BodyPharm. The SeriesNo. 08
    Reference Guide · 11 min read

    cjc-1295 and ipamorelin.

    A complete UAE researcher's guide to the CJC-1295 and ipamorelin combination. CJC-1295 DAC versus no-DAC variants, ipamorelin selectivity, parallel-pathway mechanism, peptide pen format, CoA standards, and Dubai sourcing.

    Back to guides
    May 26, 2026
    For research use only. Reference content for laboratory researchers. Not medical guidance and not therapeutic advice.
    01 · DEFINITION

    what cjc-1295 and ipamorelin are.

    The CJC-1295 and ipamorelin combination pairs two research peptides that engage parallel growth-hormone-axis pathways through distinct receptors. CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of the first 29 amino acids of native GHRH (GRF 1-29), with stabilising amino-acid substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 to extend serum half-life relative to native GHRH. Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that acts at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor.

    A CJC-1295 and ipamorelin peptide pen is not a ballpoint pen, writing implement, or office supply. It is a pre-filled research peptide delivery device used in laboratory research settings, loaded with both compounds at fixed concentrations.

    Neither compound has marketing authorisation as a pharmaceutical in any jurisdiction. Both are supplied as research peptides for laboratory use only. The CJC-1295 evidence base includes the Teichman 2006 Phase 1 healthy volunteer trial. Ipamorelin's founding pharmacology paper is Raun 1998. Combination effects have not been characterised in large peer-reviewed clinical trials.

    CJC-1295 with DAC versus without DAC

    The most important distinction within the CJC-1295 literature is whether the DAC (drug-affinity-complex) modification is present. CJC-1295 with DAC uses an albumin-binding modification that covalently binds to endogenous albumin, extending plasma half-life to 5.8 to 8.1 days. CJC-1295 without DAC, also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF, lacks the albumin-binding chemistry and has a half-life of approximately 30 minutes, similar to native GHRH. The two variants are structurally different molecules. The BodyPharm UAE CJC-1295 and ipamorelin pen supplies CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29). Researchers requiring the DAC variant for extended-half-life protocols should source from a supplier that documents DAC presence on the CoA.

    Why CJC-1295 is written as CJC1295, CJC 1295, or Mod GRF

    Four variant names appear across the literature and commercial sources, covering both the CJC-1295 spelling variants and the related ipamorelin partner peptide.

    VARIANT 01
    CJC-1295

    The hyphenated form used in peer-reviewed literature, including the Teichman 2006 JCEM Phase 1 study and the Alba 2006 Am J Physiol mechanism paper. The form used on Certificates of Analysis from established analytical labs.

    VARIANT 02
    CJC1295 or CJC 1295

    The unspaced and space-separated forms common in commercial listings and URL slugs. Search engines occasionally treat these as distinct queries. Mechanically the same compound.

    VARIANT 03
    CJC-1295 DAC versus CJC-1295 no DAC (Mod GRF 1-29)

    Two distinct CJC-1295 variants exist. CJC-1295 with DAC (drug-affinity-complex) uses an albumin-binding chemistry that extends plasma half-life to approximately 5.8 to 8.1 days (Teichman 2006). CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF) lacks the albumin-binding modification and has a much shorter half-life. Always verify which variant is supplied against the CoA.

    VARIANT 04
    Ipamorelin

    A pentapeptide selective growth hormone secretagogue (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2). First characterised by Raun and colleagues in 1998 as the first GH secretagogue that did not significantly elevate ACTH or cortisol. Frequently studied in combination with CJC-1295 because the two engage parallel growth-hormone-axis pathways.

    02 · MECHANISM

    mechanism of action.

    The two compounds engage distinct receptors that converge on growth hormone release through parallel upstream pathways. CJC-1295 acts at the GHRH receptor on anterior pituitary somatotrophs. Ipamorelin acts at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a), the same receptor as endogenous ghrelin.

    MECHANISM 01
    CJC-1295 GHRH receptor agonism

    CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of the first 29 amino acids of native GHRH (GRF 1-29), with stabilising amino-acid substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 to extend serum half-life relative to native GHRH. The compound binds the growth hormone releasing hormone receptor on anterior pituitary somatotroph cells and stimulates pulsatile GH release.

    MECHANISM 02
    CJC-1295 DAC albumin binding

    In the DAC variant of CJC-1295 (not supplied by BodyPharm UAE), a maleimide-based linker covalently binds endogenous serum albumin after injection, extending plasma half-life from minutes to days. The BodyPharm CJC-1295 product is the no-DAC variant (Modified GRF 1-29), which has a half-life closer to native GHRH (around 30 minutes) and is used in research protocols where the shorter half-life is the design intent.

