CJC-1295, Ipamorelin and the Growth-Hormone Axis: A Research Guide

The growth-hormone (GH) axis has the largest family of research peptides in most catalogues. Most of them work through one of two receptors, and knowing which is the key to understanding them.

Two routes to GH release

The pituitary releases growth hormone in pulses. Two signals push it to do so:

1. GHRH (growth-hormone-releasing hormone) from the hypothalamus, acting on GHRH receptors
2. Ghrelin, acting on the growth-hormone secretagogue receptor GHS-R1a

Somatostatin acts as the brake on both. The two pathways reinforce each other, which is why research often pairs a GHRH analogue with a ghrelin-receptor agonist.

GHRH analogues

Compound	What it is
Sermorelin	GHRH(1-29) — the shortest fully active fragment
Mod GRF 1-29 / CJC-1295 without DAC	GHRH(1-29) with four substitutions for stability. These are the same compound sold under two names
CJC-1295 with DAC	The same backbone plus a linker that binds albumin, extending activity from minutes to days
Tesamorelin	Full-length GHRH(1-44) with an N-terminal modification

With vs without DAC is the most common source of confusion. "DAC" (Drug Affinity Complex) changes the compound's duration of action dramatically, so the two are not interchangeable in research design. Check which one a listing contains.

Ghrelin-receptor agonists (GHRPs)

Compound	Notes from research
GHRP-6	First generation; strong appetite-pathway activity in models
GHRP-2	More potent; some cortisol and prolactin effect
Hexarelin	Highly potent; also binds CD36 in cardiac tissue
Ipamorelin	Selective, with little cortisol or prolactin effect in animal studies

Ipamorelin's selectivity is the main reason it is often paired with CJC-1295 in research.

Blends

The CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin blend puts both in one vial. Ratios differ by supplier and the blend name rarely tells you whether the CJC-1295 has DAC. Always check the certificate of analysis for each component.

Comparing GH-axis listings

1. Confirm DAC status for anything labelled CJC-1295.
2. Compare Mod GRF 1-29 and CJC-1295 without DAC listings together — they are the same molecule.
3. Use price per mg and request a batch CoA. See how to read a certificate of analysis.

Summary

GH-axis peptides fall into two groups: GHRH analogues and ghrelin-receptor agonists. Naming is inconsistent, so check the exact compound before comparing prices. PeptideCompare provides no dosing or usage guidance, and nothing here is for human or veterinary use.