What are Ipamorelin and CJC-1295?

Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are often mentioned together and are also sold as a blend. Yet they act through two different receptors in the pituitary. This page explains how both peptides are built, the difference between CJC-1295 with and without DAC, and how to handle them in the lab.

Ipamorelin at a glance

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide developed by Novo Nordisk in the 1990s. It binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) in the pituitary, the same receptor the hunger hormone ghrelin acts on. In the original studies it stood out for its selectivity for that receptor.

  • Type: pentapeptide (5 amino acids, partly non-natural)
  • Sequence: Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
  • Receptor: ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a)
  • Class: growth hormone secretagogue (GHS)

CJC-1295 at a glance

CJC-1295 is a modified version of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone), the natural hormone from the hypothalamus. Four amino acids were replaced to make the peptide more resistant to enzymatic breakdown.

CJC-1295 therefore acts through the GHRH receptor, a different receptor from Ipamorelin's, which is why the two are often studied together.

CJC-1295 with or without DAC

CJC-1295 comes in two versions. CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) carries a chemical group that binds albumin in the blood, which greatly extended its half-life in studies. CJC-1295 without DAC, also called Modified GRF (1-29), lacks that group and has a much shorter half-life.

Virexa Labs supplies CJC-1295 without DAC, on its own or as a blend with Ipamorelin (5 + 5 mg).

  • CJC-1295 with DAC: binds albumin, long half-life
  • CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29): shorter half-life
  • Both: GHRH(1-29) analogues acting through the GHRH receptor

Research areas

Both peptides serve as model compounds in endocrine research, including:

  • Pulsatile release of growth hormone by the pituitary
  • The interplay between the GHRH receptor and the ghrelin receptor
  • Receptor selectivity of growth hormone secretagogues
  • Comparisons with other GHRH analogues such as tesamorelin

Storage and quality

Store lyophilized Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 at −20 °C, dry and protected from light. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, swirl gently and keep the solution at 2–8 °C.

Every batch is tested by HPLC for ≥99% purity and by mass spectrometry for identity; the COA is on the product page. Neither peptide is approved as a medicine, both are on the WADA prohibited list, and at Virexa Labs they are intended solely for laboratory research, not for human or veterinary use.

Products

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Ipamorelin and CJC-1295?

Ipamorelin binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). CJC-1295 is a GHRH analogue and binds the GHRH receptor. They are two different routes to the pituitary.

What does DAC mean in CJC-1295?

DAC stands for Drug Affinity Complex: a chemical group that binds albumin and extends the half-life. CJC-1295 without DAC is also called Modified GRF (1-29).

Why are Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 sold together?

Because they act through two different receptors, they are often studied together. Virexa Labs therefore also offers a blend of CJC-1295 (no DAC) and Ipamorelin.

Are Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 intended for human use?

No. At Virexa Labs both are intended solely for laboratory research and not for human or veterinary consumption.

Read next