    MECHANISM 03
    Ipamorelin GH secretagogue activity

    Ipamorelin binds the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a, the ghrelin receptor) and stimulates GH release. Unlike earlier GH secretagogues, ipamorelin has minimal effect on ACTH or cortisol release (Raun et al, Eur J Endocrinol, 1998;139(5):552-561), giving it the "selective" designation.

    MECHANISM 04
    Parallel-pathway combination rationale

    CJC-1295 acts at the GHRH receptor. Ipamorelin acts at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. The two receptors trigger GH release through distinct upstream pathways that converge on the somatotroph. Combination protocols are used to probe synergistic activation of GH secretion via parallel pathway engagement.

    CJC-1295 DAC pharmacokinetics

    Teichman and colleagues (J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006;91(3):799-805) characterised CJC-1295 with DAC in two Phase 1 trials with healthy adult volunteers. After a single subcutaneous injection of the DAC variant, dose-dependent increases in mean plasma GH concentrations of 2- to 10-fold were observed for 6 days or more, and mean plasma IGF-1 concentrations increased 1.5- to 3-fold for 9 to 11 days. The estimated half-life of CJC-1295 with DAC was 5.8 to 8.1 days. The Modified GRF 1-29 (no-DAC) variant supplied by BodyPharm UAE has a much shorter half-life closer to native GHRH.

    CJC-1295 mechanism in GHRH knockout model

    Alba and colleagues (Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, 2006;291(6):E1290-1294) characterised once-daily CJC-1295 administration in GHRH knockout mice. The published findings reported normalised body weight and length in animals receiving daily doses, with CJC-1295-induced increases in total pituitary RNA and GH mRNA consistent with somatotroph cell proliferation. The work provided in vivo mechanistic confirmation of the somatotroph effects.

    Ipamorelin selectivity

    Raun and colleagues (Eur J Endocrinol, 1998;139(5):552-561) characterised ipamorelin as the first growth hormone secretagogue that did not release ACTH or cortisol at levels significantly different from GHRH stimulation. Earlier secretagogues including GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 elevated both cortisol and prolactin. The selectivity is the basis for the "selective growth hormone secretagogue" designation that distinguishes ipamorelin within its class.

    Combination rationale

    The pairing of CJC-1295 with ipamorelin in research protocols rests on the parallel engagement of two distinct receptors. CJC-1295 stimulates GHRH-receptor-mediated GH release; ipamorelin stimulates GHSR-1a-mediated GH release. Combination protocols are studied to probe synergistic activation through parallel pathway engagement. Combination effects beyond each peptide separately have not been characterised in large peer-reviewed clinical trials.

    All effects described in this section have been observed in published clinical or preclinical research. They are referenced here for research context and do not constitute therapeutic claims.

    References

    The three primary peer-reviewed sources referenced in this guide. Researchers should consult the originals for full methods and context.

    • Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-561. doi:10.1530/eje.0.1390552.
    • Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, Gagnon C, Castaigne JP, Frohman LA. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799-805. doi:10.1210/jc.2005-1536.
    • Alba M, Fintini D, Sagazio A, et al. Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2006;291(6):E1290-E1294. PMID: 16822960. doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00201.2006.
    03 · RESEARCH AREAS

    research applications.

    The CJC-1295 and ipamorelin combination appears across four principal research application areas. The growth-hormone-axis focus is the unifying theme; downstream applications branch into body composition, recovery biology, and pituitary research.

    Growth hormone axis pharmacology research

    The principal mechanistic application area. Investigators use CJC-1295 and ipamorelin as research tools to probe parallel-pathway activation of GH release, the relationship between GHRH and GH secretagogue receptor signalling, and downstream IGF-1 response. The Teichman 2006 trial provides the human pharmacokinetic data; the Raun 1998 paper provides the ipamorelin selectivity data.

    Body composition research

    Researchers studying lean mass, adipose tissue distribution, and body composition use the combination as a research tool for probing GH-axis effects on tissue homeostasis. The application area is preclinical-to-translational; no large body-composition trials of the combination have been published.

    Recovery and sleep architecture research

    GH release in the natural sleep cycle peaks during slow-wave sleep. Investigators using CJC-1295 and ipamorelin as research tools probe the relationship between GH-axis stimulation, sleep architecture, and tissue recovery in research models.

