CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin vs Follistatin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin
The most popular growth hormone secretagogue combination. CJC-1295 (a GHRH analog) and Ipamorelin (a ghrelin mimetic) work synergistically to stimulate natural growth hormone release with potentially greater effects than either peptide alone.
Full details →Follistatin
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, the protein responsible for limiting muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin can theoretically allow for increased muscle development beyond natural limits.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin | Follistatin |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | CJC-1295 binds to GHRH receptors to sustain GH signaling and extend the half-life of growth hormone release. Ipamorelin triggers strong GH pulses by binding to ghrelin receptors. Together, they create both sustained and pulsatile GH release patterns that more closely mimic natural physiology. | Binds to and neutralizes myostatin and activin, both of which are negative regulators of muscle mass. This removes the natural brake on muscle growth, allowing for enhanced hypertrophy. |
| Typical Dosage | CJC-1295 (no DAC/Mod GRF 1-29): 100-300mcg combined with Ipamorelin 200-300mcg, administered 1-3 times daily. Best results when administered fasted or before sleep. | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Often administered before bedtime to enhance natural nighttime GH release, or in the morning fasted. The combination is typically pre-mixed or injected simultaneously. | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. |
| Side Effects | Water retention, tingling in extremities, mild headaches, lightheadedness, or increased hunger. Generally well-tolerated with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin. | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin and Follistatin are commonly used for: