Sermorelin vs CJC-1295 and ipamorelin
Every row cites its source. Where a cell reflects our own reading of the evidence rather than an external source, the row says so.
| Dimension | Sermorelin | CJC-1295 and ipamorelin | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | GHRH receptor agonist (the natural releasing signal) | CJC-1295: GHRH receptor agonist; ipamorelin: ghrelin (GHS) receptor agonist | source |
| Half-life | About 4 minutes | CJC-1295: 5.8 to 8.1 days; ipamorelin: short (dosed multiple times daily in protocols) | source |
| Exposure pattern | One brief GH pulse per injection; axis rhythm preserved | CJC-1295: GH raised 2- to 10-fold for 6 or more days, IGF-I 1.5- to 3-fold for up to 11 days | source |
| Human trial evidence | Pediatric efficacy trials plus small adult hormone studies | CJC-1295: randomized placebo-controlled healthy-adult trials of GH and IGF-I; ipamorelin: characterized in animal and in vitro work, minimal human efficacy data | source |
| FDA approval history | Approved 1990 and 1997 as Geref; discontinued 2008 for commercial reasons | Neither compound has ever held FDA approval for any use | source |
| FDA compounding risk list | Not listed | Both listed among bulk substances whose compounding may present significant safety risks | source |
| Stacking data | No combination trials | No combination trials; reviews flag unstudied safety of stacked GH-axis peptides | source |
The popular stack pairs a long-acting GHRH analog (CJC-1295) with a ghrelin-receptor agonist (ipamorelin); sermorelin is the short-acting original the stack descends from. The trade: sermorelin mimics physiology and once carried an FDA approval; the stack produces larger, longer GH and IGF-I exposure, was never approved, and both components sit on FDA's compounding safety-risk list. Our sister sites cjc1295co.com and ipamorelinco.com cover each in full depth.
Researching CJC-1295 and ipamorelin itself? Its dedicated guide site is at cjc1295co.com.