Basics: short version, verdict first People Molecules Peptides Biomarkers Studies Stem Cells Editorial Methodology
Encyclopedia, Peptide Stacks

Peptide Stack

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin (GH Secretagogue Stack)

The most popular growth-hormone secretagogue pairing, combining GHRH and ghrelin-receptor agonism. Zero dedicated human trials of the combination.

Editor approved
Summary Does CJC-1295 plus ipamorelin safely improve health or muscle? Show / hide ↓

This is a combination of two peptides, or small chains of amino acids, intended to make the body release more growth hormone. One early human study of CJC-1295 in about 80 people raised IGF-1, a blood marker linked to growth hormone, by about 1.5 to 3 times. A separate study of ipamorelin in 320 people after surgery failed to show a benefit. No human study has tested the combination, so claims about better muscle, fat loss, or longevity are unproven. Possible problems include higher blood sugar, water retention, hand tingling, fatigue, and serious immune reactions; long-lasting IGF-1 increases could theoretically help hidden cancers grow.

What this means for you: The combination has not been properly tested in people, and the evidence is very limited. There is not enough evidence to buy it, especially given the possible metabolic and immune risks.

weak evidence
Evidence tierTier 4, Animal or preclinical only
Last verified2026-08-11

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin is the most popular growth-hormone secretagogue combination in the peptide community. CJC-1295 (a GHRH receptor agonist, with or without DAC) is paired with ipamorelin (a selective ghrelin-receptor GH secretagogue). Community protocols typically use CJC-1295 no-DAC 100 mcg + ipamorelin 200-300 mcg, 1-2x daily, with the bedtime dose prioritized.

The two peptides have complementary mechanisms: CJC-1295 stimulates growth-hormone release via the GHRH receptor, while ipamorelin acts on the ghrelin receptor. The combination produces a larger GH pulse than either compound alone. Ipamorelin is notable for its selectivity: minimal cortisol or prolactin elevation even at high multiples of the effective GH dose.

However, the combined formulation has never been formally trialed. The pairing has essentially no dedicated human trial data. CJC-1295's human data is a single 2006 phase 1 (Teichman, ~80 subjects, plasma half-life 5.8-8.1 days, 1.5-3x IGF-1 elevation). Ipamorelin's only Phase 2 RCT (postoperative ileus, n=320) failed.

Both remain FDA Category 2 in 2026 and were not on the July 2026 PCAC docket, meaning legal compounded access is unavailable in the US. A Nov 2025 J Sex Med review explicitly flagged underreported efficacy/safety for both compounds.

FDA has flagged immunogenicity risk for both compounds, including potential anaphylaxis. Sustained IGF-1 elevation carries a theoretical risk of promoting occult malignancy. Insulin resistance is a dose-dependent class effect of GH secretagogues that compounds when stacking multiple GH-releasing agents. Water retention, carpal-tunnel-type hand tingling and fatigue are commonly reported, more so with the DAC version. A CJC-1295 trial was reportedly halted historically.

The stack is increasingly promoted as a lean-mass-preserving add-on to GLP-1 therapy, a use with no controlled data.

Peptides
CJC-1295 (with or without DAC / Mod GRF 1-29), Ipamorelin
Typical format
Co-prescribed or co-blended. Community: CJC-1295 no-DAC 100 mcg + ipamorelin 200-300 mcg, 1-2x daily.
Marketed for
Growth hormone/IGF-1 elevation for body composition, recovery, sleep quality, anti-aging. Increasingly promoted as lean-mass-preserving add-on to GLP-1 therapy.

What works

  • Complementary mechanisms producing a larger GH pulse than either alone
  • Ipamorelin is selective: minimal cortisol or prolactin elevation
  • CJC-1295 with DAC has a genuine published human PK profile (half-life 5.8-8.1 days)

What to watch for

  • The combined formulation has never been formally trialed
  • Ipamorelin's only Phase 2 RCT failed; CJC-1295's data is a single 2006 phase 1
  • Both remain FDA Category 2 in 2026, not on PCAC docket. Legal compounded access unavailable in US
  • Sustained IGF-1 elevation carries theoretical malignancy risk
Safety notes

FDA flagged immunogenicity risk including potential anaphylaxis. Insulin resistance is dose-dependent. Water retention, carpal-tunnel symptoms, fatigue common. A CJC-1295 trial was reportedly halted historically. Both WADA-relevant. Neither FDA-approved.

Related in the encyclopedia

Peptide CJC-1295 component Peptide Ipamorelin component

Further reading

Curated external sources for a deeper dive. External links open in a new tab.