    Comparative GHRH-analog research

    Investigators compare CJC-1295 against tesamorelin (the FDA-approved full-length GHRH analog) in side-by-side studies of growth-hormone-axis activation, pharmacokinetic profile, and downstream IGF-1 response. The two compounds use different stability strategies (albumin binding for CJC-1295 DAC; N-terminal hexenoic acid modification for tesamorelin) and provide complementary tools for class-comparison research.

    04 · PEN FORMAT

    the peptide pen format.

    A research peptide pen is a pre-filled delivery device pre-loaded with reconstituted peptide at a fixed concentration. The combination pen format provides both peptides at fixed concentrations of each component, removing the need to reconstitute and combine two lyophilised vials at the point of use.

    The combination pen format provides three practical advantages over separate lyophilised vials. Pens arrive ready to use with no reconstitution step. The seal limits airborne contamination during repeated draws. The graduated dose mechanism provides volume consistency that is difficult to match with manual draws from two separate stoppered vials.

    The trade-off is rigidity. A combination pen format locks in the ratio of CJC-1295 to ipamorelin set at manufacture. Researchers who need to vary the ratio across a study (for example, to probe ipamorelin-only or CJC-1295-only effects) still need to source single-peptide formats separately. For a fixed-ratio combination study or a series of replicates at the same dose ratio, the format reduces handler variance considerably.

    The BodyPharm UAE CJC-1295 and ipamorelin combination pen is supplied at a fixed concentration ratio with batch-specific HPLC purity and mass spectrometry confirmation of both peptide sequences on the CoA, including which CJC-1295 variant (with or without DAC) is supplied.

    05 · QUALITY

    quality and coa standards.

    Research-grade peptide combinations are defined by the documentation that accompanies them. A combination peptide product with a published synthesis route but no batch-specific Certificate of Analysis is not a research material; it is two unknowns. Researchers procuring CJC-1295 and ipamorelin combinations in the UAE or anywhere else should expect the following at minimum.

    • HPLC purity greater than 98 percent for both CJC-1295 and ipamorelin components.
    • Mass spectrometry confirmation of both peptide sequences and molecular masses.
    • Documentation of whether CJC-1295 is supplied with DAC or without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29).
    • Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis from an independent third-party lab, not just an in-house result.
    • Endotoxin testing where the material is intended for cell culture or animal research.
    • Documented cold-chain handling from synthesis through shipping, with temperature logs available on request.

    For the BodyPharm UAE CJC-1295 and ipamorelin combination pen, the per-batch lab report is published at /uae/lab-results/cjc-1295-ipamorelin-pen. The CoA documents HPLC purity for both components, mass spectrometry confirmation of both peptide sequences (with or without the DAC modification on CJC-1295), the in-house concentration assay for each component, and the documented ratio. Independent third-party reports are available on request.

    If there is no CoA, there is no peptide. Only powder.
    06 · UAE CONTEXT

    uae sourcing and regulatory context.

    Research peptides are not pharmaceuticals under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2024 and are not regulated as medicines. CJC-1295 and ipamorelin in the research peptide combination format are supplied for laboratory research use only, not for human or veterinary therapeutic use. Researchers are responsible for ensuring their handling and use comply with their institution's research governance and any applicable local research-ethics requirements.

    The UAE has emerged as a regional hub for research peptide supply, partly because of the climate-driven cold-chain expertise developed across the GCC pharmaceutical distribution network. Suppliers operating from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah can typically meet same-day delivery to Dubai locations and one to three day delivery to other emirates. See peptide delivery and GCC cold chain for the operational considerations.

    For the full UAE regulatory context covering research peptide procurement, see Is it legal to buy peptides in Dubai and the UAE.

    07 · FAQ

    frequently asked questions.

    The questions below cover the most common queries from UAE-based researchers and procurement teams. Each answer is independently sourced and can be cross-referenced against the linked product pages and lab results.

    What is the CJC-1295 and ipamorelin combination?

    The CJC-1295 and ipamorelin combination pairs two research peptides that engage parallel growth-hormone-axis pathways. CJC-1295 is a synthetic GHRH analog. Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue. The two compounds bind different receptors (GHRH receptor and GHSR-1a respectively) and converge on growth hormone release through distinct upstream pathways.

    What is the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and without DAC?

