Two peptides, two routes
CJC-1295 is a longer-lasting relative of growth-hormone-releasing hormone, the same family as sermorelin and tesamorelin. Ipamorelin belongs to a different family, growth-hormone secretagogues, which act like the hunger hormone ghrelin. In animal studies ipamorelin released growth hormone without much effect on other hormones such as cortisol, which is why it is called “selective”.
With DAC vs without DAC
DAC (“drug affinity complex”) is a chemical addition that lets CJC-1295 bind to albumin in the blood so it lasts much longer. In a study of healthy adults, a single injection of CJC-1295 with DAC raised growth hormone for about a week and IGF-1 for longer. Versions without DAC (sometimes called modified GRF 1-29) act for a short time. Because they behave so differently, the label on your prescription should name exactly which one it is.
What the evidence does not show
There are no published trials showing that CJC-1295, ipamorelin or the combination improves body composition, sleep, recovery or aging over the long term. Most online claims extrapolate from hormone levels.
Side effects and FDA status
FDA notes limited clinical data and safety concerns for both, including reports of increased heart rate in its CJC-1295 review. Neither is FDA-approved. People with active cancer are generally not candidates for anything that raises growth hormone.