Growth Hormone Peptide Comparison: Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, Sermorelin, Tesamorelin
Published: 2026-08-03 · Last updated: 2026-08-03
The growth-hormone peptide family is one of the most-requested categories in Canadian research peptide catalogues. This guide compares the four compounds you will run into most often — ipamorelin, CJC-1295, sermorelin, and tesamorelin — in plain English. No dosing advice, no medical claims. Just how they differ, how they compare on availability and cost, and what to look for when ordering.
What are the two families, and why do people combine them?
There are two related but distinct receptor pathways involved. Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) is the body's own signal for the pituitary to release growth hormone. Ghrelin is a separate signal that acts on the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Both pathways converge on the same downstream event but through different upstream mechanisms.
Sermorelin, CJC-1295, and tesamorelin are all GHRH analogues — they mimic or extend the GHRH signal. Ipamorelin is a GHRP (growth hormone releasing peptide) — it mimics ghrelin. Research literature often studies GHRH analogues and GHRPs in combination because activating both pathways together produces different downstream effects than activating either alone.
This is why you will see "CJC-1295 + ipamorelin" as a paired product on many Canadian research vendor sites. It is not a single molecule; it is a co-formulated research blend of the two peptides in a single vial for convenience. See our healing peptide comparison for how BPC-157 and TB-500 get treated similarly in the healing space.
How does CJC-1295 with vs without DAC differ?
CJC-1295 is a modified GHRH analogue. The base peptide has a short half-life on its own. The "DAC" (Drug Affinity Complex) modification adds a chemical tag that binds to serum albumin in the bloodstream, dramatically extending the compound's effective half-life from minutes to days.
CJC-1295 with DAC is one research compound. CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Mod GRF 1-29 in some literature) is a different research compound with the same core sequence but a much shorter half-life. They are stocked separately, priced separately, and studied differently. Do not conflate them.
The no-DAC version is what pairs with ipamorelin in the common blend, because the shorter pulse behaviour aligns with how ipamorelin acts. The DAC version is usually a standalone research subject because of its different half-life profile. Product pages should specify clearly which variant is in the vial — if a vendor does not, ask.
Where does sermorelin fit in?
Sermorelin is the shortest of the GHRH analogues — a 29-amino-acid fragment corresponding to the biologically active portion of natural GHRH. It has a short half-life and a well-studied research history. In terms of complexity, it sits at the simpler end of this family.
Because it is smaller and easier to manufacture than CJC-1295 or tesamorelin, sermorelin is typically the cheapest per mg of the four in the Canadian research market. It is also the most widely available — most Canadian vendors stock it consistently.
As a research reference compound, sermorelin often shows up in studies as the baseline against which longer-acting GHRH analogues like CJC-1295 (with DAC) are compared. This is pure research literature framing — nothing here about dosing or clinical use.
What is different about tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is a stabilised GHRH analogue with a specific modification designed to resist enzymatic degradation. This makes it longer-lasting than sermorelin without needing a DAC tag. It is a more complex molecule to synthesise than sermorelin, which is reflected in both price and availability.
In the Canadian market, tesamorelin is the specialty item of this group. Some vendors carry it, some do not. Prices per mg are noticeably higher than sermorelin or CJC-1295. Vial sizes tend to run smaller (5 mg or 10 mg is common; larger sizes are less common).
Because of the availability variance, plan ahead if you specifically need tesamorelin for research. Waiting on a Canadian vendor to restock can mean weeks, and the cross-border options come with the overhead covered in our Canadian vs US guide.
How do these compare on reconstitution and storage?
Similar across the board. All four are peptides that reconstitute cleanly in bacteriostatic water using the standard trickle-and-swirl process from the reconstitution guide. None of them requires exotic solvents or special handling.
Storage follows the standard pattern: lyophilised vials in the freezer, reconstituted vials in the fridge with a two-to-four-week working window. Freeze-thaw sensitivity is moderate for this family — not as fragile as GLP-1s, but not as robust as BPC-157. Aliquoting is a good habit for the more expensive members (tesamorelin especially).
The storage and handling guide covers the general principles. GHRH analogues with a DAC tag (like CJC-1295 DAC) are somewhat more forgiving because the modification adds stability; the un-tagged versions are slightly touchier.
What blends and combinations exist?
The most common pre-mixed research blend is CJC-1295 (no DAC) + ipamorelin. Many Canadian vendors stock this as a single-vial product, often at a per-mg price similar to buying the two peptides separately, but with the convenience of a single reconstitution.
Less commonly, you will see sermorelin + ipamorelin blends or CJC-1295 DAC + ipamorelin blends. These are niche products — not every vendor carries them. If your research calls for a specific ratio, buying the two peptides separately and mixing at the point of use gives you more control than relying on a pre-blend.
Tesamorelin does not typically show up in pre-blended products. It is almost always a standalone research compound in Canadian catalogues. Same for CJC-1295 with DAC — the long half-life profile makes it more of a standalone research subject than a blending component. Current inventory is in the catalogue.
Questions Canadian buyers ask
What is the difference between GHRH analogues and GHRPs?
GHRH analogues (like sermorelin, CJC-1295, tesamorelin) mimic growth hormone releasing hormone. GHRPs (like ipamorelin) mimic ghrelin and act on a different receptor. Research literature often studies them in combination because the two pathways are complementary — hitting both can have different effects than hitting either alone.
Why do people talk about CJC-1295 with DAC vs no DAC?
DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a modification that extends the compound's half-life significantly by binding to serum albumin. CJC-1295 with DAC has a long half-life (days). CJC-1295 without DAC (sometimes called Mod GRF 1-29) has a much shorter half-life (minutes). They are two distinct research compounds with the same base sequence.
Is tesamorelin harder to source in Canada?
Yes. Tesamorelin is a more complex peptide to manufacture than sermorelin or CJC-1295, so it is stocked less widely and tends to be more expensive. Not every Canadian research peptide vendor carries it. Check current availability before planning around it.
How do these compare on cost per mg?
Sermorelin and ipamorelin are the cheaper end. CJC-1295 (both variants) is moderate. Tesamorelin is the most expensive, usually by a wide margin. The differences reflect manufacturing complexity and demand.
What is the CJC-1295 + ipamorelin blend?
A pre-mixed research product combining CJC-1295 (no DAC) and ipamorelin in a single vial. Sold because the two are often studied together and the blend saves you from managing two separate vials. Reconstitution and storage work the same as any other peptide.