Tesamorelin vs Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295: Tracking and Research Protocols

All three peptides increase endogenous growth hormone release but through different pathways. TESAMORELIN is a GHRH (growth-hormone-releasing hormone) ANALOG with stabilization modifications. FDA approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy in 2010. Once daily subcutaneous injection. Produces pulsatile GH release matching physiologic patterns. IPAMORELIN is a GHRELIN-RECEPTOR AGONIST (also called a GH secretagogue). Not FDA approved; widely used in research. Selective — does not significantly elevate cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH like older secretagogues. Typically dosed 2-3 times daily because of short half-life. CJC-1295 is a GHRH ANALOG with optional DAC (drug affinity complex) modification. DAC version (CJC-1295 with DAC) has a half-life of 6-8 days and is dosed once or twice weekly. Non-DAC version (CJC-1295 without DAC, also called mod GRF 1-29) has a short half-life and is typically combined with ipamorelin in research protocols. Each requires different tracking variables. This content is for educational and research-tracking purposes only.

Tesamorelin is approved at 2 mg subcutaneously once daily. It produces an endogenous GH pulse pattern most similar to physiologic release because it acts at the GHRH receptor on the pituitary. Reported effects in trials: reduction in visceral adipose tissue (the FDA-approved indication for HIV lipodystrophy), increased IGF-1 levels, modest improvements in lipid profile. Tracking variables typically logged: WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE (the primary outcome measure in trials), WEIGHT, INJECTION TIME (consistent timing matters for endogenous pulse alignment — typically evening to layer onto physiologic nocturnal GH peak), IGF-1 LEVEL if monitored (rises within weeks; check at baseline and periodically), SIDE EFFECTS (injection site reactions, occasional joint pain, fluid retention, hyperglycemia in some subjects). Dosing is consistent daily without escalation in approved protocol.

Ipamorelin acts at the ghrelin receptor (GHSR1a) on the pituitary, releasing GH through a different pathway than GHRH analogs. The selectivity of ipamorelin — no significant cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH elevation — is its main differentiator from older secretagogues like GHRP-6 and hexarelin. Typical research-protocol dosing is 100-200 mcg subcutaneously 2-3 times daily because of the short half-life (~2 hours). Tracking variables: DOSE TIMING (morning, mid-day, evening; consistency matters for cumulative effect), DOSE AMOUNT (mcg per injection), CUMULATIVE DAILY DOSE, SLEEP QUALITY (subjective; GH pulses during sleep are physiologic and ipamorelin can enhance), WEIGHT AND COMPOSITION (slow effects compared to direct GH or GLP-1 peptides), SIDE EFFECTS (mild injection site, occasional flushing or hunger spike from ghrelin-receptor agonism).

CJC-1295 with DAC: the drug affinity complex modification allows the peptide to bind to serum albumin in vivo, extending half-life to 6-8 days. Typical research dose is 1-2 mg subcutaneously once or twice weekly. Sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1 rather than pulsatile. CJC-1295 without DAC (also called mod GRF 1-29 or modified GRF): a short half-life (~30 minutes) version typically stacked with ipamorelin in research protocols 2-3 times daily. The stacked approach produces pulsatile GH release similar to physiologic pattern. Tracking with DAC: WEEKLY DOSE, INJECTION DAY, IGF-1 baseline and periodic measurement, weight and composition over weeks-to-months. Tracking with non-DAC stack: same as ipamorelin (multiple daily injections), plus the modified-GRF component logged separately.

COMMON across all three: mild injection-site reactions (redness, itching, small wheals), occasional joint pain or fluid retention as IGF-1 elevates, transient flushing. SPECIFIC: ipamorelin can produce a sharp ghrelin-receptor-driven hunger spike for 30-60 minutes post-injection. CJC-1295 DAC can cause persistent low-grade fluid retention from sustained IGF-1 elevation. Tesamorelin in trials showed some hyperglycemia risk and modest IGF-1 elevation. SAFETY MONITORING: IGF-1 LEVEL is the primary safety marker (high IGF-1 sustained correlates with cancer risk and other concerns; ranges should stay within age-appropriate reference). GLUCOSE: GH can cause insulin resistance over weeks-to-months; monitor fasting glucose if accessible. Researchers running personal protocols should consult published guidance and consider periodic IGF-1 testing.

STACKED: combining a GHRH analog (like CJC-1295 non-DAC or tesamorelin) with a ghrelin agonist (ipamorelin) produces SYNERGISTIC GH release because each acts on a different receptor and the response is more than additive. The popular research stack is ipamorelin + CJC-1295 (non-DAC) injected together 2-3 times daily, producing pulsatile GH similar to physiologic pattern. SEQUENTIAL: running one peptide at a time can be a tracking-cleaner approach for researchers studying effects of individual components. The mixed-mechanism stack typically produces higher IGF-1 elevation and faster results but harder to attribute side effects to specific components. Personal tracking decisions trade clarity for effect size.

Dosed supports detailed tracking for GH-axis peptide protocols including tesamorelin, ipamorelin, CJC-1295 (DAC and non-DAC), and stacked combinations. Log dose, time, injection site, side effects, sleep, body composition, and labs (IGF-1, glucose) where available. The app produces trend visualizations, side-effect heat maps, and reconstitution calculators for each peptide. Templates for the common protocols (daily tesamorelin, ipamorelin TID, ipamorelin + CJC-1295 stack, weekly CJC-1295 DAC) reduce setup time. This content is for educational and research-tracking purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.