CJC-1295 and ipamorelin: a laboratory identity hub

CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are two synthetic peptides whose names are often searched and listed together. They are different molecules from different receptor classes [1][3]. This page is a laboratory reference. It sets out what each public identity record says, what published preclinical research has examined, and what a lot certificate should show. Research use only. Neither compound is currently sold in the BioLabs Research catalog.

Not in our catalog: what this page covers

CJC-1295 is not stocked by BioLabs Research. Ipamorelin is not currently listed for sale on this storefront. We publish this page because purchasing and receiving teams see both names on third-party paperwork and need a way to check identity. The page gives no use or preparation instructions and makes no claims for any use. It is not for human or veterinary use.

What CJC-1295 is

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of human growth-hormone-releasing factor, hGRF (1–29). Jetté and colleagues described it in 2005 as a tetrasubstituted hGRF (1–29) with an added C-terminal lysine carrying a maleimidopropionamide group. That group was designed to form a covalent bond with serum albumin [1]. The reactive handle is the "drug affinity complex" (DAC) in the name "CJC-1295 with DAC".

The name is also used loosely for modified GRF (1–29), sometimes sold as "CJC-1295 no DAC". That is a different molecule without the maleimide handle, so its formula and mass are different too. Our identity note on CJC-1295 with DAC vs modified GRF (1–29) compares the two field by field.

What ipamorelin is

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide, Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2. Raun and colleagues described it in 1998 as a growth hormone secretagogue that acts through a GHRP-type receptor [3]. Several features of the sequence are part of its identity: two residues are D-amino acids, one is α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) and the C-terminus is an amide [3][4]. A lot built from all-L residues, or one with a free acid C-terminus, is a different compound.

CJC-1295 and ipamorelin: two classes, two identity records

CJC-1295 belongs to the GHRH-analogue class and was characterized at the GRF receptor of the anterior pituitary [1]. Ipamorelin belongs to the growth hormone secretagogue class and acts through a GHRP-like receptor [3]. Seeing the two names side by side doesn't make them one compound. Each keeps its own formula, mass and CAS number, and each needs its own identity record and its own lot certificate.

CJC-1295 / ipamorelin blend listings

Some third-party listings put both peptides in one vial. A blend is two chemicals, not a third one: it has no CAS number of its own. A lot certificate for a blend has to identify each component separately, with two theoretical masses, two observed masses, and HPLC peaks that can be assigned to each named component. Any ratio printed on a label is lot data, and it is only meaningful if the lot certificate reports it. Our blend identity note uses a different two-component listing to show what complete two-component paperwork looks like.

What published preclinical research has examined

The primary literature on these molecules is preclinical. The summaries below say what each study examined and reported. They are not evidence of any effect in people and are not a basis for any use.

• Jetté et al., 2005 (Endocrinology). Three maleimide derivatives of hGRF (1–29) were conjugated to human serum albumin. The conjugates showed greater in-vitro stability against dipeptidyl peptidase-IV and were active in a GH-secretion assay in cultured rat anterior pituitary cells. In rats, the compound designated CJC-1295 was detected bound to albumin in plasma, and the authors identified it as an hGRF (1–29) analogue with an extended plasma half-life [1].
• Alba et al., 2006 (American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism). The authors studied repeated administration of CJC-1295 in GHRH-knockout mice, a genetic model that lacks endogenous GHRH. They reported increased pituitary GH mRNA and immunohistochemical evidence of somatotroph proliferation in that model [5].
• Raun et al., 1998 (European Journal of Endocrinology). In primary rat pituitary cells, ipamorelin released GH through a GHRP-like receptor. In swine, the authors reported no ACTH or cortisol release at levels significantly different from GHRH stimulation, and they described ipamorelin as selective for GH release [3].

CJC-1295 COA and ipamorelin COA: what a lot certificate should show

A certificate of analysis documents one lot. For either compound, check for:

• Lot number that matches the vial label and the packing slip.
• Testing laboratory, report date and method IDs, so the report itself is traceable.
• Identity by mass spectrometry: observed vs theoretical mass for the exact molecule named. That's about 3647.2 g/mol for CJC-1295 with DAC [2] and 711.9 g/mol for ipamorelin [4]. Material sold as "no DAC" needs its own formula and expected mass on the certificate.
• Purity by HPLC: area percent at a stated detection wavelength, with the chromatogram, the column and the gradient. The harmonized pharmacopeial chapter on chromatography defines terms such as resolution, signal-to-noise and peak symmetry used in system suitability [6].
• Counter-ion, water or net peptide content statement where quantity matters. Synthetic peptides can carry process-related impurities: deletion and insertion sequences, diastereomers, protection-group adducts, oxidation products and residual trifluoroacetate counter-ions [7]. HPLC area percent does not account for water or counter-ions.
• Laboratory accreditation, if the certificate claims independent testing. ISO/IEC 17025 is the international standard for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories [8]. Accreditation bodies that recognize each other's accreditations are listed as ILAC MRA signatories [9]. Confirm that the accreditation scope covers the methods reported.

You can see how our COA library documents each lot for the catalog compounds we do stock.

Laboratory handling and storage

Handle either compound as a laboratory chemical under your institution's chemical hygiene plan. In US laboratories, OSHA's Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) requires one [10]. Ask for the safety data sheet (SDS) for the specific lot. OSHA's Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) sets the 16-section SDS format [11]. Wear the PPE the SDS lists. Keep lyophilized material sealed, dry and cold, as the lot paperwork states, because moisture and temperature are well-documented drivers of peptide and protein degradation [12]. This page gives no preparation instructions; bench work follows your lab's own validated SOP. Not for human or veterinary use.

Evaluating a supplier for these names

Because neither compound is in our catalog, we can't supply it. If you source either one elsewhere, check five things. The identity fields should match the public records above. There should be a lot-specific COA with an observed mass. The certificate should name the testing laboratory. The material should be labeled research use only. And the company should give real contact details. Our guide to verifying a peptide supplier goes through each check.

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Jetté L, Léger R, Thibaudeau K, et al. Human growth hormone-releasing factor (hGRF)1-29-albumin bioconjugates activate the GRF receptor on the anterior pituitary in rats: identification of CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analog. Endocrinology. 2005;146(7):3052–3058. doi:10.1210/en.2004-1286. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15817669/
2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 91971820, CJC-1295. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/91971820
3. 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. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9849822/
4. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 9831659, Ipamorelin. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/9831659
5. 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. doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00201.2006. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16822960/
6. United States Pharmacopeia. 〈621〉 Chromatography, harmonized standard (PDG Stage 4, official 1 Dec 2022). https://www.usp.org/harmonization-standards/pdg/excipients/chromatography
7. D'Hondt M, Bracke N, Taevernier L, et al. Related impurities in peptide medicines. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2014;101:2–30. doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2014.06.012. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25044089/
8. ISO/IEC 17025:2017. General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. https://www.iso.org/standard/66912.html
9. ILAC. ILAC MRA and signatories. https://ilac.org/ilac-mra-and-signatories/
10. OSHA. 29 CFR 1910.1450, Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1450
11. OSHA. 29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard communication. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1200
12. Manning MC, Chou DK, Murphy BM, et al. Stability of protein pharmaceuticals: an update. Pharm Res. 2010;27(4):544–575. doi:10.1007/s11095-009-0045-6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20143256/

For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, self-administration or therapeutic use. CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are not currently sold by BioLabs Research.