# CJC-1295 vs ipamorelin - Canonical: https://residue.info/vs/cjc-1295-vs-ipamorelin/ - Compounds: CJC-1295 (https://residue.info/c/cjc-1295/), Ipamorelin (https://residue.info/c/ipamorelin/) - Updated: 2026-10-19 · Reviewed by: Residue Editorial Team CJC-1295 is a long-acting GHRH analog: one injection raised growth hormone 2–10-fold for six days or more in healthy adults [1]. Ipamorelin is a short pentapeptide acting at the ghrelin receptor [2]. Neither is FDA-approved; FDA records serious adverse events for CJC-1295 and lists ipamorelin in compounding Category 2 [3]. No trial has tested them together. ## Side by side | | CJC-1295 | Ipamorelin | |---|---|---| | Receptor | GHRH receptor (long-acting analog) [1] | GH-secretagogue (ghrelin) receptor [2] | | Duration and dosing | GH up ≥6 days; IGF-1 up 9–11 days after one dose [1] | Dosed repeatedly by IV in rat and human ileus studies [4][5] | | Half-life | 5.8–8.1 days [1] | Not reported in the sources we cite | | Human studies | Two pharmacology studies in healthy adults (2006) [1][6] | One efficacy RCT (negative) [5] | | FDA | Withdrawn nomination; serious adverse events recorded [3] | Category 2 for 503B [3] | | Evidence grade | C | C | ## How do they work differently? CJC-1295 was designed to extend the action of GHRH. After a single subcutaneous injection in healthy adults, mean GH rose 2- to 10-fold for at least 6 days and IGF-1 1.5- to 3-fold for 9–11 days; the estimated half-life was 5.8–8.1 days [1]. A follow-up study found GH pulsatility was preserved, but trough GH rose 7.5-fold, mean GH by 46% and IGF-1 by 45% [6]. Ipamorelin acts at a different receptor. It released GH with potency similar to GHRP-6 in rats and swine and, in swine, without changing FSH, LH, prolactin or TSH [2]. ## What does the human evidence show? Neither compound has a published efficacy trial showing benefit. CJC-1295's human data are pharmacology studies in healthy adults [1][6]; a proteomics study looked for serum markers of GH action [7]. Ipamorelin's 114-patient post-operative ileus trial found no significant difference from placebo [5]. ## Are they FDA-approved? FDA lists CJC-1295 among withdrawn compounding nominations, noting serious adverse events including increased heart rate and systemic vasodilatory reaction and that available clinical data are limited. Ipamorelin acetate was placed in Category 2 for 503B outsourcing facilities on September 29, 2023 [3]. Neither is FDA-approved. ## Frequently asked questions **Are CJC-1295 and ipamorelin studied together?** Not in any published trial in the sources we fetched. Each has its own small human record [1][5]. **How long does CJC-1295 last?** In healthy adults, estimated half-life was 5.8–8.1 days; with repeated doses IGF-1 stayed above baseline for up to 28 days [1]. **What safety concerns has FDA raised?** For CJC-1295, FDA records serious adverse events including increased heart rate and systemic vasodilatory reaction. For ipamorelin, it cites immunogenicity risk and a reported death with intravenous use [3]. **Can you take CJC-1295 and ipamorelin together?** No published trial in the sources we fetched tested them together. Each has its own small human record [1][5], and FDA has raised separate compounding-safety concerns for both [3]. ## Sources [1] Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. Teichman SL et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16352683/ [2] Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Raun K et al. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9849822/ [3] Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks. U.S. FDA, content current as of 04/22/2026. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/certain-bulk-drug-substances-use-compounding-may-present-significant-safety-risks [4] Efficacy of ipamorelin, a novel ghrelin mimetic, in a rodent model of postoperative ileus. Venkova K et al. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19289567/ [5] Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients. Beck DE et al. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25331030/ [6] Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog. Ionescu M & Frohman LA J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17018654/ [7] Activation of the GH/IGF-1 axis by CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog, results in serum protein profile changes in normal adult subjects. Sackmann-Sala L et al. Growth Horm IGF Res. 2009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19386527/ --- From Residue. Research and education only; not medical advice. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical page.