Three of the most-searched growth-hormone research peptides — CJC-1295, Sermorelin and Ipamorelin — are constantly compared, and just as constantly confused. The confusion comes from lumping them into one bucket when in fact they split cleanly into two mechanistic families. This comparison lays out where each one sits and why it matters.
This concerns all three strictly as research materials. The peptides Solis supplies are for laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use — and nothing here is medical, dosing, or usage guidance.
The two families, three peptides
As covered in our primer on growth-hormone secretagogues, these peptides fall into two families defined by receptor:
- GHRH analogues (GHRH receptor): Sermorelin and CJC-1295.
- Ghrelin mimetic / GHRP (ghrelin receptor): Ipamorelin.
So two of the three act on one receptor, and the third acts on another.
Sermorelin vs CJC-1295
Both are GHRH analogues, so they engage the same receptor — the difference is stability and duration. Sermorelin corresponds to the short native GHRH(1–29) fragment and is the shortest-acting. CJC-1295 builds on that backbone with modifications; the DAC version in particular is engineered for a much longer duration of action. In short: same family, different half-life design.
Where Ipamorelin fits
Ipamorelin is the odd one out mechanistically — it is a ghrelin mimetic, acting on the GHS-R1a receptor rather than the GHRH receptor, and is noted in the literature for its selectivity. Because it reaches the growth-hormone axis by a different route, it is frequently studied in combination with a GHRH analogue such as CJC-1295, rather than as an alternative to it.
What to check when sourcing
For all three, the documentation is identical: ≥98% HPLC purity with the chromatogram, mass-spectrometry identity, and a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis. See our Quality & Analytics page.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between CJC-1295 and Sermorelin?
Both are GHRH analogues acting on the same receptor; they differ mainly in stability and duration. Sermorelin is the short native fragment; CJC-1295 is engineered for longer action, especially in the DAC version.
How is Ipamorelin different from the other two?
Ipamorelin is a ghrelin mimetic acting on a different receptor (GHS-R1a), whereas CJC-1295 and Sermorelin are GHRH analogues. That’s why Ipamorelin is often studied alongside a GHRH analogue rather than instead of one.
Are any of them approved drugs?
No. All three are handled as research materials for laboratory use only and are not intended for human or veterinary use.
In summary
CJC-1295 and Sermorelin are GHRH analogues that differ in duration; Ipamorelin is a ghrelin mimetic on a different receptor, commonly paired with a GHRH analogue. Read the CJC-1295, Sermorelin and Ipamorelin profiles, and remember documentation — ≥98% HPLC, mass-spec identity, a lot-specific CoA — is what separates products. Browse the catalogue.
Solis Peptides supplies research peptides for laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use, and not a medicine, supplement, or cosmetic. Nothing in this article is medical, dosing, or usage advice.
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