Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295 (no DAC)
Ghrelin receptor agonism versus GHRH receptor agonism — different receptors, frequently studied together for that reason.
Growth Hormone
Ipamorelin
Highly selective pentapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist, notable for minimal cross-activation of other pituitary axes.
Growth Hormone
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
Modified GRF (1-29) analog with four amino acid substitutions conferring resistance to enzymatic degradation.
Side by side
| Dimension | Ipamorelin | CJC-1295 (no DAC) |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight A 4.7× difference in mass — these are not comparable on a milligram-for-milligram basis. | 711.85 g/mol | 3367.9 g/mol |
| Size class | short peptide | mid-length peptide |
| CAS number | 170851-70-4 | 863288-34-0 |
| Research area | growth hormone | growth hormone |
| Sequence | Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 | Not published as a linear sequence |
| Available sizes | 5mg, 10mg | 5mg, 10mg |
| Entry price | $39 | $39 |
| Cost per mg | $4.90 | $5.80 |
Mechanism
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide agonist at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a). Its defining research characteristic is selectivity: unlike earlier secretagogues such as GHRP-6 and GHRP-2, it shows minimal effect on ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin at comparable doses in animal models. That clean profile is precisely why it remains a useful tool compound for isolating GH-axis effects.
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
CJC-1295 without DAC — more precisely Modified GRF (1-29) — is a 29-amino-acid GHRH analog carrying four substitutions (D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27) that increase stability against DPP-4 cleavage and plasma degradation. The 'no DAC' designation distinguishes it from the drug affinity complex variant, which incorporates a maleimido group for albumin conjugation and a substantially longer half-life. The two are frequently conflated in supplier catalogs; they are pharmacokinetically very different molecules.
Evidence quality
Mechanism is not the same as evidence. Where we have assessed the literature, the verdict is stated plainly.
Ipamorelin
Evidence base: small but well-defined. The selectivity result is clearly established and the receptor pharmacology is characterised. Primary evidence is concentrated in four papers from 1998 and 1999, with little added since.
Full research reference →CJC-1295 (no DAC)
Evidence base: the GHRH receptor pathway is well established. Compound-specific evidence for the no-DAC form is limited, and the most-cited pharmacokinetic result belongs to the DAC version, which is a different molecule.
Full research reference →Research applications
Ipamorelin
- GHS-R1a receptor selectivity and binding studies
- Pituitary somatotroph response assays
- Comparative secretagogue selectivity profiling
- Pulsatile secretion pattern research
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
- GHRH receptor binding and activation studies
- Comparative half-life studies against DAC-conjugated variants
- Combination studies with GHS-R1a agonists
- Enzymatic stability and degradation kinetics
Common questions
What is the difference between Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 (no DAC)?
Ipamorelin is highly selective pentapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist, notable for minimal cross-activation of other pituitary axes. CJC-1295 (no DAC) is modified GRF (1-29) analog with four amino acid substitutions conferring resistance to enzymatic degradation. They differ in molecular weight (711.85 vs 3367.9 g/mol) and in the pathways they are studied against.
Which is more cost-effective per milligram, Ipamorelin or CJC-1295 (no DAC)?
Ipamorelin is lower at approximately $4.90 per milligram at its best tier, against $5.80 for the other. Cost per milligram is only meaningful relative to the concentrations a given protocol requires, since these compounds are not used at comparable masses.
Can Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 (no DAC) be studied together?
Combination designs appear in the published literature for a number of these compounds. Whether it is appropriate for a given protocol depends entirely on the model and endpoint. We supply research compounds and do not provide protocol guidance — consult the primary literature for your specific model.
How should Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 (no DAC) be stored?
Store lyophilized powder at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 30 days. For CJC-1295 (no DAC): Store lyophilized powder at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 30 days.
Which has the stronger evidence base?
Ipamorelin — Evidence base: small but well-defined. The selectivity result is clearly established and the receptor pharmacology is characterised. Primary evidence is concentrated in four papers from 1998 and 1999, with little added since. CJC-1295 (no DAC) — Evidence base: the GHRH receptor pathway is well established. Compound-specific evidence for the no-DAC form is limited, and the most-cited pharmacokinetic result belongs to the DAC version, which is a different molecule.
All products sold on this website are intended for research and identification purposes only. These products are not intended for human dosing, injection, or ingestion.
Comparison generated from Lyra Vital catalog data. Every specification is reconciled against the certificate of analysis for the shipped batch.