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What Are CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin?

The classic research pairing of a GHRH analog and a selective GHRP — what each does, why they’re studied together, and how they’re handled.

CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are two of the most frequently studied growth-hormone-related research peptides, and they’re almost always discussed together. That’s because they nudge the same system — growth-hormone signalling — through two different receptors, which is why researchers pair them.

Research use only. This article is an educational overview of an investigational compound. It is not medical advice, makes no treatment or dosing recommendations, and does not describe human use.

What are they?

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of GHRH (growth-hormone-releasing hormone). Ipamorelin is a GHRP (growth-hormone-releasing peptide) — a selective agonist at the ghrelin receptor. Both are studied for their effect on the pituitary’s release of growth hormone, but they reach it by separate routes.

How do they work?

The pituitary’s growth-hormone output responds to more than one signal. CJC-1295 engages the GHRH pathway; ipamorelin engages the ghrelin / GHRP pathway. Ipamorelin is often described as “selective” because, in research, it targets that pathway without strongly affecting other hormones. Studied together, the two are of interest as complementary signals rather than redundant ones.

PeptideClassPathway
CJC-1295GHRH analogGHRH receptor
IpamorelinGHRPGhrelin receptor

CJC-1295 with vs without DAC

CJC-1295 is studied in two forms. The version with DAC (a drug affinity complex) is engineered to be long-acting; the version without DAC (sometimes called modified GRF 1-29) is shorter-acting. They’re the same core molecule studied over different timeframes.

How is these peptides handled in the lab?

Like most research peptides, these peptides arrives as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder. Before it can be used in solution it has to be reconstituted:

Why purity matters

With an investigational peptide (and especially a blend of two), knowing exactly what is in the vial is everything. A reputable source provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing third-party HPLC purity and mass-spec identity for that specific batch. If you are not sure how to read one, see what is a COA.

Where to buy

Sourcing research-grade CJC-1295 & ipamorelin

We recommend Vital Chems for tested compounds, blends, and bacteriostatic water.

  • Third-party HPLC tested — COA on every order
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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CJC-1295 and ipamorelin?
CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog and ipamorelin is a GHRP. Both are studied for growth-hormone signalling, but they act through different receptors, which is why they are often paired.
Why are they studied together?
Because they engage the growth-hormone system through two separate pathways (GHRH and ghrelin), they are of research interest as complementary rather than redundant signals.
What does DAC mean on CJC-1295?
DAC is a drug affinity complex that makes CJC-1295 long-acting. The no-DAC version (modified GRF 1-29) is shorter-acting.
Are CJC-1295 and ipamorelin approved?
No. Both are investigational and supplied for research use only. Nothing here describes or recommends human use.
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Peptide Starter Guide

Plain-English guides to handling research peptides correctly — reconstitution, dosing math, purity, and storage. Written for first-timers.