Growth-hormone secretagogues: Ipamorelin, CJC-1295 and Sermorelin explained

BritishPeps research team · Updated 18 July 2026 · ~7 min read

The growth-hormone (GH) axis is a large area of peptide research, and the compounds studied within it are easy to confuse. This guide sorts them into two families and explains how the most common reference compounds relate to one another. It is purely educational: these compounds are supplied exclusively for in-vitro laboratory research and are not intended for human or veterinary use.

Two families: GHRH analogues and GHRPs

Most GH-axis research compounds belong to one of two groups:

GHRH analogues — modelled on growth-hormone-releasing hormone. This family includes Sermorelin (GHRH 1-29), CJC-1295 no DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) and Tesamorelin (a stabilised analogue studied in visceral-fat metabolism research).
GHRPs / secretagogues — ghrelin-receptor agonists. Ipamorelin is the most-cited example and stands out in the research for its selective profile.

Why the two families are studied together

A recurring theme in the scientific literature is that the two families act on different receptors, so they are often examined as a pair to study combined signalling. That is why a ready-made blend such as CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin exists: it lets a laboratory work with one compound from each family in a single vial.

How the common compounds relate

Sermorelin — the truncated GHRH (1-29) fragment; a classic reference analogue.
CJC-1295 (no DAC) — a modified GRF (1-29) with a short half-life, studied for its pulsatile signalling.
Ipamorelin — a selective ghrelin-receptor agonist, often the reference GHRP in comparisons.
Tesamorelin — a stabilised GHRH analogue studied specifically in lipid and visceral-fat contexts.

Handling and storage

These compounds ship lyophilised, are stored at −20 °C and are reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before being kept at 2–8 °C. Our reconstitution guide and the calculator cover the detail.

Frequently asked questions

Are these compounds for human use?

No. All the GH-axis compounds discussed here are supplied exclusively for in-vitro laboratory research and are not intended for human or veterinary use.

What is the difference between a GHRH analogue and a GHRP?

They act on different receptors: GHRH analogues are modelled on growth-hormone-releasing hormone, while GHRPs are ghrelin-receptor agonists. The two are often studied together.

Why does the CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin blend exist?

It combines one compound from each family in a single vial, which is convenient for research examining combined GH-axis signalling.

For research use only. This content is educational. The products mentioned are supplied exclusively for scientific and in-vitro laboratory research, not for human or veterinary use. You must be 18 or over to place an order.