CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are almost always mentioned together. They are two different types of peptide that push growth hormone up through two separate doors, and combining them produces a bigger, cleaner pulse than either one alone. Here is why the pairing makes sense and how it is typically run.
Short version: CJC-1295 is a GHRH analogue and ipamorelin is a GHRP (a ghrelin mimic). They act on different pituitary receptors, so together they create a larger, synergistic growth-hormone release. Ipamorelin is prized because it does this without spiking cortisol or hunger.
Two peptides, two doors
Your pituitary gland releases growth hormone in response to more than one signal. These two peptides each hit a different one:
- CJC-1295 (a GHRH analogue) mimics growth-hormone-releasing hormone, the body’s primary “make and release GH” instruction.
- Ipamorelin (a GHRP) mimics ghrelin at a separate receptor, amplifying the pulse and suppressing somatostatin, the brake on GH release.
Because they work through independent pathways, using them together is more than additive. One opens the tap while the other releases the brake, which is the whole rationale for the stack.
How they compare
| Feature | CJC-1295GHRH analogue | IpamorelinGHRP |
|---|---|---|
| Receptor | GHRH receptor | Ghrelin / GHS receptor |
| Role | Drives GH production | Amplifies the pulse |
| Cortisol / prolactin | Minimal | Minimal (its key advantage) |
| Half-life | ~30 min (no-DAC) to 6–8 days (DAC) | ~2 hours |
| Typical timing | Before bed | Before bed |
Why ipamorelin specifically
There are several GHRPs (GHRP-6, GHRP-2, hexarelin), but ipamorelin is the most selective. Older GHRPs also raise cortisol and prolactin and can trigger strong hunger. Ipamorelin releases growth hormone with minimal effect on those other hormones, which is why it became the default partner for CJC-1295 in research settings.
How the stack is typically run
A common approach pairs the short-acting form of CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) with ipamorelin, both dosed together before bed on a relatively empty stomach, so the combined pulse lines up with the body’s natural overnight GH release. Because food blunts the response, a fasted window of around 90 minutes is usual. Exact doses vary widely between sources; see the individual profiles for the specific ranges: CJC-1295 and ipamorelin.
One important choice is which form of CJC-1295 you have. The DAC version lasts 6 to 8 days and is dosed weekly; the no-DAC version (Mod GRF 1-29) clears in about 30 minutes and is dosed daily, which is the form usually stacked with ipamorelin. The CJC-1295 page breaks down both.
Measuring your doses
Both peptides are dosed in small amounts (often fractions of a milligram), so getting the syringe units right matters. Reconstitute each vial, then use the reconstitution calculator to convert your dose into exact units. New to mixing? See how reconstitution works.
Safety
Neither peptide is approved for human use, and both are banned in competitive sport under WADA rules. Raising growth hormone and IGF-1 carries theoretical risks, particularly for anyone with a history of cancer, and growth hormone can affect blood sugar. This is reference information, not a recommendation to use them.
This article is educational and reference-only. It is not medical advice. CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are research compounds not approved for human use; follow all applicable laws and consult a qualified professional.
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