Verified July 2026 · Cited to primary sources
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin vs Sermorelin — evidence grades compared.
The honest verdict
Sermorelin has the stronger evidence (Grade B vs CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin's Grade C).
Sermorelin wins on evidence and legality. It is Grade B (formerly FDA-approved as Geref) and still legally compoundable via a 503A pharmacy; CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is Grade C and effectively research-only after CJC-1295's compounding nomination was withdrawn in April 2026. For a compliant GH-axis route, choose sermorelin.
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin vs Sermorelin: side by side
| Compared on | CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin | Sermorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence grade | Grade C | Grade B |
| Legal status | Research-only | Compoundable (503A) |
| Safety | Limited human safety data, no major documented harms | Well-characterized human safety (FDA-approved or long clinical history) |
| Primary use | Muscle Growth | Muscle Growth |
| Typical cost | $200–$400/month (stack) | $96–$225/month (telehealth); $200–$400/month (clinic) |
| One-line verdict | CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved and is not legally compoundable (CJC-1295 withdrawn April 2026). Human evidence is Grade C — one PK study proves it raises GH/IGF-1, but no trial shows muscle or fat-loss benefit. Researching CJC-1295 on its own (often "with DAC")? See our standalone CJC-1295 page. | Sermorelin is legally compoundable (503A) thanks to its prior FDA approval as Geref. Human evidence is Grade B — real historical trial data. It is the best-evidenced GH-axis peptide with a legal supervised route today. |
| Full review | Full CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin review → | Full Sermorelin review → |
Grades and legal status are assigned by our evidence rubric, not by what we can sell. Highlighted cells mark the stronger-evidence side.
Medical disclaimer: This page is independent editorial information, not medical advice, and Best Peptide For That is not a medical provider. We do not provide dosing. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, stopping, or changing any peptide or medication. Full medical disclaimer.
FAQ
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin vs Sermorelin FAQ
Is CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin better than Sermorelin?
On strength of human evidence, Sermorelin grades higher (Grade B vs CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin's Grade C). Sermorelin wins on evidence and legality. It is Grade B (formerly FDA-approved as Geref) and still legally compoundable via a 503A pharmacy; CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is Grade C and effectively research-only after CJC-1295's compounding nomination was withdrawn in April 2026. For a compliant GH-axis route, choose sermorelin.
Which has stronger human evidence, CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin or Sermorelin?
Sermorelin has the stronger evidence (Grade B vs CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin's Grade C). We grade every peptide A–F by strength of human evidence: CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin is Grade C (early / foreign human data only) and Sermorelin is Grade B (real human trials, limited or historical).
Is CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin or Sermorelin legal to get?
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin: no legal supervised us route (Not compoundable — research-only). Sermorelin: legal via a compounding pharmacy / telehealth (Compoundable (503A)). Always confirm current status with a licensed clinician before pursuing either — we don't link gray-market vendors.
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