CJC-1295 vs IGF-1 LR3
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Cjc 1295 | Igf 1 Lr3 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Hormone Secretagogue | Growth Factor |
| Mechanism | CJC-1295 binds to GHRH receptors (GHRHR) on pituitary somatotroph cells, activating intracellular cAMP signaling to stimulate both the transcription of the GH gene and pulsatile release of endogenous... | IGF-1 LR3 binds to IGF-1 receptors on target cells with high affinity, initiating tyrosine kinase signaling that activates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, increasing protein synthesis, glucose uptake, and... |
| Evidence Rating | D — Preclinical | D — Preclinical |
| Clinical Status | Research-only / Not approved for human use | No clinical trials for therapeutic use. Research compound only. |
| Safety Profile | Common: transient flushing/"head rush" within 5-10 minutes post-injection — hallmark of a potent injection, harmless and brief; Self-reported: flu-like symptoms, headaches, irritability, anxiety, nausea, hives (mild and transient) | Hypoglycemia risk — IGF-1 has insulin-like glucose-lowering effects; Potential organ enlargement with chronic use (intestinal growth observed in animals) |
| Route | Subcutaneous | Subcutaneous or Intramuscular |
| Dose Range | No DAC: 100 mcg before bed daily; DAC: 1–2 mg 2–3x weekly | 20-100 mcg/day; research protocols commonly use 50-80 mcg/day |
| Frequency | Once daily (no DAC) or 2–3 times weekly (with DAC) | Once daily |
| Molecular Weight | No DAC: ~3367.9 g/mol; With DAC: ~3647.3 g/mol | ~9,111 g/mol (9.1 kDa) |
| Half-Life | No DAC (mod GRF 1-29): ~30 min; With DAC: ~8 days | 20-30 hours |
Overview
CJC-1295 and IGF-1 LR3 are both research peptides studied across multiple applications. This comparison examines their mechanisms, evidence base, dosing protocols, and safety profiles to help researchers understand the key differences and overlaps.
CJC-1295 — Mechanism & Evidence
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) originally developed by ConjuChem Technologies for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It exists in two forms: with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) for extended half-life of 5.8-8.1 days, and without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) for shorter, pulsatile release with a half-life of approximately 30 minutes. Two 2006 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials (Teichman et al.) demonstrated dose-dependent GH increases of 2-10 fold and IGF-1 increases of 1.5-3 fold in healthy adults aged 21-61. The No DAC version is generally considered the safer choice due to its physiological pulsatile pattern.
Key claims: Increases growth hormone and IGF-1; Improves body composition; Promotes deep sleep.
IGF-1 LR3 — Mechanism & Evidence
IGF-1 LR3 is a modified version of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) with an extended N-terminal sequence (13 additional amino acids) and an arginine-to-glutamic acid substitution at position 3. These modifications dramatically reduce binding to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), resulting in a half-life of 20-30 hours (vs 12-15 hours for native IGF-1) and approximately 3x greater potency. It is one of the most potent anabolic peptides available and is WADA-banned.
Key claims: Promotes muscle growth and hyperplasia; Enhanced recovery from injury; Fat loss via nutrient partitioning.
Shared Research Applications
Both peptides are studied for: Body Composition.
CJC-1295 is also researched for: Anti-Aging.
IGF-1 LR3 is also researched for: Injury Recovery.
Safety Considerations
CJC-1295: Common: transient flushing/"head rush" within 5-10 minutes post-injection — hallmark of a potent injection, harmless and brief Self-reported: flu-like symptoms, headaches, irritability, anxiety, nausea, hives (mild and transient) Water retention and edema (dose-dependent; elevated GH causes sodium/water retention via kidneys)
IGF-1 LR3: Hypoglycemia risk — IGF-1 has insulin-like glucose-lowering effects Potential organ enlargement with chronic use (intestinal growth observed in animals) Joint pain, water retention, carpal tunnel-like symptoms (GH/IGF axis effects)
Related Products
Related Research News
CJC-1295 with DAC and Ipamorelin: Growth Hormone Research Guide
CJC-1295 with DAC and Ipamorelin represent key compounds in growth hormone research, targeting distinct pathways for GH and IGF-1 signaling. CJC-1295 with DAC acts as a long-acting GHRH analogue with a half-life of 5.8 to 8.1 days, while Ipamorelin functions as a selective growth hormone secretagogue via the ghrelin receptor. Together, they support studies on metabolism, recovery, and body composition.
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin: Growth Hormone Stack Mechanics
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin form the most studied growth hormone peptide combination in research. They target separate receptor pathways to boost GH secretion through the somatotropic axis. This stack produces amplified GH pulses, with preclinical data showing 3 to 5 times baseline levels versus 1.5 to 2 times alone.
Ipamorelin: Selective GH Secretagogue for Clean Pulsatile Release
Ipamorelin, a third-generation GHS-R1a agonist (CAS 170851-70-4), stimulates pulsatile growth hormone release without elevating cortisol or prolactin, unlike earlier GHRPs. This selectivity supports precise research into GH axis effects, IGF-1 pathways, body composition, recovery, and sleep. Studies highlight its role in anabolic processes and synergy with CJC-1295 for enhanced GH output.