CJC-1295/Ipamorelin

Mod GRF 1-29 + Ipamorelin

Rank#999
Growth HormoneNot ApprovedPhase IIResearchSubQ

Popular for:Growth hormone release, body composition, anti-aging

0

Total Studies

0

Human Studies

Phase II

Evidence Level

Not Approved

FDA Status

Overview

CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are two distinct peptides frequently stacked together to synergistically enhance growth hormone (GH) release. They work through complementary pathways — CJC-1295 mimics GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone) while Ipamorelin mimics ghrelin — creating a more robust and physiologic GH response than either alone.

**CJC-1295: **A synthetic analogue of GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone 1-29), also called Modified GRF (1-29) or Mod GRF. Comes in two forms: CJC-1295 without DAC (no Drug Affinity Complex, shorter half-life ~30 min) and CJC-1295 with DAC (extended half-life ~8 days via albumin binding). The 'no DAC' version is preferred in the stack because it produces discrete GH pulses rather than sustained elevation.

**Ipamorelin: **A synthetic pentapeptide ghrelin mimetic and growth hormone secretagogue (GHS). It selectively stimulates GH release through the GHS receptor (GHSR) without significantly raising cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH — making it the cleanest GH secretagogue available. Half-life is approximately 2 hours.

Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 (GHRH pathway) provides the 'background signal' telling the pituitary to produce GH, while Ipamorelin (ghrelin pathway) triggers the acute 'release pulse.' Together they amplify the GH response beyond what either achieves alone, while maintaining a more physiologic pulsatile pattern.

Key Research Benefits

Sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation: CJC-1295 produced sustained, dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-1 levels in healthy adults (Ionescu & Bhatt, 2006). No serious adverse reactions were reported.
Selective GH release (Ipamorelin): Does not significantly raise cortisol, prolactin, or ghrelin at therapeutic doses — unlike GHRP-6 or GHRP-2 which spike appetite and cortisol.
Body composition: GH/IGF-1 elevation promotes fat loss (especially visceral fat), lean mass preservation, and improved recovery.
Sleep quality: GH pulse enhancement at bedtime may improve deep sleep (Stage 3/4 NREM), which is when natural GH release peaks.
Recovery and injury healing: Enhanced GH supports collagen synthesis, tendon/ligament repair, and overall tissue recovery.
Skin and hair: Improved skin elasticity, reduced wrinkles, and potentially enhanced hair quality through GH-mediated collagen production.

Clinical Evidence Summary

Combination Product

CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is a commonly paired combination. No clinical studies exist for this specific combination. Research data reflects studies of CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin individually. See each component's page for detailed evidence.

CJC-1295Ipamorelin

- Ionescu & Bhatt (2006) — CJC-1295 produced sustained, dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-1 in healthy adults (2-10 fold increases in GH AUC). No serious adverse events reported. Published in J Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

- Raun et al. (1998) — Ipamorelin identified as a potent and selective GH secretagogue. Demonstrated no significant effects on ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, FSH, LH, TSH, or GH-binding protein levels.

- Phase II trial (2014) — Ipamorelin studied for postoperative ileus (not fitness). Well tolerated up to 7 days but without clear superiority for the GI endpoint.

- **Clinical trial status: **Neither CJC-1295 nor Ipamorelin are FDA-approved. No active Phase III trials for body composition or anti-aging endpoints.

Key Studies / PubMed References

Combination Product

Studies below may reference individual compounds, not this specific combination.

CJC-1295Ipamorelin

Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions.

Review

Rahman OF, Lee SJ, Seeds WA · Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews · 2026

PMID: 41490200

The growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a agonists, anamorelin and ipamorelin, inhibit cisplatin-induced weight loss in ferrets: Anamorelin also exhibits anti-emetic effects via a central mechanism.

Review

Lu Z, Ngan MP, Liu JYH, et al. · Physiology & behavior · 2024

PMID: 39043357

Influence of chronic treatment with the growth hormone secretagogue Ipamorelin, in young female rats: somatotroph response in vitro.

In Vitro

Jiménez-Reina L, Cañete R, de la Torre MJ, et al. · Histology and histopathology · 2002

PMID: 12168778

The growth hormone secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decrease in bone formation of adult rats.

Animal Study

Andersen NB, Malmlöf K, Johansen PB, et al. · Growth hormone & IGF research : official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society · 2001

PMID: 11735244

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers.

Review

Gobburu JV, Agersø H, Jusko WJ, et al. · Pharmaceutical research · 1999

PMID: 10496658

Side Effects & Safety

Common: Injection site reactions (redness, swelling), head rush/flushing shortly after injection, mild headache, water retention, tingling/numbness in extremities
Less common: Joint pain (from water retention/GH effects), carpal tunnel-like symptoms, elevated fasting glucose, mild nausea
Long-term concerns: Persistent GH/IGF-1 elevation may theoretically increase cancer risk (IGF-1 promotes cell proliferation). Potential reproductive health impacts with extended use.
Contraindications: Active cancer/malignancy, diabetes (GH can raise blood sugar), pregnancy, pituitary tumors
Drug interactions: Glucocorticoids may blunt GH response. Insulin timing should be coordinated (insulin suppresses GH).

Known Interactions

No curated interaction entry is live for CJC-1295/Ipamorelin yet.

Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research Disclaimer

This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.