NO. 009 · STAGE 1 · Lv. 75 · HP 140
IPA / CJC-1295
GH-Secretagogue Pair · Pulsatile
ALIASES
Ipamorelin, CJC-1295 No DAC, Mod GRF 1-29, GHS pair, growth-hormone secretagogue stack
CLASS
Two-peptide research pair · selective ghrelin agonist + GHRH analog
HALF-LIFE
Ipamorelin ~2 hr · CJC-1295 No DAC ~30 min
ROUTES
Subcutaneous (research)
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Two-peptide pair. Ipamorelin selectively engages the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). CJC-1295 (No DAC) is a GHRH(1-29) analog. Together they amplify the GH pulse.
EVIDENCE GRADES
Ipamorelin selectively binds GHS-R1a without significant cortisol/prolactin elevation (Raun et al. 1998).
Beck et al. 2014 (PMID 25331030, NCT00672074) Phase 2 trial showed numerical but not statistically significant reduction in time-to-first-bowel-movement. Helsinn/Lilly sponsor program discontinued.
Teichman et al. 2006 (ConjuChem Phase 1/2) reported sustained IGF-1 elevation. Two deaths in lipodystrophy trial halted that program.
Community-reported research protocols. No completed Phase 3 trials.
MECHANISM CATEGORIES
RESEARCH CONDITIONS
SAFETY
Side effects
- Injection-site reactions
- Mild flushing
- Transient hunger (ipamorelin component)
- Rare water retention
Drug interactions
- Concurrent rhGH not recommended
- Insulin / glucose-lowering agents (mild hyperglycemia possible)
Contraindications
- Active malignancy
- Pituitary tumor
- Pregnancy/lactation
REGULATORY STATUS
FDA · Not FDA-approved. Sponsored Phase 2 program for ipamorelin (postoperative ileus) discontinued. CJC-1295 with-DAC ConjuChem program halted.
WADA · Both prohibited at all times under WADA Section S2. Ipamorelin in the growth-hormone-secretagogue sub-category. CJC-1295 in the GHRH-analog sub-category.
STORAGE
Lyophilized · 4 °C 24 months
Reconstituted · 2–8 °C, 28 days
PEER-REVIEWED EVIDENCE
- Venkova K, Mann W, Nelson R, Greenwood-Van Meerveld B. Efficacy of ipamorelin, a novel ghrelin mimetic, in a rodent model of postoperative ileus. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2009. PMID 19289567. link →
- Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al.. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone and IGF-I secretion by CJC-1295 in healthy adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2006. link →
FAQ · 12 QUESTIONS
▶ What is ipamorelin / CJC-1295?
Ipamorelin / CJC-1295 is a two-peptide research pair commonly co-administered. Ipamorelin is a selective agonist of the ghrelin / growth-hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a). CJC-1295 (No DAC variant) is a stabilized GHRH(1-29) analog. The pair amplifies the GH pulse via dual-pathway activation.
▶ What is the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and No DAC?
CJC-1295 with DAC carries a maleimidopropionic-acid (MPA) linker that covalently binds plasma albumin in vivo, extending half-life to roughly one week. CJC-1295 No DAC (also called modified GRF(1-29) or Mod GRF 1-29) lacks the MPA linker and has the same short half-life as native GHRH (~30 min). Most current research uses the No-DAC variant; the With-DAC ConjuChem trial program was halted.
▶ Why is ipamorelin stacked with CJC-1295?
Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 activate two complementary upstream pathways for GH release. Ipamorelin engages the ghrelin receptor; CJC-1295 engages the GHRH receptor. Combined stimulation produces synergistic GH pulses larger than either alone in animal-model studies.
▶ Is ipamorelin selective?
Yes. Ipamorelin selectively stimulates pulsatile GH release from anterior-pituitary somatotrophs without significant cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone elevation. This selectivity distinguishes it from older GH-releasing peptides like GHRP-6 and Hexarelin, which raise stress hormones.
▶ Is ipamorelin FDA-approved?
No. The Helsinn/Lilly Phase 2 ipamorelin program for postoperative ileus (Beck et al. 2014, PMID 25331030) was discontinued. No subsequent FDA approval.
▶ Are ipamorelin and CJC-1295 banned in sports?
Yes. Both are prohibited at all times under WADA Section S2 — ipamorelin in the growth-hormone-secretagogue sub-category, CJC-1295 in the GHRH-analog sub-category.
▶ What is the half-life of ipamorelin?
Approximately 2 hours plasma half-life. The pulse-and-decay profile lasts roughly 3–4 hours in published pharmacokinetic studies.
▶ What is the half-life of CJC-1295 No DAC?
Approximately 30 minutes — the same as native GHRH(1-29). The stabilizing substitutions resist DPP-IV cleavage but do not add albumin tethering. Hence the need for multiple daily injections in research protocols.
▶ Does ipamorelin / CJC-1295 stack with retatrutide?
Different mechanisms; no published combination data. Retatrutide is an incretin agonist (GLP-1R, GIPR, GCGR). Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 act on the GH-axis. Theoretical complementarity exists; no clinical RCT validates the combination.
▶ Side effects of ipamorelin / CJC-1295?
Most common in community-reported research protocols: mild injection-site reactions, transient hunger (ghrelin-receptor component), mild flushing, rare water retention. Safer profile than older non-selective GHS like GHRP-6.
▶ When should ipamorelin / CJC-1295 be administered in animal studies?
Typical animal-model protocols use evening administration to align with the natural largest GH pulse during slow-wave sleep. Empty-stomach administration is preferred because elevated blood glucose blunts GH response.
▶ How is ipamorelin / CJC-1295 stored?
Lyophilized: 4 °C for 24 months. Reconstituted: 2–8 °C, use within 28 days.
APPEARS IN STACKS
SIGNATURE MOVES
Both pathways fire. Pulsatile GH release.
Bonus damage during sleep cycle. IGF-1 elevation.
SOURCED FROM PEPPU LABS
Reference compounds documented on this page are available as research-grade material at Peppu Studio · ≥99% purity · per-batch Certificate of Analysis. For laboratory research use only. No human dose is recommended by this wiki.
▶ LAST UPDATED · 2026-05-19