Knowledge base
CJC-1295 and ipamorelin: a GHRH analogue and a ghrelin receptor agonist
CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are often mentioned together and are also sold together in one vial. They are different peptides, which the literature links to two different receptors. This article explains what they are, how CJC-1295 with and without DAC differ, and what to look for when storing and buying.
What is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 without DAC, also called Modified GRF (1-29), is a synthetic analogue of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone). Four amino acids have been replaced, at positions 2, 8, 15 and 27, for stability; among other things, breakdown by the enzyme DPP-4 is slower than for natural GHRH.
Studies describe it as an agonist of the GHRH receptor in the pituitary.
With or without DAC?
- Without DAC: the modified 29-amino-acid GHRH fragment. Studies describe a short half-life.
- With DAC: an extra lysine with a reactive maleimide group, the Drug Affinity Complex, is attached to the same fragment. That group can bind covalently to albumin; studies report a half-life of several days as a result.
- Because of that difference the two forms have a different mass: the mass measurement on the certificate shows which form you have.
What is ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide with the sequence Aib-His-D-2Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2. It contains building blocks that are not standard amino acids: Aib (α-aminoisobutyric acid), D-2Nal (a naphthylalanine in D-form) and D-phenylalanine. It was described in the late 1990s as a growth hormone secretagogue.
Studies describe ipamorelin as a selective agonist of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). In animal models it showed hardly any effect on cortisol and prolactin, unlike older secretagogues such as GHRP-6.
Key facts
- CJC-1295 without DAC: 29-amino-acid GHRH analogue with four substitutions.
- CJC-1295 with DAC: the same analogue with an extra lysine and a maleimide group for albumin binding.
- Ipamorelin: pentapeptide, Aib-His-D-2Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, about 711.9 g/mol.
- CJC-1295 + ipamorelin: both peptides together in one vial.
Two receptors
The literature links the two peptides to different receptors: CJC-1295 to the GHRH receptor, ipamorelin to the ghrelin receptor. Both routes are described as a stimulus for the release of growth hormone in the pituitary. Little has been published on the combination as such; most research concerns the individual peptides.
Storage, dissolving and buying
BrabantLabs supplies ipamorelin, CJC-1295 without DAC, CJC-1295 with DAC and the combination CJC-1295 + ipamorelin, shipped from the Netherlands.
- As powder cool, dry and dark; briefly in the fridge (2–8 °C), longer in the freezer (−20 °C or colder).
- Dissolve following Dissolving peptides; for a combination vial, use the peptide calculator to work out the concentration of each peptide separately.
- Check on the certificate that the mass matches the form you order, with or without DAC.
- Compare the lot number on the vial with the certificate on Lab results.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between CJC-1295 with and without DAC?
- The DAC version has an extra lysine with a reactive group that binds to albumin; in studies this gives a much longer half-life. Without DAC it is only the modified GHRH fragment.
- Is Modified GRF (1-29) the same as CJC-1295 without DAC?
- Yes, both names are used for the same modified 29-amino-acid GHRH fragment.
- Is ipamorelin a peptide?
- Yes, a pentapeptide of five building blocks, some of which are not standard amino acids.
- Why are CJC-1295 and ipamorelin sold together?
- Because the literature links them to two different receptors. Little has been published on the combination itself.
In the shop
For laboratory research only. BrabantLabs products are intended for laboratory research and not for human or animal use. This article describes what has been published in the scientific literature and is not a health claim or advice on use.