Growth Hormone Secretagogues

Growth hormone secretagogues are reference peptides studied in preclinical and early clinical research for their action on the growth-hormone (GH) / IGF-1 axis — either as ghrelin-mimetic GH secretagogues or as GHRH analogues. This category groups the compounds most investigated across that axis so researchers can compare mechanism, half-life and documentation in one place. Every item is supplied strictly as Research Use Only (RUO) material with a batch Certificate of Analysis; nothing here is intended for human or veterinary use.
Mechanisms investigated
Research on GH secretagogues in Europe generally separates into two receptor classes, and the compounds below are not interchangeable:

GHRH analogues (CJC-1295 DAC, CJC-1295 no DAC, Sermorelin, Tesamorelin): studied for their action on the GHRH receptor and the resulting pulsatile GH release pattern.
Ghrelin-receptor / GH secretagogues (Ipamorelin): investigated as a selective GHS-R agonist studied for GH pulse induction with minimal reported effect on cortisol or prolactin in preclinical models.
Combination research (CJC-1295 no DAC + Ipamorelin blend): used in research protocols that pair a GHRH analogue with a ghrelin-mimetic to study synergistic GH pulse amplitude.

Comparison
CompoundClassPathway / targetResearch focusFormat
CJC-1295 DACGHRH analogueGHRH receptorSustained GH pulse researchVial
CJC-1295 (no DAC)GHRH analogueGHRH receptorShort-acting GH pulse researchVial
IpamorelinGH secretagogueGHS-R (ghrelin receptor)Selective GH pulse researchVial
SermorelinGHRH analogueGHRH receptorGH-axis researchVial
TesamorelinGHRH analogueGHRH receptorVisceral-fat / IGF-1 axis researchVial
CJC-1295 no DAC + IpamorelinGHRH analogue + GH secretagogue blendGHRH receptor / GHS-RCombined GH pulse researchVial

Comparison

What is the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and without DAC?

CJC-1295 DAC is conjugated to Drug Affinity Complex for an extended half-life in research protocols, while CJC-1295 no DAC is cleared quickly and is typically studied alongside a GH secretagogue like Ipamorelin. See our CJC-1295 DAC vs no DAC comparison.

Is Ipamorelin the same as CJC-1295?

No. Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R) agonist, while CJC-1295 is a GHRH-receptor analogue; they are studied through different receptors and are often paired in combination research. See our Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295 article.

Are growth hormone secretagogues legal to purchase in Europe for research?

Legal status varies by compound and by member state; these peptides are supplied strictly as Research Use Only reference material, not for human or veterinary use. See our per-compound legal guides for Ipamorelin and CJC-1295.

How does Tesamorelin differ from Sermorelin in research use?

Both are GHRH analogues, but Tesamorelin has been studied specifically in the context of the visceral-fat/IGF-1 axis, while Sermorelin research more broadly addresses GHRH-receptor and GH-pulse pharmacology. See our Tesamorelin vs CJC-1295 vs Sermorelin comparison.

Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis for every GH secretagogue batch?

Yes. Every compound in this category ships as research-use-only material with a batch-specific COA covering identity and purity by HPLC and mass spectrometry.