CJC-1295 vs Ipamorelin vs Tesamorelin: GH-Axis Peptides Compared
CJC-1295 (with and without DAC), Ipamorelin, Tesamorelin and IGF-1 LR3 act at different points along the growth hormone axis. This guide maps where each one works, compares half-lives and explains why CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are paired.
The growth hormone axis in one minute
Growth hormone (GH) release is controlled by a chain of signals:
- The hypothalamus releases GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone).
- GHRH acts on the pituitary, which releases GH. A second signal, ghrelin, also triggers GH release through its own receptor.
- GH travels to the liver and other tissues, which make IGF-1.
Each research peptide in this family acts at one of those points, which is what makes them useful to compare.
| Peptide | Acts at | Mimics |
|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 No DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) | GHRH receptor (pituitary) | GHRH, short-acting |
| CJC-1295 DAC | GHRH receptor (pituitary) | GHRH, long-acting |
| Tesamorelin | GHRH receptor (pituitary) | Full-length GHRH, stabilised |
| Ipamorelin | Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) | Ghrelin, selective |
| IGF-1 LR3 | IGF-1 receptor (downstream) | IGF-1, long-acting |
CJC-1295 DAC vs No DAC
Both start from the first 29 amino acids of GHRH with four substitutions that resist breakdown; that version is called Mod GRF 1-29, sold as CJC-1295 No DAC. DAC (drug affinity complex) adds a lysine with a reactive group that binds albumin in the blood. That single change stretches the half-life from around 30 minutes to roughly a week. Full detail in what is CJC-1295.
- Tesamorelin~30 min
- CJC-1295 No DAC~30 min
- Ipamorelin~2 h
- CJC-1295 DAC~6 to 8 days
Log scale: each step is roughly ten times longer. Values are approximate figures from published pharmacokinetic studies.
Why CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are paired
CJC-1295 works through the GHRH receptor and Ipamorelin through the ghrelin receptor. Because they use two separate receptors, researchers study them together to look at combined signalling. Ipamorelin is a five-amino-acid peptide developed in the late 1990s and is known for being selective, with little effect on other pituitary hormones in early studies. We sell them separately and as a CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin blend in 10mg and 20mg vials. More in what is Ipamorelin.
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a 44-amino-acid, full-length GHRH analogue with a small chemical group added to protect it. It is the only peptide in this family that has been approved as a medicine: the US FDA approved it in 2010 for a specific fat-distribution condition. Research-grade tesamorelin comes in 10mg and 20mg vials. See what is Tesamorelin.
IGF-1 LR3
IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 IGF-1) is an 83-amino-acid version of IGF-1 with one amino acid swapped and a 13-residue extension. Those changes stop it binding the proteins that normally hold IGF-1 inactive, so it stays active far longer. It was developed in Adelaide and is widely used in cell culture. It works downstream of GH rather than on the pituitary. See what is IGF-1 LR3.
- IGF-1 LR383
- Tesamorelin44
- CJC-1295 DAC30
- Mod GRF 1-2929
- Ipamorelin5
Handling
All are supplied as lyophilised powder. IGF-1 LR3 is often reconstituted in a weak acid solution rather than plain bac water, so check the handling notes. Everything else follows our standard reconstitution steps.
Further reading
- What is CJC-1295?
- What is Ipamorelin?
- What is Tesamorelin?
- What is IGF-1 LR3?
- How to reconstitute peptides
For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption. Not medical or legal advice.
