A GHRH analog paired with a selective ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R) agonist
Growth-hormone secretagoguesEvidence: early human PK / preclinicalRUO · not FDA-approved · WADA-prohibited
Research Use Only. Neither compound is an approved therapy, and the combination is not a medicine. Educational only — no dosing or medical advice.
What they are
This is a two-pathway growth-hormone (GH) secretagogue stack. CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog (mimics growth-hormone-releasing hormone). Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R) agonist. They are combined because they push GH release through different receptors.
Mechanism — two doors to the same room
CJC-1295 → GHRH receptor: stimulates the pituitary to make/release GH, raising the baseline signal.
Ipamorelin → GHS-R (ghrelin receptor): triggers a GH pulse and, being selective, is reported to do so with little effect on cortisol or prolactin.2
Why stack them: a GHRH analog + a ghrelin mimetic act synergistically on the GH axis — the textbook rationale for combination research on secretagogues.1
Half-life & the DAC distinction
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
GHRH analog; short-acting
CJC-1295 with DAC
Adds a Drug-Affinity-Complex (albumin binding) → half-life of days
DAC is the same half-life-engineering idea seen in semaglutide: attach a group that binds albumin so the peptide isn't cleared for days. "No-DAC" vs "DAC" versions behave very differently for this reason.
State of the evidence
CJC-1295 (with DAC) has early human pharmacokinetic data showing sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation; ipamorelin is largely preclinical/early.
The combination is not an approved therapy and lacks large outcome trials.
Regulatory & sport status
FDA/EMA: not approved; RUO.
WADA: GH secretagogues are prohibited (class S2) — relevant for tested athletes.
For educational and research purposes only. This content is not medical advice. Compounds referenced are research use only and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Free Peptide University does not sell compounds.