Growth Hormone Secretagogues

Target: GHRH receptor

CJC-1295 (also known as Mod GRF 1-29) is a modified GHRH analog with four amino acid substitutions that improve stability. With a short ~30 minute half-life, it mimics natural pulsatile GH release patterns. Often combined with GHRPs like Ipamorelin for synergistic effects.

Target: GHRH receptor

CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a long-acting GHRH analog that binds to albumin, extending its half-life to 6-8 days. This allows for less frequent dosing compared to CJC-1295 without DAC, providing sustained GH elevation rather than pulsatile release.

Target: GHSR-1a (ghrelin receptor)

GHRP-2 is a potent synthetic hexapeptide that stimulates growth hormone release through the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R). One of the strongest GHRPs available, it produces significant GH pulses with moderate effects on cortisol, prolactin, and appetite. Often stacked with GHRH peptides like CJC-1295 for synergistic effects.

Target: GHSR-1a (ghrelin receptor)

GHRP-6 is the original growth hormone releasing peptide, a synthetic hexapeptide that strongly stimulates GH release through the ghrelin receptor. Known for significant appetite stimulation (hunger effect within 20-30 minutes), making it popular for bulking phases and hardgainers who need to increase caloric intake.

Target: GHSR-1a (ghrelin receptor)

Hexarelin is one of the most potent GHRPs (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides), producing strong GH pulses through the ghrelin receptor. More potent than GHRP-6 but with greater effects on cortisol and prolactin. Often used in research for its powerful GH-releasing properties.

Target: IGF-1 receptor

IGF-1 LR3 is a modified version of insulin-like growth factor 1 with an extended half-life (~20-30 hours vs minutes). The modifications make it more potent for muscle protein synthesis and less affected by IGF binding proteins. Used in research for muscle growth and recovery.

Target: GHSR-1a (ghrelin receptor)

Ipamorelin is one of the mildest and most selective growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs). It stimulates GH release through the ghrelin receptor without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin levels, making it popular for those seeking cleaner GH elevation with fewer side effects.

Target: GHSR-1a (ghrelin receptor) — oral

MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is an oral growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin to stimulate GH and IGF-1 release. Unlike injectable peptides, it's taken orally and has a long duration of action. Known for increasing appetite, improving sleep, and supporting muscle/recovery.

Target: GHRH receptor

Sermorelin is the native GHRH(1-29) fragment — the first 29 amino acids of natural growth hormone-releasing hormone. It stimulates the pituitary gland to produce GH in a physiological, pulsatile pattern. The longest-studied GHRH analog with an established clinical track record.

Target: GHRH receptor

Tesamorelin is the only FDA-approved GHRH analog — clinically shown to build lean muscle while reducing visceral belly fat by 15-18%. Uses the full 44 amino acid GHRH sequence with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification for stability. Produces physiological GH pulses that drive both protein synthesis in skeletal muscle and lipolysis in abdominal fat.