Overview
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are both growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) – peptides that stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. They work through different mechanisms and are often researched together.
CJC-1295
- Type: Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) analog
- Mechanism: Stimulates GHRH receptors on pituitary
- Variants: CJC-1295 (no DAC) and CJC-1295 DAC (with Drug Affinity Complex)
- Half-life: ~30 minutes (no DAC) or ~8 days (with DAC)
- GH Release: Amplifies natural GH pulses
Ipamorelin
- Type: Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide (GHRP)
- Mechanism: Stimulates ghrelin receptors (GHS-R)
- Half-life: ~2 hours
- GH Release: Creates distinct GH pulses
- Selectivity: Highly selective, minimal side effects in research
Why They're Often Combined
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin work through different receptor pathways:
- CJC-1295 amplifies the amplitude of GH pulses (via GHRH pathway)
- Ipamorelin increases the frequency of GH pulses (via ghrelin pathway)
- Together, they may produce synergistic effects in research
Research Note: Ipamorelin is considered one of the "cleanest" GHRPs because it doesn't significantly affect cortisol or prolactin levels in research models.