Hormonal Agents: Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, and Related Overviews
Guide to hormonal research agents focusing on GH secretagogues and melanocortin agonists. EU shipping.
The category of hormonal agents covers a broad spectrum of receptors and signaling pathways. Growth hormone secretagogues, recombinant hormones, gonadotropins, and melanocortin agonists act at different points in the endocrine system. These differences make them relevant for research designs because, depending on the model, different regulatory circuits, tissues, and endpoints are in focus.
Every agent listed here is supplied with a Janoshik Analytical Certificate of Analysis.
Category Definition
What does this category cover?
This category includes hormonal research agents with different biochemical classifications. Among them are peptides such as Ipamorelin and Melanotan-2. What they share is that they act on receptors along the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, in gonadal tissue, or in peripheral organs, thereby influencing hormone secretion or downstream signaling cascades.
Product Range
Highly selective growth hormone releaser that triggers natural GH pulses without raising cortisol or prolactin. Clean GH stimulation with minimal side effects - the most targeted growth hormone peptide available.
2-in-1 growth hormone blend: CJC-1295 no-DAC (Modified GRF 1-29, 5 mg) + Ipamorelin (5 mg) combined in one vial. The CJC-1295 component is the short-acting no-DAC variant (about 30 minute half-life), not the long-acting DAC form. Stimulates natural GH release through two different pathways for amplified, more physiological growth hormone pulses.
Tanning peptide that activates melanin production in the skin. Stimulates melanocyte receptors for natural UV-free pigmentation. Also researched for appetite regulation and libido effects.
Growth Hormone Secretagogues
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide that stimulates GH release via the ghrelin receptor. Compared to older GHRPs, it is often described as relatively selective. In published models, effects on ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin were sometimes observed to be smaller than with older members of this class, though such differences are not uniformly pronounced across all settings.
Classification for research
For repeated administration and possible desensitization, there is no uniform statement across all models. Appetite-related effects also appear to be frequently smaller with Ipamorelin than with GHRP-6, though they should not be categorically excluded.
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
The CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin combination is frequently used in research as a combination of two GH-related signaling pathways. The basic idea is to combine a longer-lasting GHRH-mediated stimulus with shorter GHS-R-mediated pulses.
Combination logic with careful classification
CJC-1295 with DAC is designed for extended duration of action and binds to the GHRH receptor. Ipamorelin acts via the ghrelin receptor and is classified for pulsatile stimulation. Whether the combination acts additively or synergistically in a specific experimental setup depends on the model, dosing, and measurement time points. A categorical superiority over each individual substance cannot be derived from this.
Sermorelin
Sermorelin comprises the first 29 amino acids of native GHRH. Since it acts via the native GHRH pathway, endogenous feedback through the hypothalamus and pituitary remains fundamentally intact. This makes Sermorelin a closer representation of the physiological signaling pathway than direct exogenous growth hormone or long-acting analogues.
It was historically approved in the USA as Geref. This makes the agent of interest to researchers who want to study a well-described GHRH-based approach without directly using exogenous GH.
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a modified GHRH analogue. As of the date of this article, Egrifta WR is the current FDA-approved formulation in the USA; approval was granted on 25 March 2025 and availability was communicated for 5 September 2025. The main clinical indication refers to the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Clinical data show consistent reductions in visceral adipose tissue. For glucose metabolism, the assessment is more nuanced: studies described early increases in fasting glucose or HbA1c, while longer-term effects varied depending on the patient population. For cognitive endpoints, there is also no clear, robust signal of a convincing benefit over control.
Direct Hormones and Growth Factors
IGF-1 LR3
Modified IGF-1 with extended activity
IGF-1 LR3 carries two modifications relative to native IGF-1: a 13-amino acid extension at the N-terminus and a substitution at position 3. These changes are intended to reduce binding to IGF-binding proteins and extend biological activity. However, exactly how long the effective in-vivo duration in humans is has not been as standardly documented as with approved drugs.
This extended activity window makes IGF-1 LR3 of interest in various research contexts, such as cell culture, tissue models, and studies on IGF-associated growth processes. Statements on pharmacokinetics should be read with caution because the data situation is less uniform than for clinically established agents.
Melanocortin Peptides
Melanotan-2
Melanotan-2 is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of Alpha-MSH. It activates multiple melanocortin receptors and is therefore studied in different models of pigmentation, sexual function, and appetite regulation.
Broad receptor profile
Via MC1R, Melanotan-2 is linked to melanogenesis. Activity at MC3R and MC4R is relevant for other endpoints, including appetite regulation and sexual function. From this research, Bremelanotide subsequently emerged, developed as PT-141 and directed more selectively at melanocortin-related sexual function endpoints.
Selecting the Right Agent for Your Protocol
GH-related signaling with relatively selective GHS-R focus
Combined stimulation of GHRH and GHS-R signaling pathways
Melanocortin-mediated pigmentation, sexual function, and appetite regulation
Reconstitution required
All lyophilized agents must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use.
All products are supplied with a Janoshik Certificate of Analysis. EU-wide delivery in 2-3 business days.
Related Products
Highly selective growth hormone releaser that triggers natural GH pulses without raising cortisol or prolactin. Clean GH stimulation with minimal side effects - the most targeted growth hormone peptide available.
2-in-1 growth hormone blend: CJC-1295 no-DAC (Modified GRF 1-29, 5 mg) + Ipamorelin (5 mg) combined in one vial. The CJC-1295 component is the short-acting no-DAC variant (about 30 minute half-life), not the long-acting DAC form. Stimulates natural GH release through two different pathways for amplified, more physiological growth hormone pulses.
GHRH(1-29) analog for physiological growth hormone stimulation research
Tanning peptide that activates melanin production in the skin. Stimulates melanocyte receptors for natural UV-free pigmentation. Also researched for appetite regulation and libido effects.
Research context for English-speaking buyers
Most of our English-speaking customers ship to the UK, Ireland, Malta or other English-as-second-language EU territories. The regulatory picture differs per country.
- Relevant authorities
- MHRA (UK, post-Brexit), HPRA (Ireland, EU-aligned), FDA Section 503A bulks list (US, restricted Cat 2 status of several peptides as of 2026)
- Customs and VAT
- EU shipments include 19% VAT; UK shipments after Brexit are now extra-EU and may attract UK VAT plus a handling fee at import
- Typical shipping window
- EU 2-4 working days, UK 4-7 working days, other international 7-14 working days, depending on customs
Research-grade peptides shipped from our EU warehouse are sold for laboratory use only and are not authorised for human or veterinary therapeutic application in any of the destination jurisdictions. US customers should be aware that the FDA Section 503A bulks list classification (and the April 2026 reclassification of twelve compounds) only governs compounding pharmacies, not direct-to-researcher imports for non-clinical work. UK buyers should declare the consignment on import and may be asked for a research justification by HMRC. We provide a CoA per batch identified by colour code rather than serial number; customs sometimes asks for this document when clearing the parcel.