secretagogue studied for stimulating GH release without raising cortisol or prolactin |
| How it's thought to work | Amplifies and extends the natural growth hormone pulse, studied as working synergistically with ghrelin-mimetics like ipamorelin | Acts on the ghrelin receptor to stimulate GH release without significantly affecting cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH |
| Regulatory status | Not FDA-approved | Not FDA-approved; a research compound |
| Strength of evidence | Studies show amplified GH release combined with GHRP compounds; human data on the combination is limited | Clinical studies show selective GH release; formal human trial data beyond that is limited |
| Reported side effects | Water retention, flushing, headache, and dizziness, similar to the profile reported for ipamorelin | Increased hunger, water retention, tingling or numbness in extremities, headache; joint pain rare |
| Common vial sizes | 2mg, 5mg | 2mg, 5mg |
| Mixing math example | 5 mg + 2 mL BAC water = 2,500 mcg/mL, 25 mcg per unit | 5 mg + 2 mL BAC water = 2,500 mcg/mL, 25 mcg per unit |
Key differences
CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog studied for amplifying and extending the body's natural growth hormone pulse. Ipamorelin acts on the ghrelin receptor and is described as selective, studied for stimulating growth hormone release without significantly affecting cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH levels, distinguishing it from less selective secretagogues. Research describes the two as working synergistically rather than as substitutes.
Neither compound is FDA-approved. Research on CJC-1295 describes amplified growth hormone release specifically when combined with GHRP-class compounds like ipamorelin, with formal human trial data on the combination described as limited. Clinical studies on ipamorelin report selective growth hormone release without meaningful cortisol or prolactin elevation, a finding specific to ipamorelin's own studied profile.
The two compounds share a similar reported side effect profile: water retention, flushing or warmth, headache, and dizziness for CJC-1295; increased hunger, water retention, tingling or numbness in the extremities, and headache for ipamorelin, with joint pain reported rarely.
What the research covers
Research on CJC-1295 shows amplified growth hormone release when combined with GHRP-class compounds such as ipamorelin, though formal human clinical trial data specific to that combination is limited. Clinical studies on ipamorelin separately report selective growth hormone release without meaningful elevation of cortisol or prolactin. The two bodies of research are typically discussed together given how often the compounds are studied in combination.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CJC-1295 and ipamorelin?
CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog studied for extending the natural growth hormone pulse. Ipamorelin is a ghrelin-mimetic studied for selectively triggering growth hormone release without raising cortisol or prolactin.
Is CJC-1295 or ipamorelin FDA-approved?
Neither is FDA-approved. Both are research compounds.
Which has more human research, CJC-1295 or ipamorelin?
Both have limited formal human trial data. Ipamorelin has clinical studies describing its selective hormone effect; CJC-1295's human data specific to its combination with ipamorelin is described as limited.
Can CJC-1295 and ipamorelin be compared directly?
Only partially, since they act through different receptor pathways and are studied mainly as a combination rather than head to head against each other.
Both entries, plus the calculator
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