Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295 vs Sermorelin
Side-by-side comparison of Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, Sermorelin — mechanism, dosing, half-life, side effects, and research status.
| Attribute | Ipamorelin Ipamorelin (Selective GHRP) Growth Hormone | CJC-1295 CJC-1295 (Modified GRF 1-29) Growth Hormone | Sermorelin Sermorelin Acetate (GHRH 1-29) Growth Hormone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basics | |||
| Molecular type | Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide (GHRP) | GHRH Analogue | GHRH Analogue |
| Amino acids | 5 | 29 | 29 |
| Molecular weight | 711.9 Da | 3,368.9 Da | 3,357.9 Da |
| Half-life | ~2 hours | 30 min (without DAC) / 7–8 days (with DAC) | ~10–20 min |
| Route(s) | Subcutaneous, Intramuscular | Subcutaneous, Intramuscular | Subcutaneous, IV (diagnostic only) |
| Mechanism & Research | |||
| Primary mechanism | Ipamorelin activates growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHSR-1a) in the pituitary, triggering pulsatile GH release. Unlike first-generation GHRPs (GHRP-6, GHRP-2), ipamorelin's selectivity for GHSR-1a is high enough … | CJC-1295 binds GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotroph cells, stimulating GH synthesis and increasing GH pulse amplitude. Unlike native GHRH (half-life <10 minutes), the modified amino acid substitutions in CJC-1295 resi… | Sermorelin binds GHRH receptors in the anterior pituitary with similar affinity to native GHRH and stimulates GH synthesis and secretion. Its mechanism is essentially identical to endogenous GHRH — it is distinguished pr… |
| Research status | Research Compound | Research Compound | Research Compound |
| Evidence summary | Ipamorelin was among the first highly selective GHRPs to enter research. Phase 1 trials confirmed its clean hormonal profile. It remains a reference GHRP in comparative studies and is widely used as the GHRP component in… | Phase 1/2 trials with CJC-1295 with DAC confirmed dose-dependent IGF-1 elevation lasting up to 14 days after single injection. CJC-1295 without DAC's pulsatile profile is primarily studied in combination with GHRPs. | Sermorelin has more human clinical data than any other GHRH analogue due to its period of FDA approval. Adult studies have examined it for age-related GH decline, body composition, and sleep quality. |
| Protocol & Dosing | |||
| Typical dose | 100–300 mcg per injection | 100–200 mcg (without DAC); 2mg every 2 weeks (with DAC) | 200–500 mcg |
| Frequency | 2–3x daily (or 1x at bedtime) | 2–3x daily (without DAC); biweekly (with DAC) | Once daily at bedtime |
| Duration | 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off | 8–16 weeks | 3–6 months |
| Timing | Fasted state or 2+ hours post-meal for maximum GH response; bedtime dosing utilises natural nocturnal GH pulse | Without DAC: fasted, 2x daily ideally morning + bedtime. With DAC: any time, biweekly. | Bedtime (maximises nocturnal GH pulse) |
| Safety | |||
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| Anti-doping | Prohibited (WADA S2) | Prohibited (WADA S2) | Prohibited (WADA S2) |
| Deeper reading | |||
| Related peptides | CJC-1295, GHRP-2, Sermorelin, Tesamorelin | Ipamorelin, Sermorelin, GHRP-2, Tesamorelin | CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, Tesamorelin |
| Full profile | Read full Ipamorelin profile → | Read full CJC-1295 profile → | Read full Sermorelin profile → |
Comparison data is compiled from each peptide’s individual profile. All values are drawn from peer-reviewed research and regulatory sources. For educational use only — not medical advice. Verify any protocol with a qualified healthcare provider.