CJC-1295 vs Ipamorelin: structure and research use compared

Abstract peptide chain motif on a NuVion blue gradient

Table of Contents

CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin both act on pituitary somatotrophs, and they do it through two different receptors. CJC-1295 No DAC is a 29-residue analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone and binds the GHRH receptor. Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide that binds the ghrelin receptor, GHS-R1a. This page compares their structure, receptor and laboratory use.

At a glance

CJC-1295 No DACIpamorelin
TypeSynthetic GHRH analogueSynthetic growth hormone secretagogue
Length29 amino acids5 amino acids
Sequence basisGRF (1-29) with D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15 and Leu27Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
ReceptorGHRH receptorGhrelin receptor, GHS-R1a
Main second messengerCyclic AMPIntracellular calcium
NuVion vial size10mg10mg

Structure

CJC-1295 No DAC is the first 29 residues of human GHRH with four substitutions, at positions 2, 8, 15 and 27. The changes remove the sites where the native sequence is cut or oxidised, which makes the peptide more stable in solution. It is also written as Modified GRF 1-29. The form with DAC adds a lysine linker that binds albumin and is a separate molecule. The CJC-1295 profile covers both forms.

Ipamorelin is far smaller. It is a pentapeptide containing the unnatural residues aminoisobutyric acid and D-2-naphthylalanine, with an amidated C-terminus, and it has no sequence in common with GHRH.

Mechanism at the receptor level

The GHRH receptor is a class B G protein-coupled receptor that signals through Gs, adenylyl cyclase and cyclic AMP. GHS-R1a is a class A receptor that signals mainly through Gq, phospholipase C and a rise in intracellular calcium. Pituitary cell models use the two compounds to separate GHRH receptor activity from ghrelin receptor activity in the same culture. Ipamorelin is also studied for its selectivity, with minimal cross-activity at ACTH and prolactin endpoints.

Where each is used in research

  • CJC-1295 No DAC: cyclic AMP accumulation assays in somatotroph cultures
  • CJC-1295 No DAC: GHRH receptor activation and binding studies
  • Ipamorelin: calcium signalling assays at GHS-R1a
  • Ipamorelin: receptor selectivity panels against other pituitary endpoints

Supplied by NuVion

NuVion stocks CJC-1295 No DAC and Ipamorelin in Australia as 10mg lyophilised vials. The two are sold together in separate vials as the GHRH and Secretagogue Pair and as part of the Somatotropic Axis Set. Published certificates are shown on each product page and in the COA library.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin?

The receptor. CJC-1295 is a GHRH analogue and acts at the GHRH receptor. Ipamorelin is a ghrelin receptor agonist. They are different sizes and share no sequence.

Does NuVion sell CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin as a blend?

They are sold together as the GHRH and Secretagogue Pair, with each compound in its own vial. NuVion does not supply them pre-mixed in one vial.

Are CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin therapeutic goods in Australia?

No. NuVion’s CJC-1295 No DAC and Ipamorelin are laboratory chemicals for in vitro research. They are not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, have not been assessed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and are not for human or veterinary use.

Research use only. These products are laboratory chemicals supplied for in vitro research. They are not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and have not been assessed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for quality, safety or efficacy. They are not for human or veterinary use, and nothing on this page is a representation about therapeutic use.

DISCLAIMER

This article is for informational and laboratory-research purposes only. All compounds referenced are supplied strictly for research use and are not for human consumption, diagnosis or treatment.