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CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) vs Ipamorelin

Side-by-side comparison of CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) and Ipamorelin: mechanism, half-life, dose range, safety profile, and vendor pricing.

CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) from $29.99

Ipamorelin from $24.99

Price snapshot

CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29)

Current low

$29.99

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Ipamorelin

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$24.99

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CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29)

Featured

CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or MOD-GRF 1-29) is a 30-amino-acid analog of the first 29 residues of endogenous Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH), with four strategic substitutions (D-Ala² for…

Lowest listed price: $29.99 across 6 listings

Full CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) profile

Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin is a selective pentapeptide ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist — one of the most studied growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) in the biohacking community and the modern companion to CJC-1295 / MOD-GRF 1-29. Its…

Lowest listed price: $24.99 across 5 listings

Full Ipamorelin profile

Side-by-side comparison

Attribute	CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29)	Ipamorelin
Category	Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis	Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis
Research Stage	Phase 2 (clinical development discontinued)	Phase 2
Mechanism of Action	MOD-GRF 1-29 exerts its effect through a single, well-characterized receptor: the GHRH receptor (GHRHR) on anterior-pituitary somatotroph cells. The signaling cascade is the same as endogenous GHRH; the difference is pharmacokinetics. 1. GHRH receptor agonism…	Ipamorelin acts as a selective agonist at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R1a), the same receptor activated by endogenous ghrelin - the "hunger hormone" secreted primarily by P/D1 cells in the gastric fundus. The distinguishing feature of…
Half-Life	~30 minutes (without DAC / MOD-GRF 1-29); ~6-8 days (with DAC, due to covalent albumin binding)	~2 hours (plasma)
Typical Dose Range	Without DAC: 100-300 mcg subcutaneous 1-3x daily (typically pre-bedtime); With DAC: 1000-2000 mcg subcutaneous once weekly	100-300 mcg subcutaneous 1-3x daily (most commonly 200-300 mcg pre-bedtime); often combined with CJC-1295 without DAC at 100-300 mcg
Dosing Frequency	1–3 times daily, typically before bed and/or upon waking	1–3 times daily; most commonly once at bedtime
Administration	Subcutaneous	subcutaneous, intravenous (clinical only)
Side Effects	Expected / benign - Injection-site reaction — mild redness, itching, small bump; 24-48 hour resolution - Facial flushing / warmth 15-30 min post-injection (histamine release from GHRH action); typically diminishes after week 1-2 - Mild nausea in first week at…	Ipamorelin has the cleanest side-effect profile of any ghrelin-receptor agonist, which is why it dominates modern biohacking protocols. The profile is driven by (a) selective GHS-R1a agonism without cross-receptor activity, and (b) acute GH elevation (the same…
Molecular Weight	3367.9 Da	711.9 Da
Common Vial Sizes	2mg, 5mg	2mg, 5mg

Price History

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Half Nattys
Ion Peptide

Price History

3 data points

Half Nattys
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Disguised Alpha

CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29): potential benefits

Preserves physiologic pulsatile GH secretion
Stimulates endogenous GH release (2-5x baseline per pulse)
3-5x greater GH response when stacked with ipamorelin
Modest IGF-1 elevation (1.5-2x baseline)
Improved sleep depth and architecture
Enhanced recovery from exercise and injury
Body composition improvements (lean mass preservation, modest fat loss)
Lower desensitization risk vs CJC-1295 with DAC

Ipamorelin: potential benefits

Increased GH pulse amplitude (selective somatotroph activation)
Elevated IGF-1 (~30-80% over baseline) with consistent dosing
Improved slow-wave sleep architecture
No cortisol / prolactin / ACTH elevation (unique among GHS peptides)
Accelerated connective tissue and wound repair
Modest lean body mass gain + fat loss in hypogonadal adults
Enhanced recovery between training sessions
Synergistic effect with CJC-1295 / MOD-GRF 1-29

In-depth comparison

CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) vs Ipamorelin: the long answer

CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog: it primes the pituitary to release more GH per pulse. Ipamorelin is a ghrelin-receptor agonist: it triggers the GH pulse itself. They're NOT a 'vs' choice; they're a stack. Pulse amplitude (CJC-1295) × pulse trigger (ipamorelin) produces the largest sustained GH/IGF-1 lift in the secretagogue class. Solo use of either gets you ~50% of stack effect.

Last reviewed: May 18, 2026

Mechanism: different levers, both needed

CJC-1295 binds the GHRH receptor on the pituitary's somatotroph cells, increasing the AMOUNT of GH released when a release signal arrives. Ipamorelin binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) and IS the release signal: it triggers a clean GH pulse with no cortisol or prolactin elevation (unlike older GHRPs). Run CJC-1295 alone and you've amplified a signal nobody's firing. Run ipamorelin alone and you're firing pulses on stock-amplitude somatotrophs. Stack them and the same pulse releases 2-3× more GH.

CJC-1295: GHRH analog. Increases GH release AMOUNT per pulse.
Ipamorelin: Ghrelin-receptor agonist. Triggers the pulse itself.
Why stack: Pulse amplitude × pulse trigger = 2-3× larger GH spike than either solo. Same IGF-1 lift, lower total mg dosed.

CJC-1295: DAC vs no-DAC matters

Two versions exist: CJC-1295 with DAC (drug affinity complex) has a 6-8 day half-life, so one dose lasts a week and creates a sustained GH bleed. CJC-1295 without DAC (sometimes called "modified GRF 1-29" or "Mod GRF") has a 30-minute half-life, so it must be dosed alongside each ipamorelin shot. For pulsatile-mimicking protocols (closer to natural GH rhythm), use no-DAC. For convenience or longevity-focused continuous-elevation protocols, use DAC. The trade-off: continuous GH elevation may cause receptor desensitization over months; pulsatile preserves sensitivity.

CJC-1295 (no DAC): Half-life ~30 min. Dose with each ipamorelin shot. Mimics natural pulsatile rhythm.
CJC-1295 + DAC: Half-life 6-8 days. Once-weekly. Continuous GH elevation. More convenient, possibly higher desensitization risk.

Dosing: the standard stack protocol

Most-published protocol: CJC-1295 no-DAC 100 mcg + ipamorelin 100-300 mcg, both subQ, 2-3× daily. Time at least 90 min after meals (food disrupts the GH pulse). Bedtime dose is canonical: aligns with natural overnight GH peak. Loading phase 4-8 weeks, then maintenance at 1×/day pre-bed for ongoing effect. For DAC variant: CJC-1295 DAC 1-2 mg once weekly + ipamorelin 300 mcg 2-3× daily.

Standard stack (no-DAC): CJC 100mcg + ipam 100-300mcg, 2-3×/day, subQ, fasted
DAC variant: CJC DAC 1-2mg 1×/week + ipam 300mcg 2-3×/day
Bedtime is non-negotiable: Aligns with natural overnight GH peak. Skip at your own loss.

Safety: clean profile, watch site irritation

Ipamorelin alone has perhaps the cleanest side-effect profile of any GH secretagogue: no cortisol, no prolactin, no appetite spike. CJC-1295 adds modest injection-site irritation (1-2 day red welts) and occasional facial flushing in the first 2 weeks. No published cancer-promotion signals despite long-term use in published Phase 2 trials. Both share the standard GH-axis warnings: not for active malignancy, monitor IGF-1 quarterly at high doses, avoid in active diabetic retinopathy.

Ipamorelin profile: Cleanest GH secretagogue. No cortisol/prolactin elevation.
CJC-1295 side effects: Injection-site welts (1-2 day), occasional facial flushing weeks 1-2. Both fade.
Monitor at high doses: IGF-1 quarterly if running stack >6 months at high dose. Standard GH-axis caution applies.

Cost: both cheap research-use

Research-use CJC-1295 no-DAC ~$15-30/5mg vial → ~$3-6/week at 100mcg 3×/day. CJC-1295 DAC ~$25-50/2mg vial → ~$10-25/week. Ipamorelin ~$20-40/5mg vial → ~$3-7/week at 300mcg 3×/day. Full stack: $6-30/week depending on DAC choice + dosing intensity. Compared to recombinant GH ($300-500/month), the stack is 50-100× cheaper for similar IGF-1 lift.

CJC-1295 no-DAC cost: $15-30/5mg vial → $3-6/week
CJC-1295 DAC cost: $25-50/2mg vial → $10-25/week
Ipamorelin cost: $20-40/5mg vial → $3-7/week
Full stack vs HGH: Stack: $6-30/week. Recombinant HGH: $300-500/month. 50-100× cheaper for similar IGF-1.

Who runs which

Run ipamorelin alone if you just want sleep quality + modest recovery + zero injection-site issues. Run CJC-1295 alone: don't, it's wasteful. Run the stack if you want maximum IGF-1 lift, body recomposition support, or are targeting GH-deficient symptoms (low energy, slow recovery, sleep fragmentation in older users). DAC variant for convenience + budget. No-DAC for purist pulsatile-mimicking protocols.

Solo ipamorelin: Sleep + modest recovery, lowest cost, simplest
Solo CJC-1295: Wasteful. No signal to amplify. Don't
Stack (preferred): Max IGF-1 lift. Choose DAC for convenience or no-DAC for pulse fidelity

Frequently asked

What's the difference between CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) and Ipamorelin?

CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) is a growth hormone / igf-1 axis that mod-grf 1-29 exerts its effect through a single, well-characterized receptor: the ghrh receptor (ghrhr) on anterior-pituitary somatotroph cells. the signaling cascade is the same…. Ipamorelin is a growth hormone / igf-1 axis that ipamorelin acts as a selective agonist at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (ghs-r1a), the same receptor activated by endogenous ghrelin - the "hunger hormone" secreted…. The two differ in mechanism, half-life (~30 minutes (without DAC / MOD-GRF 1-29); ~6-8 days (with DAC, due to covalent albumin binding) vs ~2 hours (plasma)), and typical dose range.

Which has the longer half-life, CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) or Ipamorelin?

CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) has a half-life of ~30 minutes (without DAC / MOD-GRF 1-29); ~6-8 days (with DAC, due to covalent albumin binding). Ipamorelin has a half-life of ~2 hours (plasma). Longer half-lives generally mean less frequent dosing but slower on/off kinetics.

Which is cheaper, CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) or Ipamorelin?

Lowest listed price on BodyHackGuide: CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) from $29.99, Ipamorelin from $24.99. Prices are pulled from the vendor listings tracked on BHG and change frequently. See the compare tables on each compound page for the current set of offers.

Can you stack CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) and Ipamorelin?

Stacking depends on mechanism overlap, safety profile, and goals. CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) and Ipamorelin should only be stacked after reviewing each compound's individual protocol page, side effect profile, and any published interaction data. Use the BodyHackGuide stack builder for a structured review before combining research compounds.

Should I take CJC-1295 with or without DAC?

No-DAC for pulsatile mimicking and convenience-flexible dosers. DAC for once-weekly convenience and continuous GH elevation. No-DAC is the purist choice: it matches the natural overnight GH peak when timed with bedtime ipamorelin. DAC is fine for users who don't want to dose 2-3× daily.

Can I run CJC-1295 alone?

You can, but it's mostly wasted. CJC-1295 amplifies GH release per pulse: it doesn't trigger pulses. Without ipamorelin (or another ghrelin agonist like MK-677), you're just increasing the amplitude of GH pulses your body already releases naturally. The stack with ipamorelin produces 2-3× the IGF-1 lift of CJC-1295 alone.

How long does it take to see results from CJC-1295 + ipamorelin?

Sleep quality improves within 3-5 days (most users notice deeper sleep, better dreams). Body composition + recovery effects show in 4-6 weeks. Full IGF-1 elevation peaks around week 8 of consistent dosing. Most users run the stack in 12-week cycles with 4-week breaks.

Do I need to cycle CJC-1295 + ipamorelin?

Cycling isn't strictly required but recommended. Standard pattern: 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off, repeat. The receptor sensitivity argument for cycling is stronger for continuous-elevation protocols (DAC variant). Pulsatile protocols (no-DAC) preserve sensitivity better and may not need breaks.

Can I add MK-677 to a CJC-1295 + ipamorelin stack?

Technically yes: MK-677 is also a ghrelin-receptor agonist but works orally with 24-hour half-life. Stacking it with ipamorelin adds receptor saturation without proportional benefit. Better: pick one ghrelin pathway. MK-677 + CJC-1295 (no ipamorelin) is a clean oral + injectable hybrid. Or stick with ipamorelin + CJC-1295 for the purist injectable stack.

What's the difference between Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 stack and Sermorelin?

Sermorelin is just GHRH (1-29 fragment): basically a less-engineered version of CJC-1295 no-DAC. Stacking sermorelin with ipamorelin works but you're getting less amplitude lift per mg than with CJC-1295. CJC-1295 no-DAC superseded sermorelin in most published protocols around 2015-2018.

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CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) prices Ipamorelin prices Compare all compounds

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Related comparisons

Ipamorelin vs MK-677 Tesamorelin vs CJC-1295 Sermorelin vs Ipamorelin MK-677 vs CJC-1295 Hexarelin vs Ipamorelin IGF-1-LR3 vs Ipamorelin CJC-1295-Dac vs CJC-1295 GHRP-2 vs Ipamorelin

Research use only. BodyHackGuide is a research and price-comparison reference. The compounds discussed on this page are not approved by the FDA for human consumption and are sold strictly for laboratory research. Prices shown are pulled from vendor listings tracked on BHG and are subject to change. We earn an affiliate commission on some outbound clicks, and every vendor is ranked on the same public, reproducible methodology. See editorial standards and affiliate disclosure.