Sermorelin and CJC-1295 (No DAC) are both growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analogs, studied for stimulating the pituitary gland's own pulsatile growth hormone release. Sermorelin comprises the first 29 amino acids of natural GHRH and has a history of FDA approval under the discontinued brand Geref. CJC-1295 (No DAC) is a separate GHRH analog with a shorter half-life, almost always studied alongside ipamorelin.
At a glance
| Sermorelin | CJC-1295 (no DAC) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | GHRH analog made of GHRH's first 29 amino acids; long used to support natural GH production | GHRH analog that extends the body's natural growth hormone pulse; almost always paired with ipamorelin |
| How it's thought to work | Binds pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate the body's own pulsatile growth hormone release | Amplifies and extends the natural growth hormone pulse, studied as working synergistically with ghrelin-mimetics like ipamorelin |
| Regulatory status | Originally FDA-approved as Geref, since discontinued; compounded versions today are not FDA-approved | Not FDA-approved |
| Strength of evidence | Historically FDA-approved and used diagnostically; extensive clinical familiarity from that approved history | Studies show amplified GH release combined with GHRP compounds; human data on the combination is limited |
| Reported side effects | Injection site reactions, flushing, headache, mild water retention; generally milder than direct GH | Water retention, flushing, headache, and dizziness, similar to the profile reported for ipamorelin |
| 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
Sermorelin is studied for binding pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate the body's own pulsatile growth hormone release, preserving natural feedback regulation. CJC-1295 (No DAC) is studied for amplifying and extending that same natural growth hormone pulse, with research describing it as working synergistically alongside ghrelin-mimetic compounds such as ipamorelin.
Sermorelin's original branded product, Geref, was FDA-approved but has since been discontinued; compounded versions today are not FDA-approved. CJC-1295 (No DAC) is not FDA-approved, and formal human clinical trial data on it, particularly in combination with ipamorelin, is described as limited.
Sermorelin's reported side effects, injection site reactions, flushing, headache, and mild water retention, are described as generally milder than those of direct growth hormone. CJC-1295's reported side effects, water retention, flushing, headache, and dizziness, are described as similar to the profile reported for ipamorelin.
What the research covers
Sermorelin was historically FDA-approved under the brand name Geref and used diagnostically to test for growth hormone deficiency, giving it an extensive clinical record even after that branded product's discontinuation. CJC-1295 (No DAC) has research showing amplified growth hormone release when combined with GHRP-class compounds like ipamorelin, but formal human trial data specific to that combination remains limited.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sermorelin and CJC-1295?
Both are GHRH analogs. Sermorelin has a history of FDA approval under the discontinued brand Geref, while CJC-1295 (No DAC) is not FDA-approved and has a shorter half-life, geared toward pulsatile release alongside ipamorelin.
Is sermorelin or CJC-1295 FDA-approved?
Neither currently has an FDA-approved product on the market. Sermorelin's branded product, Geref, was FDA-approved but has since been discontinued; CJC-1295 has not been FDA-approved.
Which has more human research, sermorelin or CJC-1295?
Sermorelin has an extensive clinical record from its approved diagnostic history. CJC-1295's human data, especially in combination with ipamorelin, is described as more limited.
Are sermorelin and CJC-1295 the same thing?
No. Both are GHRH analogs but are distinct molecules, studied and typically used in different contexts, with CJC-1295 almost always paired with ipamorelin.
Both entries, plus the calculator
The PeptidesAI app covers Sermorelin, CJC-1295 (no DAC) and 68 other compounds, with a reconstitution calculator, a dose log and reminders. Free to download on iPhone.
Download on the App Store