CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin Research Overview: Two Receptor Pathways

CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are two synthetic peptides that act on different receptors involved in growth hormone release. CJC-1295 is an analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), and Ipamorelin is an agonist of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a).

They are often studied together, and sold together as a blend, precisely because they work through separate pathways. This overview explains both pathways, the two very different molecules sold as "CJC-1295", and what researchers should check before comparing results.

Two pathways to growth hormone release

Growth hormone release from the pituitary is controlled by several signals. Two of the best studied are:

• The GHRH receptor, activated by growth hormone-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus
• The growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), activated by ghrelin

The ghrelin receptor was identified in 1996 by Howard and colleagues (Science), and its natural ligand, ghrelin, was discovered in 1999 by Kojima and colleagues (Nature). Because the two receptors are distinct, compounds acting on each can be used to study the pathways separately or together.

CJC-1295: with DAC and without DAC

The name CJC-1295 is used for two quite different molecules, and this causes frequent confusion.

• Without DAC (also called Mod GRF 1-29 or tetrasubstituted GRF 1-29): the first 29 amino acids of GHRH, with four amino-acid substitutions (at positions 2, 8, 15 and 27) that make it more resistant to enzymatic breakdown.
• With DAC: the same modified sequence plus a lysine linked to a "drug affinity complex", a reactive group that binds albumin and greatly extends how long the peptide persists.

The two have different molecular weights and behave very differently in experiments. Check the certificate of analysis to confirm which one you have before comparing results with published work.

The CJC-1295 in our CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin blend is the version without DAC.

Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2). Raun and colleagues described it in 1998 (European Journal of Endocrinology) as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. In the animal models they reported, it acted on the ghrelin receptor with little effect on other pituitary hormones such as ACTH and cortisol, unlike several earlier secretagogues.

That selectivity is why Ipamorelin is widely used as a reference agonist for the ghrelin receptor. Our Ipamorelin research overview covers it in more detail.

Why study them together

Because CJC-1295 acts at the GHRH receptor and Ipamorelin at GHS-R1a, using both allows researchers to examine how the two pathways interact. Most published research examines each compound separately, and studies of the specific combination are limited and mostly preclinical.

Handling in the laboratory

Both peptides are supplied as a co-lyophilized powder and are generally reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use. Sealed vials are stored at -20°C, protected from light and moisture.

Testing and documentation

Every lot we sell is tested by Freedom Diagnostics, an independent laboratory, using HPLC for purity and mass spectrometry for identity. Certificates are published in our COA library, and each can be verified directly with the lab using the search code printed on it. Our guide explains how to verify a COA.

Related reading

• CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin (5mg + 5mg)
• Ipamorelin (10mg)
• Growth Hormone Axis Research peptides

For research purposes only. All products from Canada Research Labs are supplied strictly as reference materials for in-vitro laboratory research by qualified professionals. They are not drugs, natural health products or cosmetics, and have not been authorized by Health Canada for any human or veterinary use.