    Two CJC-1295 variants exist. CJC-1295 with DAC (drug-affinity-complex) carries an albumin-binding modification that covalently binds to endogenous albumin, extending plasma half-life to 5.8 to 8.1 days (Teichman 2006). CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF) lacks the albumin-binding modification and has a half-life of around 30 minutes. The two have distinct pharmacokinetic profiles. The BodyPharm UAE CJC-1295 and ipamorelin pen supplies the no-DAC variant (Modified GRF 1-29).

    How does CJC-1295 differ from tesamorelin?

    Both are GHRH analogs but they use different structural strategies. CJC-1295 is a shorter GHRH (1-29) fragment with either no modification or a DAC modification for albumin binding. Tesamorelin is the full 44-amino-acid GHRH sequence with a trans-3-hexenoic acid N-terminal modification for DPP-IV resistance. Tesamorelin is FDA approved (as Egrifta) for HIV lipodystrophy; CJC-1295 has no marketing authorisation. See /uae/guides/tesamorelin-uae for the tesamorelin reference.

    Why is ipamorelin called "selective"?

    Raun and colleagues (Eur J Endocrinol, 1998) characterised ipamorelin as the first growth hormone secretagogue that releases GH without significantly elevating ACTH or cortisol, in contrast to earlier secretagogues like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 which trigger broader pituitary hormone release. The selectivity refers to the relative specificity for the GH axis rather than to receptor selectivity (ipamorelin binds GHSR-1a, the same receptor as ghrelin).

    Is the CJC-1295 and ipamorelin combination FDA approved?

    No. Neither CJC-1295 nor ipamorelin has marketing authorisation as a pharmaceutical in any jurisdiction. Both are supplied as research peptides for laboratory use only. The published evidence base for CJC-1295 includes Phase 1 healthy volunteer trials (Teichman 2006). Ipamorelin has been studied across preclinical and early-phase human work but has not progressed to approval.

    What is a CJC-1295 and ipamorelin peptide pen?

    A combination peptide pen is a pre-filled research delivery device loaded with reconstituted CJC-1295 and ipamorelin at fixed concentrations of each component. It is not a writing implement. The format provides dosing consistency, sterility through the device seal, and removes the need for laboratory reconstitution at the point of use.

    Where can I buy CJC-1295 and ipamorelin in Dubai or the UAE?

    BodyPharm UAE supplies the CJC-1295 and ipamorelin combination in the pre-filled peptide pen format with HPLC-verified purity and independent third-party Certificates of Analysis. Same-day delivery is available across Dubai, with one to three day delivery to other emirates. The product page at /uae/product/cjc-1295-ipamorelin-pen carries the current batch information including which CJC-1295 variant is supplied.

    How is the combination stored?

    Lyophilised peptide combinations are best stored at minus 20 degrees Celsius in opaque vials away from light and moisture. Reconstituted solution should be held at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and used within the stability window documented on the Certificate of Analysis. Cold-chain integrity from supplier through delivery is a precondition for any subsequent stability claim, particularly across the GCC summer months.

    08 · RELATED RESEARCH

    related research peptides.

    The CJC-1295 and ipamorelin combination sits within a broader research peptide category that BodyPharm UAE supplies and documents in parallel. The references below provide background on adjacent research compounds frequently studied alongside this combination.

    REFERENCE 01
    Tesamorelin

    An alternative GHRH analog using the full GHRH (1-44) sequence with a hexenoic acid N-terminal modification. FDA approved for HIV lipodystrophy. Frequently compared against CJC-1295 in growth hormone axis research designs. Read more.

    REFERENCE 02
    MOTS-c

    A mitochondrial-derived peptide active in AMPK pathway research. Used in parallel with growth-hormone-axis compounds in metabolic homeostasis research designs. Read more.

    REFERENCE 03
    Retatrutide

    A GLP-1 / GIP / glucagon triple agonist studied across metabolic indications. Researchers comparing growth-hormone-axis with incretin-pathway approaches to body composition research reference both compounds. Read more.

    For the full BodyPharm UAE research peptide catalogue with current batch CoAs, see /uae/peptides.

    Continue · Product
    view the cjc-1295 and ipamorelin research pen.

    HPLC-verified CJC-1295 and ipamorelin combination in the pre-filled research pen format. Batch-specific CoA, same-day Dubai delivery.

    Product page
    BodyPharm products are sold strictly for laboratory research purposes only and are not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment, or therapeutic use. Nothing on this page constitutes medical guidance. Citations referenced in this guide are listed for research reference only and should be consulted in the original peer-reviewed source for context.
    CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin Referencebodypharm. No. 08