CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are lab-made peptides that prompt the pituitary gland to release more growth hormone, often used together as a “stack” for body composition, recovery and sleep. Neither is FDA-approved, neither was among the peptides cleared from FDA Category 2 in April 2026, and as of October 2026 there is no clear legal pathway for pharmacies to compound them. Dr. David Nazarian, a board-certified internist in Beverly Hills, helps patients weigh these claims against options with an established regulatory and safety record, such as sermorelin.
What Are CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin?
CJC-1295 is a modified version of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), the signal the brain uses to tell the pituitary to release growth hormone. One form (“with DAC”) is engineered to bind to blood proteins so it lasts for days. The form without DAC, sometimes called modified GRF 1-29, acts for a much shorter time.
Ipamorelin works through a different receptor, the ghrelin receptor, and is described as a selective growth hormone secretagogue because it causes less release of cortisol and prolactin than older compounds in its class.
Combining the two targets both pathways at once, which is why the pairing became popular in wellness and anti-aging clinics.
What the Research Shows
- Early human studies of CJC-1295 in healthy adults showed sustained increases in growth hormone and IGF-1 levels after injection. Those studies measured hormone levels, not health outcomes.
- Ipamorelin was studied in a mid-stage clinical trial for recovery of bowel function after surgery and did not show a clear benefit, and development for that use did not continue.
- There are no long-term human trials showing that the combination improves muscle, fat loss, sleep, recovery or lifespan.
Raising growth hormone and IGF-1 is not automatically beneficial. In adults without true growth hormone deficiency, the balance of benefit and risk is uncertain.
Possible Risks
- Water retention, joint aches, tingling or numbness in the hands
- Higher blood sugar and reduced insulin sensitivity
- Flushing, headache and injection-site reactions
- Unknown long-term effects of keeping IGF-1 elevated, including open questions about cancer risk; not appropriate for people with active cancer
- Product quality concerns for anything bought outside a licensed pharmacy
- Both substances are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency
FDA and Compounding Status (October 2026)
The FDA placed CJC-1295 and ipamorelin in Category 2 in 2023, citing safety concerns for compounding. Unlike BPC-157 and TB-500, they were not among the 12 peptides removed from Category 2 in April 2026 and were not reviewed at the July 2026 advisory committee meeting. State pharmacy boards, including Ohio’s, have taken enforcement action against pharmacies compounding CJC-1295 and ipamorelin. Sources describing their status sometimes conflict, so we will update this page as the FDA clarifies it.
Legally Available Alternatives
- Sermorelin, a GHRH peptide that was previously FDA-approved and can be compounded with a prescription.
- Tesamorelin, FDA-approved for a specific condition (HIV-associated abdominal fat).
- Testing for true growth hormone deficiency, which, when confirmed, is treated with FDA-approved growth hormone under endocrine guidance.
- Strength training, sleep optimization and body-composition tracking, which remain the most reliable ways to improve lean mass.
Learn more in our peptide therapy overview and longevity peptides guide.
Growth Hormone Peptide Evaluation in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles
Patients from across Los Angeles, including Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood, Century City, West Hollywood and Santa Monica, see Dr. Nazarian at our office at 9301 Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills.
- Consultation. Energy, sleep, body composition and recovery goals, plus medications and any peptides already used.
- Baseline labs. Typically IGF-1, fasting glucose and insulin, HbA1c, lipids, comprehensive metabolic panel, thyroid tests (TSH, free T4), and testosterone or estradiol where relevant.
- Safety screening. Age-appropriate cancer screening review, including PSA for men when indicated, because growth hormone and IGF-1 stimulate cell growth.
- Body composition. A baseline measure of muscle and fat so changes can be tracked objectively.
- Benefits and risks discussion. CJC-1295 and ipamorelin compared with sermorelin and other options, with current FDA status.
- Follow-up. Repeat IGF-1 and glucose testing to keep levels in a safe range.
Book a growth hormone peptide consultation in Beverly Hills
Typical Peptide Treatment Schedule
When a peptide is part of your plan, Dr. Nazarian typically prescribes it at night, five nights a week, Monday through Friday, with weekends off, for an eight-week course followed by a two-week break so the body does not adapt to it. The specific peptide, dose and length of treatment are discussed individually and adjusted to your labs and response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get CJC-1295 and ipamorelin in Los Angeles?
Start with a medical evaluation. At My Concierge MD in Beverly Hills, Dr. Nazarian measures IGF-1 and related labs, explains the benefits, risks and regulatory status, and discusses the growth hormone peptide options that fit your results.
What labs are needed before growth hormone peptides?
IGF-1, glucose and HbA1c, lipids, a metabolic panel and thyroid tests, with hormone and cancer screening based on age and history.
How much does peptide therapy cost in Beverly Hills?
Cost depends on the evaluation, lab tests and treatment plan. A new-patient consultation with Dr. Nazarian is $450. Lab tests and any treatment are priced separately, and our team gives you those costs before testing begins.
Is CJC-1295 with ipamorelin safe?
Short-term side effects are generally mild in reports, but long-term safety has not been studied in controlled trials, and the products available outside pharmacies are unregulated.
Is it better than sermorelin?
It produces a longer or stronger growth hormone signal on paper, but there is no head-to-head evidence that it improves health outcomes, and sermorelin has a clearer legal status.
Can I discuss CJC-1295 and ipamorelin at a consultation?
Yes. Dr. Nazarian can review your goals, the current regulatory status and the evidence for each option.
To discuss growth hormone, body composition or peptide therapy, schedule a consultation at My Concierge MD in Beverly Hills.
This page is educational and does not replace individual medical advice.
Medically reviewed by David Nazarian, MD on