What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (five amino acids) that induces the natural burst of growth hormone in the body. It’s a growth hormone secretagogue that causes the release of growth hormone out. This peptide was found to have considerable growth hormone-releasing activity [1].
It has been shown that ipamorelin might increase rats' longitudinal bone growth rate and weight [2], stimulate stomach emptying (which is helpful for the treatment of postoperative ileus) and decrease markers of tissue inflammation and mortality [3].
Furthermore, ipamorelin also seems to increase body fat in a growth hormone-independent manner, which may prove helpful in particular therapeutic contexts [4]. Beneficial effects on steroid-induced catabolism of Ipamorelin have also been explored [5].
However, we must remember that while these studies have positive results, more research is needed to fully understand the implications of using ipamorelin as a treatment for human subjects.
What is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a peptidic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue, stimulating GH production in the pituitary gland. A maleimide group (a highly reactive C-terminal derivative with a double-bond) present on CJC-1295 serves as a viscerotropic group, allowing this peptidic drug to covalently bind plasma proteins (primarily serum albumin), forming a CJC-1295-protein conjugate with a significantly enhanced half-life, i.e.>6 days, as compared to the non-conjugate peptide. These conjugates could elicit GH production for over six days per single administration in humans [6].
CJC-1295 is a long-acting analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). A single injection of CJC-1295 increases mean plasma GH concentrations 2- to 10-fold for 6 days or more and mean plasma IGF-I concentrations 1.5- to 3-fold for 9-11 days in a dose-dependent manner [2].
Can CJC-1295/Ipamorelin Cause Acne?
There is not enough evidence to say with 100% certainty whether Ipamorelin/CJC 1295 causes acne, as research has not dug deep enough to know their exact involvement in causing acne.
However, remember that Ipamorelin and CJC 1295 are growth hormone-releasing peptides that stimulate the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormones. Growth hormones can potentially affect the sebaceous glands in the skin that secrete the grease-like substance known as sebum, which will promote acne if overproduced.
For example, research groups have reported that IGF-1, or its precursor—related to growth hormone—can enhance the activity of keratinocytes, an epidermal (skin) cell considered an essential factor in acne pathogenesis [7].
But this doesn’t mean that Ipamorelin or CJC 1295 can actually cause acne – only that more research needs to be done to draw a solid causal connection between them —only that more research is required.