CJC-1295

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) that increases plasma levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Structure 29–amino acid peptide based on GHRH(1-29).

DAC vs. no DAC:

No DAC: Short-acting, half-life ~20–30 minutes, modestly extends natural GHRH activity.

With DAC: Includes a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that binds reversibly to serum albumin, extending the half-life to 5–8 days and sustaining physiologic GH pulsatility.

Mechanism of Action

• Binds GHRH receptors on somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary, stimulating GH release.
• DAC prolongs circulation time, maintaining steady GH pulses without disrupting normal circadian peaks and valleys.
• Elevated GH induces hepatic IGF-1 production, driving anabolic, metabolic, and tissue repair effects.

Indications:

Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) Body Composition Improvement (increased lean mass, reduced fat)
Enhanced Recovery and Repair Sleep and Anti-Aging Applications

Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin is a synthetic growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) that selectively stimulates growth hormone (GH) release from the anterior pituitary while minimally affecting other hormones.

 
Structure
5–amino acid peptide (pentapeptide)
Synthetic ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist, mimicking endogenous ghrelin
Belongs to the Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRPs) class
Short-acting, half-life: ~2 hours
 
Mechanism of Action

• Binds and activates GHS-R1a (ghrelin) receptors on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary
• Distinct from GHRH receptors, which are targeted by CJC-1295
  Acts synergistically with natural GHRH to produce strong, pulsatile GH release
• Highly selective for GH release; minimal effect on cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH
• Elevated GH stimulates hepatic IGF-1 production, supporting anabolic, metabolic, and tissue repair effects

Indications

Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD)
Body Composition Improvement (increased lean mass, reduced fat)
Enhanced Recovery and Repair
Sleep and Anti-Aging Applications

 

Tesamorelin

 
Tesamorelin is a synthetic growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue that stimulates growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1 production, with a longer half-life than natural GHRH.

 
Structure
44–amino acid peptide based on GHRH(1-44)
Contains a synthetic hexenoyl moiety at the N-terminus, enhancing stability and reducing enzymatic degradation
No DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)
Longer half-life (~26–38 minutes) than natural GHRH, allowing once-daily dosing
 
Mechanism of Action

• Binds and activates GHRH receptors on somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary
• Stimulates pulsatile GH release, leading to elevated hepatic IGF-1 production
• Promotes metabolic and anabolic effects
• Modified structure prolongs GH stimulation without requiring a DAC
   
  Indications
  FDA-Approved:

Reduction of excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV-positive patients with lipodystrophy

(Not FDA-Approved):

Cognitive Improvement (e.g., Mild Cognitive Impairment)
Body Composition Improvement (lean mass ↑, fat ↓)
Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD)