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The Peptide Effect
Comparison

CJC-1295 vs Ipamorelin

CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are the most frequently combined growth hormone peptides, but they work through fundamentally different pathways. CJC-1295 is a modified GHRH analog that stimulates the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs to increase baseline GH output, while ipamorelin is a selective GHRP that mimics ghrelin to trigger acute GH pulses. Together they produce a powerful synergistic effect — the GHRH + GHRP combination can amplify GH release 3–5× compared to either peptide used alone.

Side-by-side comparison diagram of CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin mechanisms of action
Conceptual comparison — not to scale

Head-to-Head Comparison

CriteriaCJC-1295Ipamorelin
Primary mechanismGHRH receptor agonist — stimulates GH synthesis and secretion at the pituitaryGhrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist — triggers pulsatile GH release
Peptide classGrowth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analogGrowth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP)
Half-life~30 minutes (no DAC); ~8 days (with DAC modification)~2 hours
Typical dosage100 mcg (no DAC) 1–3× daily; or 2 mg (with DAC) 1–2× weekly200–300 mcg subcutaneous, 1–3× daily
GH release patternElevated baseline GH with sustained release (especially CJC-1295 DAC)Sharp, pulsatile GH spikes mimicking natural secretion rhythm
Cortisol/prolactin impactMinimal increase in cortisol; no significant prolactin elevationHighly selective — virtually no cortisol or prolactin elevation
Appetite effectNo significant appetite stimulationMinimal appetite increase despite ghrelin mimicry
SynergySynergistic when combined with GHRPs (ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6)Synergistic when combined with GHRH analogs (CJC-1295, sermorelin)
DAC variantYes — Drug Affinity Complex version extends half-life to ~8 days, allowing weekly dosingNo DAC variant exists
IGF-1 elevationSignificant sustained IGF-1 increase (especially with DAC)Moderate transient IGF-1 elevation post-injection
Side effectsInjection site irritation, water retention, facial flushing, tingling/numbnessVery mild — occasional headache, transient flushing
Approximate monthly cost$50–$100 (research grade); $200–$450 (clinic)$40–$80 (research grade); $150–$350 (clinic)

When to Choose Each

Choose CJC-1295

Users who want sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation with less frequent dosing, those prioritizing body recomposition and anti-aging, protocols where consistent baseline GH is more important than pulsatile release

Choose Ipamorelin

Beginners seeking the cleanest GH peptide with fewest side effects, athletes wanting pulsatile GH release for recovery, users who prefer daily dosing with natural GH rhythm

Verdict

CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are not competitors — they are the gold-standard GH peptide stack. CJC-1295 provides the sustained GHRH signal that keeps GH output elevated throughout the day, while ipamorelin delivers clean, pulsatile GH spikes that mimic youthful secretion patterns. Used together, they exploit the well-documented GHRH/GHRP synergy to maximize GH and IGF-1 without the side effects of exogenous HGH. If forced to choose only one, ipamorelin is better for beginners due to its cleaner side effect profile, while CJC-1295 with DAC is better for those wanting convenience (less frequent dosing) and sustained IGF-1 elevation.

References

  1. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults (2006) — PubMed
  2. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue (1998) — PubMed
  3. Synergistic effects of GHRP and GHRH on GH release in vivo and in vitro (1996) — PubMed
  4. The effect of CJC-1295, a synthetic GHRH analog, on pulsatile GH secretion (2006) — PubMed
  5. Growth hormone secretagogues: history, mechanism of action, and clinical development (2000) — PubMed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and without DAC?
CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Mod GRF 1-29) has a half-life of about 30 minutes and requires 1–3 daily injections. CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) binds to serum albumin, extending the half-life to approximately 8 days, allowing once or twice weekly dosing. The DAC version produces more sustained GH elevation but less pulsatile release, while the non-DAC version creates sharper GH pulses more similar to natural physiology.
How should I dose the CJC-1295 + ipamorelin stack?
The standard protocol is 100 mcg CJC-1295 (no DAC) + 200–300 mcg ipamorelin injected subcutaneously together, typically 1–3 times daily on an empty stomach. The most important dose is before bed to amplify the natural nocturnal GH surge. If using CJC-1295 with DAC, inject 2 mg once or twice weekly alongside daily ipamorelin.
Is the CJC-1295 + ipamorelin combo as effective as HGH injections?
The combo stimulates your own pituitary to produce more GH, which preserves the natural pulsatile pattern and feedback loops — unlike exogenous HGH, which can suppress endogenous production. While total GH output may be lower than high-dose HGH, the CJC/Ipa stack avoids many HGH side effects (insulin resistance, carpal tunnel, organ growth) and is significantly cheaper. For anti-aging and moderate performance goals, many clinicians consider it a superior approach.
How long should I run the CJC-1295 + ipamorelin cycle?
Most protocols run 8–12 weeks followed by a 4-week break, though some anti-aging clinics prescribe continuous use for 6–12 months. Because both peptides stimulate natural GH release rather than replacing it, long-term use does not carry the same pituitary suppression risk as exogenous HGH. However, periodic breaks are recommended to maintain receptor sensitivity.
Are CJC-1295 and ipamorelin legal to buy?
The regulatory status of both peptides varies by jurisdiction. In the United States, neither is FDA-approved for human use, but they are available as research chemicals and through compounding pharmacies under physician supervision. Some countries classify them as prescription-only substances, while others restrict their sale entirely. WADA does not specifically list CJC-1295 or ipamorelin but prohibits growth hormone releasing factors as a class. Anyone considering these peptides should check local regulations and consult a healthcare provider to ensure legal and safe access.

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