CJC-1295 vs Ipamorelin
A neutral, side-by-side comparison of two performance & growth hormone peptides — their mechanisms, dosing ranges, administration routes, side effects, and research evidence. For research and educational purposes only.
CJC-1295
CJC-1295 is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog. It stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone and is almost universally used in combination with a GHRP like Ipamorelin to produce a more physiological GH pulse.
Full profileIpamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) and ghrelin receptor agonist. It stimulates GH release with high selectivity — minimal cortisol or prolactin elevation compared to older GHRPs. Widely used in research protocols for body composition, sleep quality, and recovery.
Full profile| CJC-1295 | Ipamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Performance & Growth Hormone | Performance & Growth Hormone |
| Also known as | CJC-1295 DAC, CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29), Modified GRF 1-29 | NNC 26-0161, Ipamorelin acetate |
| Evidence | Research-stage | Investigational (in trials) |
| Dosing range | 100mcg–300mcg mcg, once daily (Mod GRF) or twice weekly (DAC version) | 100mcg–300mcg mcg, 1–3x daily (typically pre-sleep and/or pre-workout) |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection (most common), Intramuscular injection | Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection |
| Key side effects | Water retention (especially early in protocol), Tingling or numbness in extremities, Injection site redness, Flushing (transient, shortly after injection) | Water retention (mild), Tingling / numbness in extremities, Increased appetite, Headache (transient) |
| Cited sources | 2 references | 3 references |
Key differences
- Evidence level differs: CJC-1295 is research-stage, while Ipamorelin is investigational (in trials).
- Administration: CJC-1295 — Subcutaneous injection (most common), Intramuscular injection; Ipamorelin — Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection.
- Frequency: CJC-1295 is typically once daily (Mod GRF) or twice weekly (DAC version); Ipamorelin is 1–3x daily (typically pre-sleep and/or pre-workout).
- Research depth: this profile cites 2 sources for CJC-1295 vs 3 for Ipamorelin.
Can you stack CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin?
synergistic: Gold standard GH stack — complementary mechanisms
CJC-1295 stimulates GH release via the GHRH pathway; Ipamorelin works via the ghrelin/GHSR pathway. Using both together produces a larger, more natural GH pulse than either alone, without significantly increasing cortisol or prolactin. This is the most common GH peptide combination in research.
See the full compatibility matrixHow each works
CJC-1295
Studies have demonstrated that CJC-1295 significantly increases plasma GH and IGF-1 levels. The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version extends the half-life to approximately 6–8 days via albumin binding, while Mod GRF 1-29 has a much shorter half-life (~30 minutes) and is dosed more acutely. Research in adults with GH deficiency has shown improved body composition and metabolic markers.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin selectively stimulates GH release via the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) without significantly elevating ACTH or cortisol — the feature that distinguishes it from GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 (Raun et al., 1998, in swine/rodent models). Human data are limited: a PK study in 40 volunteers established a ~2-hour half-life (Gobburu et al., 1999), and a Phase 2 trial for postoperative ileus (Beck et al., 2014) failed its primary endpoint. It is not FDA-approved, and claims about body composition or recovery are extrapolated from GH physiology, not human outcome trials.
This comparison aggregates public research and structured profile data for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not recommend either compound for human use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any peptide.