Reviewed Mar 2026 | PubMed sources
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Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295: Head-to-Head Comparison

Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin mimetic (GHRP) that triggers GH pulses, while CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog that amplifies GH release duration. They are commonly combined because their mechanisms are synergistic — CJC-1295 raises the baseline and Ipamorelin sharpens the pulse.

Side-by-Side Comparison

DimensionIpamorelinCJC-1295
Evidence LevelPhase II clinical trials completedPhase II clinical trials, published pharmacokinetics
FDA StatusNot approvedNot approved
MechanismGhrelin receptor agonist (GHS-R1a)GHRH receptor agonist with DAC for extended half-life
Primary UsePulsatile GH release, body compositionSustained GH elevation, IGF-1 increase
Side EffectsVery clean; minimal cortisol/prolactin impactInjection site reactions, water retention, flushing
Ease of UseSubcutaneous injection 1-3x dailySubcutaneous injection 1-2x weekly (DAC) or daily (no DAC)
GH Pulse ProfileSharp, physiological pulsesSustained elevation over hours/days
Evidence Level
Ipamorelin
Phase II clinical trials completed
CJC-1295
Phase II clinical trials, published pharmacokinetics
FDA Status
Ipamorelin
Not approved
CJC-1295
Not approved
Mechanism
Ipamorelin
Ghrelin receptor agonist (GHS-R1a)
CJC-1295
GHRH receptor agonist with DAC for extended half-life
Primary Use
Ipamorelin
Pulsatile GH release, body composition
CJC-1295
Sustained GH elevation, IGF-1 increase
Side Effects
Ipamorelin
Very clean; minimal cortisol/prolactin impact
CJC-1295
Injection site reactions, water retention, flushing
Ease of Use
Ipamorelin
Subcutaneous injection 1-3x daily
CJC-1295
Subcutaneous injection 1-2x weekly (DAC) or daily (no DAC)
GH Pulse Profile
Ipamorelin
Sharp, physiological pulses
CJC-1295
Sustained elevation over hours/days

Peptide Overviews

Ipamorelin

BHuman Studies

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates growth hormone release from the pituitary gland without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin levels.

Growth Hormone SecretagoguesNot Approved
View full Ipamorelin profile →

CJC-1295

BHuman Studies

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Available in two forms: with and without Drug Affinity Complex (DAC), which extends its half-life.

Growth Hormone SecretagoguesNot Approved
View full CJC-1295 profile →

Supplies for Both

Common research handling and preparation supplies for injectable peptide workflows.

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Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295: FAQ