Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are among the most studied peptides within research on the growth hormone axis. They are often mentioned together, but act on different receptors. In this guide we compare the two — informatively and strictly research-only, without performance or health claims.
Ipamorelin is a GHRP that mimics the ghrelin receptor; CJC-1295 is a GHRH analogue that targets the GHRH receptor. They work via different routes of the same axis and are therefore considered complementary in research. For research use only.
Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295: the difference at a glance
The core difference is the receptor: Ipamorelin works via the ghrelin receptor, CJC-1295 via the GHRH receptor. The table below sets the key characteristics side by side. New to peptides? First read what peptides are.
What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a selective GHRP that, in research, mimics the ghrelin receptor and is studied within the growth hormone axis. The full background can be found in what is Ipamorelin.
What is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a GHRH analogue that targets the GHRH receptor and comes in two variants: with DAC (longer half-life) and without DAC. More about the mechanism and the difference between the variants can be found in what is CJC-1295. Deeper detail on half-lives is in peptide half-lives.
Why are they considered complementary?
Because Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 engage different signalling routes of the same axis, they are sometimes seen as complementary in research. There is also a pre-combined research blend; read about it in the CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin blend. A broader context on this class can be found in growth hormone peptides.
This comparison is for information only. Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 at Peptide Lab are intended for laboratory and research purposes — not a medicine, not for human or animal consumption and not medical advice. No efficacy, performance or health claims are made.
For research: purity and documentation
If you work with Ipamorelin or CJC-1295, always check the purity and the batch number. Read how to read a COA and view the public certificate per lot number. Both are supplied as a lyophilised powder — calculate the reconstitution ratio with the reconstitution calculator, or browse the muscle growth & growth hormone category.
Frequently asked questions about Ipamorelin and CJC-1295
What is the difference between Ipamorelin and CJC-1295?
They act on different receptors. Ipamorelin is a GHRP (growth hormone releasing peptide) that mimics the ghrelin receptor. CJC-1295 is a GHRH analogue that targets the GHRH receptor. In research they are studied as complementary mechanisms within the growth hormone axis.
Why are Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 often mentioned together?
Because they engage different signalling routes of the same axis, they are sometimes considered complementary in research. There is also a ready-made research blend that combines both.
What is the difference between CJC-1295 with and without DAC?
The DAC variant (Drug Affinity Complex) has a longer half-life than the no-DAC variant (also known as mod GRF 1-29). The difference is therefore mainly in the duration of presence, not in the receptor it acts on.
Are Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 pure at Peptide Lab?
Yes. Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 with DAC are lab-verified at 99.4% purity, CJC-1295 no DAC at 99.0%, with a public certificate per batch. For research purposes only.
