The definitive reference for researchers studying the CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin stack — the dual GHRH + ghrelin receptor combination for pulsatile growth hormone release. Covers individual mechanisms, synergy rationale, research applications, and product details.
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin is a combination research peptide stack that pairs two distinct growth hormone-stimulating compounds operating through separate receptor pathways. Together, they produce synergistic stimulation of pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretion significantly greater than either compound alone.
CJC-1295 (in its DAC-free form, also called Mod GRF 1-29) is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) — the natural hypothalamic signal that instructs the pituitary gland to release GH. It binds to GHRH receptors (GHRH-R) on pituitary somatotrophs. Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide that mimics ghrelin, the natural GH secretagogue, and binds to GHS-R1a (growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a) — a completely separate receptor pathway.
Importantly, CJC-1295 in Corevanta's formulation is provided without the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) modification. Without DAC, CJC-1295 has a shorter half-life (~30 minutes) that more closely mirrors the pulsatile rhythm of endogenous GHRH, rather than producing a sustained, non-physiological GH elevation. This is relevant for research designs studying physiological GH pulsatility.
Research Use Only: This product is sold exclusively for laboratory research. It is not an approved drug, not a dietary supplement, and is not intended for human consumption or therapeutic use.
The two compounds work through entirely separate G-protein coupled receptor systems, each activating distinct intracellular signaling cascades in pituitary somatotrophs. Understanding both pathways is essential for interpreting the stack's synergistic GH-releasing effect.
CJC-1295 (GHRH pathway): When CJC-1295 binds GHRH-R, it activates Gs protein signaling, which increases intracellular cAMP and activates protein kinase A (PKA). PKA then phosphorylates transcription factors that upregulate GH gene expression and promote GH vesicle fusion with the somatotroph plasma membrane — releasing stored GH into the bloodstream. CJC-1295 also increases pituitary IGF-1 sensitivity at the somatotroph level.
Ipamorelin (ghrelin pathway): Ipamorelin binds GHS-R1a and activates Gq/11 protein signaling, increasing intracellular calcium (IP3/DAG pathway) and activating protein kinase C (PKC). This calcium surge triggers GH vesicle exocytosis independently of the cAMP pathway. Ipamorelin's key research advantage is its selectivity — unlike GHRP-6 or hexarelin, it does not significantly elevate cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH at research doses. This "clean" hormone profile simplifies data interpretation in GH biology studies.
When administered together, CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin activate both the cAMP/PKA and Ca²⁺/PKC pathways simultaneously. The two signals are additive at the level of GH vesicle release — producing GH pulses estimated to be 2–5 times greater than either compound in isolation. This dual stimulation also more accurately replicates the physiological pattern in which GHRH and ghrelin normally co-peak during natural GH secretion pulses.
| Feature | CJC-1295 (no DAC) | Ipamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Receptor target | GHRH-R (GHRH receptor) | GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) |
| Natural analogue | GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone) | Ghrelin (GH secretagogue) |
| Signaling pathway | cAMP / PKA (Gs protein) | Ca²⁺ / PKC (Gq/11 protein) |
| Half-life (no DAC) | ~30 minutes | ~2 hours |
| Cortisol/prolactin elevation | Minimal | Minimal (selective) |
| GH pulse type | Physiological, pulsatile | Amplified pulse; synergizes with GHRH |
The combination is not simply additive — it is synergistic. Each compound individually produces a measurable GH release, but together they exploit the two independent release mechanisms at the same time, producing a response that exceeds what either could achieve alone.
CJC-1295 alone amplifies GH release via GHRH-R (the "accelerator"). Ipamorelin alone amplifies via GHS-R1a. But Ipamorelin also suppresses somatostatin (the GH "brake") at the hypothalamic level. Combined: accelerator pressed + brake released simultaneously = 2–5× greater GH pulse than either produces independently.
There is also a somatostatin-suppression effect: ghrelin receptor activation (ipamorelin) partly suppresses somatostatin — the GH-inhibiting hormone — at the hypothalamic level. This means the pituitary encounters reduced "braking" on GH release at exactly the moment CJC-1295 is signaling it to release. The net effect is larger, more physiological-feeling GH pulses.
For researchers, the key implication is dose efficiency: the combination achieves substantially greater GH stimulation than either compound requires to produce meaningful GH elevation independently — allowing researchers to study downstream GH/IGF-1 biology at lower individual compound exposures.
The CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin combination is studied across a range of GH-related biology research areas:
Corevanta's CJC / Ipamorelin is supplied as a co-lyophilized powder (both peptides in a single vial) in sealed borosilicate glass vials.
Corevanta's CJC / Ipamorelin is produced in GMP-compliant facilities. Both components are independently tested and confirmed at ≥99% purity using HPLC and LC-MS identity confirmation before each vial is filled.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Blend ratio | 1:1 (CJC-1295 : Ipamorelin) |
| Purity | ≥99% both components (HPLC) |
| Identity | LC-MS confirmed per component |
| Form | Co-lyophilized powder |
| Available size | 10mg (5mg CJC + 5mg Ipamorelin) |
| Certificate of Analysis | Available on product page |
All Corevanta products are sold exclusively for laboratory research purposes. Not approved drugs, not dietary supplements, not intended for human consumption or therapeutic use. Comply with applicable local regulations.