CJC-1295 vs ipamorelin
The usual growth hormone pairing: CJC-1295 acts on the GHRH receptor and ipamorelin on the ghrelin receptor. They’re sold premixed, but neither has human data for injection under the skin, and the pair has never been tested.
- CJC-1295 (no DAC)
- Preclinical1–3× daily (bedtime most common)
- Ipamorelin
- Human studies1–3× daily (bedtime most common)
- Head-to-head trials
- None published
The short answer
CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) is a 29-amino-acid GHRH analog. Ipamorelin is a five-amino-acid ghrelin-receptor agonist. They act on different receptors, which is why users combine them, often from a premixed vial.
Neither is approved. CJC-1295 without DAC has no published human trials, and ipamorelin was studied only by IV, including a Phase 2 trial after bowel surgery that missed its goal. No published study has tested the two together. FDA’s advisory committee voted against both for pharmacy compounding: 0 to 13 for CJC-1295 and 0 to 12 for ipamorelin.
At a glance
| Field | CJC-1295 (no DAC)Mod GRF 1-29 | IpamorelinIpamorelin acetate |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence | Preclinical | Human studies |
| Class | GHRH analog | Ghrelin-receptor agonist (GHRP) |
| Approval | Not approved as a drug in the US or EU. | Not approved as a drug in the US or EU. |
| Sport (WADA 2026) | Banned in sport | Banned in sport |
| Common dose | 100 mcg, 1–3× daily | 100–300 mcg, 1–3× daily |
| Frequency | 1–3× daily (bedtime most common) | 1–3× daily (bedtime most common) |
| Cycle | 12 weeks on, 4 off | 12 weeks on, 4 off |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection | Subcutaneous injection (community); IV in trials |
| Half-life | – | about 2 hours Trial |
| Typical draw | 5 units5 mg with 2.5 mL, 100 mcg | 10 units5 mg with 2.5 mL, 200 mcg |
| Vial sizes or form | 5 mg | 5, 10 mg |
| Human studies | None found | 2 listedLargest: 117 people (2014) |
| Main cautions |
|
|
| Open CJC-1295 (no DAC) | Open Ipamorelin |
Doses shown are what labels, trials or community reports reference, not recommendations. Each compound’s page has the full detail and sources.
Key differences
Receptor
CJC-1295: the GHRH receptor, like sermorelin and tesamorelin. Ipamorelin: the ghrelin receptor, like MK-677 and GHRP-2.
Human data
TrialCJC-1295 without DAC: none. Ipamorelin: IV studies, including 117 people after bowel surgery.
Typical doses
CommunityCJC-1295: 100 mcg, 1–3 times a day. Ipamorelin: 100–300 mcg, 1–3 times a day. In a premixed vial the ratio is fixed, so the dose of one sets the other.
Half-life
CJC-1295 without DAC: about 30 minutes is commonly cited, not measured in people. Ipamorelin: about 2 hours after an IV infusion.
Status
Both are banned in sport under WADA S2.2.4. CJC-1295’s compounding nomination was withdrawn; ipamorelin is still in FDA Category 2 for outsourcing facilities.
Head-to-head studies
Taking them together
CJC-1295 (no DAC) and ipamorelin each raise growth hormone or IGF-1 activity. Tesamorelin’s label advises monitoring IGF-1 and lists fluid retention, joint pain and higher blood sugar as side effects.
Source: Egrifta prescribing information
Their pages list them as a common pairing. That reflects community practice, not trials.
The standard pairing: a GHRH analog plus a ghrelin-receptor agonist, often premixed. Never tested together in a published trial.
Open them in the stack check for sport status and one combined tracking checklist.
Questions
What is the difference between CJC-1295 (no DAC) and ipamorelin?
CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) is a 29-amino-acid GHRH analog. Ipamorelin is a five-amino-acid ghrelin-receptor agonist. They act on different receptors, which is why users combine them, often from a premixed vial.
Why are CJC-1295 and ipamorelin taken together?
They push growth hormone release through two different receptors, GHRH and ghrelin, which users expect to add up. That reasoning comes from community guides; no published study has tested the pair.
Can CJC-1295 (no DAC) and ipamorelin be taken together?
The stack check flags several growth hormone compounds. CJC-1295 (no DAC) and ipamorelin each raise growth hormone or IGF-1 activity. Tesamorelin’s label advises monitoring IGF-1 and lists fluid retention, joint pain and higher blood sugar as side effects. No published study has tested them together.
Which has more evidence in people, CJC-1295 (no DAC) or ipamorelin?
CJC-1295 (no DAC) isn’t approved anywhere and rests mainly on cell and animal studies; its page lists no published human studies. Ipamorelin isn’t approved anywhere; its page lists 2 key human studies. They haven’t been compared directly in a published trial.
Are CJC-1295 (no DAC) and ipamorelin banned in sport?
CJC-1295 (no DAC) and ipamorelin are banned at all times. This follows the WADA 2026 Prohibited List; athletes should confirm with their anti-doping organization.
Sources
- Beck et al., ipamorelin for postoperative ileus (Int J Colorectal Dis 2014) PMID 25331030
- Gobburu et al., ipamorelin pharmacokinetics (Pharm Res 1999) PMID 10496658
- FDA advisory committee briefing: ipamorelin (2024)
- FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee, December 4, 2024 meeting minutes
Each compound’s page lists its full sources: CJC-1295 (no DAC), Ipamorelin.