What is Ipamorelin and CJC-1295?
Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are two peptides often combined since they exhibit synergistic effects.
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide, or compound made up of five amino acids. It acts on the pituitary gland to stimulate growth hormone secretion and is one of the safest growth hormone-releasing peptides. Its activity on growth hormone-releasing potency and efficacy in vitro and in vivo are noteworthy. Additionally, it does not affect the stress hormone cortisol or the reproductive hormone prolactin levels in the body [1].
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide that also induces the release of growth hormone by copying growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), the natural hormone needed to create extra growth hormone.
These two peptides have been shown to increase endogenous growth hormone release, thus offering unwanted fat loss and increased muscle growth. They are often used in the fitness community and the anti-ageing world. Still, because they can cause side effects and interact with other medications, it is recommended to consult a healthcare practitioner before using them. For more information, check out our blog that covers the difference between ipamorelin and hexarelin.
Risk Factors of Ipamorelin and CJC-1295
Risk Factors of Ipamorelin
A risk factor is increased insulin secretion. In a study of rats, ipamorelin significantly increased insulin secretion of the pancreas in both control and diabetic rats [4] and maybe a concern in people with conditions susceptible to insulin levels (for example, diabetes).
A second is ipamorelin’s possible impact on body weight. In an animal study on the effect of medication on ageing animals, it was reported that ipamorelin had a dose-dependent effect on body weight gain in rats [5]. This could prove anathema for the overweight individual.
It’s also still unclear whether ipamorelin could have adverse effects on humans. Most of the preceding studies are in animals, and they may not be able to reflect the cycling in humans due to the difference between humans and animals—ipamorelin use may come with other risks. To summarise, more research should be done to comprehensively analyze the risk factors of ipamorelin use.
Risk Factors of CJC-1295
CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue, has been investigated as a stimulant of GH and IGF-I secretion in healthy adults, who tolerated it well at doses of 30 or 60 microg/kg, although at 100 micro g/kg adverse reactions (mainly gastrointestinal) proved more frequent. No serious adverse events were recorded [6].
Nevertheless, the authors advertise CJC-1295's ‘excellent safety profile’, which can only be said on an individual basis—in most cases, study participants did not complete the long-term trial. Moreover, the study does not provide details of minor side effects or any potential risks associated with long-term use [6].
A netnography looking at female use of CJC-1295 raised concerns regarding the use of growth hormone in women, given that androgen pulses in women are far lower than in men, therefore raising questions of dosing, cycling, and long-term effects – but without presenting any detailed data on the incidence or severity of potential risks [7].
Can Ipamorelin Cause cancer?
There is not enough scientific evidence to answer the question of whether ipamorelin causes cancer. However, ipamorelin, along with other GHRPs, is known to stimulate the secretion of GH and insulin-like growth factor-1, the same molecules indirectly associated with cancers in other studies.
In other studies, elevated levels of IGF-1 and its receptor have been associated with increased tumour proliferation, but this does not necessarily mean that ipamorelin causes cancer. The relationship between GH, IGF-1, and cancer—if any—is complex and poorly understood.
When anamorelin – a GH-releasing peptide that works in the same way as GHRH, alongside AGRP – was investigated for its effects on cancer patients suffering from cachexia, it was demonstrated that the use of anamorelin in mice with a model of non-small cell lung cancer did not lead to tumour growth despite a rise in GH and a trend to higher IGF-1 [3].
It’s worth noting, however, that these results might not apply to ipamorelin, as these two very similar peptides are not identical. As a result, there is still insufficient information to fully assess the potential impact of ipamorelin on cancer risk in consumers.
The link between peptides and cancer is unclear. we found that cancer can be a side effect of MK-677 and thymosin beta 4 impacts tumor growth, but there is limited evidence for the link between BPC-157 and cancer.
With Sermorelin, some studies suggest that Sermorelin can promote the growth of some types of cancer, while others suggest that it could be utilised as a possible treatment for cancer.
Can CJC 1295 Cause Cancer?
Like Ipamorelin, the literature has not answered the question of whether CJC 1295 can cause cancer, strictly speaking: the body of research on the peptide CJC 1295 doesn’t contain data regarding whether there is evidence of the peptide CJC 1295 itself causing cancer. Since the relation of CJC 1295 to cancer has not been established in these studies and can’t be established based on what’s known in the literature about CJC 1295, if you ever have any concerns, be sure to consult a medical provider before using a substance like CJC 1295.
If you are further intrigued by CJC 1295, it might be helpful to gather information about it in one of our previous blogs about its impact on the heart.