Growth-Hormone Support
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin
A GHRH analog plus a ghrelin-receptor agonist studied together for growth-hormone release.
Also called: CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, CJC 1295 Ipamorelin blend
Used for
Growth-Hormone Support
Our pricing
$100 to $1,000+ depending on peptide and quantity
Studied for
Growth-hormone and IGF-1 release · Lean mass and fat loss
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin is a blend of two peptides that raise growth hormone by different routes: CJC-1295 is an analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), and ipamorelin is a growth-hormone secretagogue that acts on the ghrelin receptor. Together they are understood to produce a larger, more natural-looking growth-hormone pulse than either alone, which is why the combination is discussed for lean mass, fat loss, sleep and recovery — goals patients commonly report progress on. Compounding access to both reopened in 2026; research is still catching up to what patients experience, and whether it fits you is decided at a consultation.
What is CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin?
The pituitary releases growth hormone when two signals line up: GHRH from the hypothalamus turns the pulse on, and ghrelin-receptor activation amplifies it while blunting somatostatin, the brake. CJC-1295 supplies the first signal. It is a modified GHRH(1-29) sequence, chemically similar to sermorelin but engineered to resist breakdown; the version with a drug affinity complex (DAC) binds to blood proteins and lasts far longer, while the version without DAC, sometimes called Mod GRF 1-29, is short-acting.
Ipamorelin supplies the second signal. It belongs to the family of growth-hormone-releasing peptides and was developed as a selective secretagogue: in early studies it raised growth hormone without the surge in cortisol, prolactin or appetite that older compounds in its class caused. That selectivity is the main reason it became the preferred partner for CJC-1295.
Each peptide has small human pharmacology studies showing it raises growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, and clinicians who prescribe the blend hear consistent reports from patients about sleep, recovery and body composition. Formal outcome trials of the combination itself haven't been run yet — research is still catching up to what patients report.
What CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin is studied for
The goals researchers and clinicians have focused on, and why patients ask about it.
Growth-hormone and IGF-1 release
Small human studies of CJC-1295 with DAC showed sustained increases in growth hormone and IGF-1 lasting days after a single dose. Ipamorelin produced sharp growth-hormone pulses in early human trials. These hormone-level studies lay the groundwork for the outcomes patients say they notice in daily life.
Lean mass and fat loss
The rationale is that higher growth hormone favors muscle over fat, and patients on the blend often report visible changes in body composition over a cycle. A dedicated controlled trial of CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin hasn't been run yet, so we track that real-world experience with InBody scans alongside the hormone data.
Sleep and recovery
Because growth hormone peaks during deep sleep, the blend is often given at night, and deeper sleep and faster training recovery are among the most consistent things patients describe. Formal trials of this specific combination haven't been run.
Gastric motility (ipamorelin's original clinical program)
Ipamorelin's original clinical program studied it intravenously for post-surgical bowel slowdown (ileus); that program ended, and the FDA has since cited deaths in that IV study when discussing the peptide's safety data. That's a different use and route from the subcutaneous blend patients take today, and it's an important part of the safety picture your nurse practitioner reviews with you.
The human side
What patients commonly report with CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin
Clinical trials move slowly; patient experience moves faster. Here is what people using CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin under clinical supervision most often describe. Results vary from person to person.
Deeper, more restorative sleep within the first few weeks
Faster recovery and less soreness after training
Noticeable gains in lean mass and easier fat loss when paired with resistance training
More stable energy throughout the day
How CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin is typically used
When a clinician does use the blend, it is given as a subcutaneous injection, typically in the evening to align with the body's natural growth-hormone pulse. The short-acting form of CJC-1295 is the one usually blended with ipamorelin; the long-acting DAC form is dosed on a different schedule and carries a different side-effect profile.
Protocols run for a defined number of months rather than indefinitely, with IGF-1, glucose and, where relevant, cortisol and prolactin checked at baseline and during treatment so the nurse practitioner can see the response and stop if levels climb too high. Dosing, timing and duration are individual clinical decisions and are not published here.
The blend is rarely the first step. Sleep, protein intake, resistance training, thyroid and sex-hormone status are addressed first, because a growth-hormone pulse achieves little if those foundations are missing.
Who tends to do well with it
Adults with symptoms consistent with low growth hormone, such as poor recovery, low lean mass and shallow sleep, who have had other causes evaluated
Patients already in a hormone or weight-loss program who want to protect lean mass alongside their existing plan
People who have tried sermorelin and want to discuss a stronger secretagogue approach with a nurse practitioner
When we take extra care
Anyone with active cancer or a recent cancer history, because growth hormone and IGF-1 can promote cell growth
Pregnant or breastfeeding patients (no safety data)
People with diabetes, prediabetes or fluid-retention problems, since growth hormone affects blood sugar and water balance
Anyone with a heart-rhythm history, given the FDA's report of increased heart rate and a systemic vasodilatory reaction with CJC-1295
Competitive athletes: both peptides are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency
What to know before you start
The FDA cited serious adverse events for CJC-1295, including increased heart rate and a systemic vasodilatory reaction (widespread blood-vessel dilation with flushing and a drop in blood pressure).
