Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295 (no DAC)
Ghrelin receptor agonism versus GHRH receptor agonism — different receptors, frequently studied together for that reason.
Growth Hormone
Ipamorelin
Highly selective pentapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist, notable for minimal cross-activation of other pituitary axes.
Growth Hormone
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
Modified GRF (1-29) analog with four amino acid substitutions conferring resistance to enzymatic degradation.
Side by side
| Dimension | Ipamorelin | CJC-1295 (no DAC) |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight A 4.7× difference in mass — these are not comparable on a milligram-for-milligram basis. | 711.85 g/mol | 3367.9 g/mol |
| Size class | short peptide | mid-length peptide |
| CAS number | 170851-70-4 | 863288-34-0 |
| Research area | growth hormone | growth hormone |
| Sequence | Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 | Not published as a linear sequence |
| Available sizes | 5mg, 10mg | 5mg, 10mg |
| Entry price | $39 | $39 |
| Cost per mg | $4.90 | $5.80 |
Mechanism
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide agonist at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a). Its defining research characteristic is selectivity: unlike earlier secretagogues such as GHRP-6 and GHRP-2, it shows minimal effect on ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin at comparable doses in animal models. That clean profile is precisely why it remains a useful tool compound for isolating GH-axis effects.
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
CJC-1295 without DAC — more precisely Modified GRF (1-29) — is a 29-amino-acid GHRH analog carrying four substitutions (D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27) that increase stability against DPP-4 cleavage and plasma degradation. The 'no DAC' designation distinguishes it from the drug affinity complex variant, which incorporates a maleimido group for albumin conjugation and a substantially longer half-life. The two are frequently conflated in supplier catalogs; they are pharmacokinetically very different molecules.
Research applications
Ipamorelin
- GHS-R1a receptor selectivity and binding studies
- Pituitary somatotroph response assays
- Comparative secretagogue selectivity profiling
- Pulsatile secretion pattern research
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
- GHRH receptor binding and activation studies
- Comparative half-life studies against DAC-conjugated variants
- Combination studies with GHS-R1a agonists
- Enzymatic stability and degradation kinetics
Common questions
What is the difference between Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 (no DAC)?
Ipamorelin is highly selective pentapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist, notable for minimal cross-activation of other pituitary axes. CJC-1295 (no DAC) is modified GRF (1-29) analog with four amino acid substitutions conferring resistance to enzymatic degradation. They differ in molecular weight (711.85 vs 3367.9 g/mol) and in the pathways they are studied against.
Which is more cost-effective per milligram, Ipamorelin or CJC-1295 (no DAC)?
Ipamorelin is lower at approximately $4.90 per milligram at its best tier, against $5.80 for the other. Cost per milligram is only meaningful relative to the concentrations a given protocol requires, since these compounds are not used at comparable masses.
Can Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 (no DAC) be studied together?
Combination designs appear in the published literature for a number of these compounds. Whether it is appropriate for a given protocol depends entirely on the model and endpoint. We supply research compounds and do not provide protocol guidance — consult the primary literature for your specific model.
How should Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 (no DAC) be stored?
Store lyophilized powder at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 30 days. For CJC-1295 (no DAC): Store lyophilized powder at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 30 days.
All products are intended strictly for laboratory research use. Not for human or veterinary use. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Not a drug, food, or cosmetic.
Comparison generated from NuVida Vital catalog data. Every specification is reconciled against the certificate of analysis for the shipped batch.