CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin in South Africa: Structure, Research and Formats

CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are two of the most searched research peptides in South Africa, and they are very often discussed together. One is a modified fragment of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH); the other is a small synthetic peptide that acts at a different receptor, the ghrelin or growth hormone secretagogue receptor. If you have been searching for "CJC-1295 Ipamorelin South Africa", this guide covers what each compound is, how their structures differ, what published laboratory research has looked at, the formats available, and how to store and document them properly.

Prefer a single component? The CJC-1295 Peptide Pen supplies CJC-1295 (no DAC) on its own, and the full range of blends and singles is in our peptides South Africa collection.

What is CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 is a synthetic 29-amino-acid peptide based on the first 29 residues of human GHRH, often written GHRH(1–29) or GRF(1–29). That short fragment is the part of the native hormone that binds the GHRH receptor, but on its own it is broken down very quickly by enzymes. CJC-1295 carries four amino acid substitutions designed to make it more resistant to that breakdown.

There are two versions in the literature, and it is worth knowing which one you are working with:

  • CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF 1-29): the 29-amino-acid peptide with the four substitutions and no extra chemical group. This is the version Biolabs supplies.
  • CJC-1295 with DAC: the same peptide with a "drug affinity complex", a reactive linker designed to bind albumin in serum. It has a different molecular formula and a much higher molecular weight.

CJC-1295 (no DAC) specifications

The data below match the PubChem record for this sequence (CID 56841945) and the specifications on our product pages.

Tyr-D-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Gln-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Ala-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Leu-Ser-Arg-NH2

  • Length: 29 amino acids, C-terminal amide
  • Substitutions compared with native GHRH(1–29): D-alanine at position 2, glutamine at position 8, alanine at position 15 and leucine at position 27
  • Molecular formula: C152H252N44O42
  • Molecular weight: 3367.9 g/mol
  • CAS number: 863288-34-0

The D-alanine at position 2 is the key change. Native GHRH fragments are cleaved between positions 2 and 3 by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4, and swapping in the D-form of alanine is the classic way to block that cut. The other three substitutions target sites prone to oxidation, rearrangement or other enzymatic cleavage.

What is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (five residues) developed at Novo Nordisk in the 1990s. It belongs to the growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) family and acts at the GHS-R1a receptor, the same receptor that the hormone ghrelin binds. It was designed as a smaller, more selective successor to earlier secretagogues such as GHRP-6.

Ipamorelin specifications

The data below match the PubChem record for Ipamorelin (CID 9831659) and our product pages.

Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2

  • Length: 5 residues, C-terminal amide
  • Unusual residues: Aib (2-aminoisobutyric acid) at the N-terminus and D-2-Nal (D-2-naphthylalanine), both non-standard amino acids
  • Molecular formula: C38H49N9O5
  • Molecular weight: 711.9 g/mol
  • CAS number: 170851-70-4

Because Ipamorelin contains two D-amino acids and two non-standard residues, its identity is confirmed by mass spectrometry rather than by comparison with any natural sequence. That is one reason the COA matters so much for this compound.

Why are CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin studied together?

The two compounds act on two different receptors in the same signalling system. CJC-1295 is a GHRH-receptor agonist, while Ipamorelin is a GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) agonist. In laboratory pharmacology, GHRH-pathway and ghrelin-pathway signalling are studied as separate inputs that can be compared or combined, which is why many research groups look at a GHRH analogue and a secretagogue side by side. A pre-mixed blend simply supplies both compounds in one vial or pen, with the component ratio stated on the batch label.

What has been studied in the lab?

The work summarised below is preclinical research in animal models and isolated cells. It is described only as scientific background, not as evidence of any effect outside a laboratory setting.

CJC-1295 and GHRH-receptor research

A 2005 paper in Endocrinology (Jetté and colleagues) studied a series of GRF(1–29) analogues designed to bind albumin and examined their activity at the GRF receptor in the rat anterior pituitary. It is the paper that identified CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analogue. Note that this work concerned the DAC (albumin-binding) design, which is a different molecule from the no-DAC peptide described above.

Ipamorelin and receptor selectivity

The first full description of Ipamorelin was published by Raun and colleagues in the European Journal of Endocrinology in 1998. Working with primary pituitary cells and animal models, the authors compared Ipamorelin with earlier secretagogues and reported that it showed a more selective profile, which is why the paper's title calls it "the first selective growth hormone secretagogue". A 1999 rat study by Johansen and colleagues in Growth Hormone & IGF Research examined the compound further in laboratory animals.

Formats available in South Africa

Biolabs supplies these compounds individually and as a blend, in two formats:

Single-compound pens are also listed in our pre-filled peptide pens range, and every lyophilised format is in the peptide vials collection. For a side-by-side look at the two formats, see our guide to peptide pens vs vials.

Vials

Lyophilised (freeze-dried) vials offer the longest shelf life and travel well at ambient temperature during normal courier transit. Every Biolabs peptide vial ships with a 10 ml Genetek USP-grade bacteriostatic water and reconstitution kit included, so you don't need to order a separate solution.

Pre-filled pens

Pens are supplied as a ready-made solution, made to order and dispatched by overnight cold-chain courier. They must stay refrigerated. If reliable overnight delivery isn't available in your area, the vial version is the better choice.

Storage and handling

  • Lyophilised vials: store unopened at −20 °C for the long term or 2–8 °C for the short term, protected from light and moisture. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening to limit condensation.
  • Reconstitution: add the solvent slowly down the inside wall of the vial and swirl gently rather than shaking, then store the solution at 2–8 °C and follow your own validated stability protocol.
  • Pens: keep at 2–8 °C, away from light, and never freeze.
  • Records: note the batch number, date received and date reconstituted for every vial or pen.

Reading the COA

Every Biolabs batch is tested by an independent laboratory for identity and purity, and certificates are published on our COA page. For these compounds, check three things:

  • HPLC purity: the percentage of the main peak relative to all peaks detected.
  • Mass spectrometry: the measured mass should sit close to 3367.9 for CJC-1295 (no DAC) and 711.9 for Ipamorelin. A value near 3647 would point to the DAC version instead.
  • Batch match: the batch number on your vial or pen should match the certificate. For the blend, the label states the component ratio.

FAQ

Is the Biolabs CJC-1295 with or without DAC?
Without DAC. It is the 29-amino-acid Modified GRF 1-29 peptide, molecular weight 3367.9 g/mol.

Where can I buy CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin in South Africa?
Biolabs ships vials nationwide from local stock by tracked courier, and pens by overnight cold-chain courier.

Do vials come with bacteriostatic water?
Yes. Every peptide vial includes a 10 ml Genetek USP-grade bacteriostatic water and reconstitution kit.

Can I buy them separately?
Yes. CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are each available as single-compound vials and pens, as well as the pre-mixed blend.

Are these products for human use?
No. They are sold strictly for laboratory research by qualified researchers.

Sources

  • PubChem: CID 56841945 (CJC-1295 without DAC) and CID 9831659 (Ipamorelin).
  • Jetté L 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):3052-8. PMID 15817669.
  • Raun K et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-61. PMID 9849822.
  • Johansen PB et al. Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats. Growth Horm IGF Res. 1999;9(2):106-13. PMID 10373343.

Research use only: All Biolabs products, including CJC-1295, Ipamorelin and the CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin blend in every format, are supplied strictly for laboratory research by qualified researchers. They are not for human or veterinary use, not for consumption, and are not medicines, foods, supplements or cosmetics. Nothing in this article is medical advice or a claim of any effect. Research summaries describe published preclinical studies only. The purchaser is responsible for safe handling and for complying with applicable South African regulations.