For ipamorelin, the FDA cited deaths in a clinical study where it was given intravenously for gastric motility, and states it has no safety data for other routes such as subcutaneous injection.
Common reports include injection-site reactions, flushing, headache, water retention, tingling in the hands and increased hunger.
Raising growth hormone and IGF-1 can worsen insulin resistance. Long-term data are still being gathered, which is why we use defined cycles and check-ins.
Compounded products vary in purity and potency, and the FDA has noted immunogenicity and impurity considerations about compounded peptides generally.
Where CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin stands with the FDA
Both CJC-1295 and ipamorelin came off the FDA's restricted-compounding list in April 2026, following the February HHS announcement that widened peptide access, which reopened the pathway for licensed compounding pharmacies to prepare them by prescription. Neither was part of the July 2026 advisory-committee review, so neither is on the permanent 503A list yet, and ipamorelin acetate remains restricted for 503B outsourcing facilities. Neither is an FDA-approved finished drug; whether a licensed pharmacy can prepare them for you is confirmed at your consultation under the rules in force at that time.
Source: FDA compounding guidanceWhat CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin typically costs
At Hormones + Weight Loss, peptide pricing runs from about $100 to $1,000 or more depending on the peptide and the quantity you order, and many patients start with a single peptide on a short cycle. Your exact cost is quoted after your consultation.
Whether the CJC-1295 component is the short-acting or DAC form
Strength of the blend and monthly quantity dispensed
Whether IGF-1 and metabolic labs are bundled with the consultation
Often combined with
Peptides are an add-on, not a plan. At Hormones + Weight Loss they are considered inside a broader, lab-guided program.
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin FAQs
The blend prompts the pituitary to release a larger pulse of your own growth hormone: CJC-1295 mimics GHRH and ipamorelin activates the ghrelin receptor. It is discussed for lean mass, fat loss, sleep and recovery, and patients commonly report deeper sleep, faster recovery and steadier body composition changes. Published human evidence so far is small studies showing hormone levels rise; outcome trials of the combination are still ahead.
Both can be prescribed and prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies again as of April 2026, when the FDA removed them from its restricted list. Neither is an FDA-approved finished drug, neither was part of the July 2026 committee review, and ipamorelin remains restricted for 503B outsourcing facilities. What your pharmacy can prepare is confirmed at your visit.
For CJC-1295 the FDA cited serious adverse events including increased heart rate and a systemic vasodilatory reaction. For ipamorelin it cited deaths in a study where the peptide was given intravenously for gastric motility, and said it has no safety data for other routes. Those concerns are why both landed in Category 2.
The blend generally produces a larger growth-hormone pulse because it acts on two receptors at once, while sermorelin acts only on the GHRH receptor. Sermorelin has an FDA-approval history and a longer safety record; the blend does not. Stronger is not automatically better, and a nurse practitioner weighs that trade-off with you.
Peptide therapy at Hormones + Weight Loss ranges from about $100 to $1,000 or more, depending on the peptide and the quantity ordered. Where CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin lands inside that range depends on the form, the cycle length and whether it is combined with other care. Your exact cost is quoted after your consultation and labs.
Hormones + Weight Loss discusses peptide options, including CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin, at our Meridian, Twin Falls and Lewiston clinics, with Boise-area patients seen in Meridian. A consultation with a nurse practitioner determines whether any peptide fits your goals and can be prescribed under current rules.
Common reports are injection-site reactions, flushing, headache, water retention, tingling and increased hunger. More serious concerns come from the FDA: heart-rate increases and a vasodilatory reaction with CJC-1295, and deaths in an intravenous ipamorelin study. Long-term data on the subcutaneous blend are still being gathered, which is why we use defined cycles and monitoring.
Related peptides
Growth-Hormone Support
Sermorelin
A GHRH analog studied for prompting your own pituitary to release growth hormone.
Weight Loss & Body Composition
Tesamorelin
An FDA-approved GHRH analog studied for reducing deep abdominal (visceral) fat.
Metabolic & Cellular Energy
MOTS-c
A mitochondrial peptide studied for insulin sensitivity, exercise capacity and fat metabolism.
Peptide therapy near you in Idaho
Consultations at all three clinics. Boise-area patients are seen at our Meridian clinic, minutes off Eagle Road and I-84.
Meridian
2572 N Stokesberry Pl #300
Meridian, ID 83646
Mon–Fri 8am–6pm
Twin Falls
496 Shoup Ave West Ste E
Twin Falls, ID 83301
Mon–Thu 8am–6pm
Lewiston
1630 23rd Ave Ste 1201A
Lewiston, ID 83501
Mon–Wed 8am–6pm
Educational content only. It does not replace an evaluation by a licensed clinician. Whether a peptide fits you is decided at your consultation.
Wondering whether CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin fits your goals?
Start with a consultation and labs. A nurse practitioner will walk through the evidence, the current rules, and whether any peptide belongs in your plan.