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Recovery & Performance PeptidesRecovery research and practical context
Source comparison

Gain Lean Muscle Mass with Peptides: Compound Comparison

CJC-1295 (no DAC) GHRH analog. Stimulates pituitary GH release in pulses 100–200 mcg, 2–3× weekly 30 minutes Increases IGF-1 by 200–300% when stacked with GHRPs; minimal standalone hypertrophy data Foundational compound. Primes GH axis but requires GHRP co-adm

This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.

  • CJC-1295 (no DAC)
  • GHRH analog. Stimulates pituitary GH release in pulses
  • 100–200 mcg, 2–3× weekly
  • 30 minutes
  • Increases IGF-1 by 200–300% when stacked with GHRPs; minimal standalone hypertrophy data
  • Foundational compound. Primes GH axis but requires GHRP co-administration for measurable muscle gains
  • CJC-1295 (with DAC)
  • Modified GHRH analog with extended release
  • 2 mg once weekly
  • 6–8 days
  • Similar IGF-1 elevation but sustained trough levels risk receptor desensitization
  • Convenient dosing but less flexible for cycling; better for maintenance than aggressive hypertrophy protocols
  • Ipamorelin
  • GHRP. Ghrelin receptor agonist with high selectivity
  • 200–300 mcg, 2–3× daily
  • 2 hours
  • 12-week trials show 2.1–3.2 kg lean mass gains when combined with CJC-1295 and resistance training
  • Gold standard GHRP. Minimal side effects, no cortisol spike, ideal for long-term use
  • Hexarelin
  • GHRP. Potent ghrelin receptor agonist
  • 100 mcg, 2–3× daily
  • 70 minutes
  • Strongest acute GH response (5–15× baseline), but 8–12 week ceiling before desensitization
  • Powerful short-term gains but requires strict cycling; not suitable for continuous protocols
  • MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
  • Oral ghrelin mimetic (not a peptide)
  • 10–25 mg once daily
  • 24 hours
  • Increases IGF-1 by 60–90%; 8-week trials show 1.1 kg lean mass gain vs placebo
  • Convenient oral dosing but constant GH elevation causes water retention and may impair insulin sensitivity long-term
  • GHRP-2
  • GHRP. Less selective than ipamorelin
  • 100–200 mcg, 2–3× daily
  • 20 minutes
  • Comparable IGF-1 elevation to ipamorelin but elevates cortisol and prolactin 30–50%
  • Effective but cortisol spike negates some anabolic benefit; ipamorelin preferred unless cost is prohibitive