GH axis
Growth Hormone Peptides
Growth hormone peptides work through the GH axis, but approval status varies sharply. Tesamorelin has a regulated indication; ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are research-only in this context.
- Peptides covered
- 8
- Highest evidence
- 5/5
- Approved entries
- 1
How to compare this category
The useful comparison is not just whether a peptide raises GH or IGF-1. Half-life, receptor pathway, regulatory status and human outcome data matter more.
- Separate approved GHRH analogs from research-only secretagogues.
- Compare the mechanism: GHRH analogs and ghrelin-receptor secretagogues are not interchangeable.
- Watch the difference between short pharmacology studies and long-term outcome trials.
Evidence scale
Scores rate evidence quality for the listed research context. They are not recommendations, prescriptions or a safety ranking.
- Evidence 1/5
- Mechanistic rationale only; no meaningful outcome evidence.
- Evidence 2/5
- Mostly animal, ex vivo, cell, or indirect evidence.
- Evidence 3/5
- Limited human pharmacology or small clinical evidence.
- Evidence 4/5
- Investigational compound with human randomized or phase 2/3 evidence.
- Evidence 5/5
- Approved medication with substantial human clinical evidence.
| Peptide | Status | Evidence | Best for | Half-life | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin Selective GH secretagogue (GHRP) | Research only | 3/5 Limited human pharmacology | Selective GH secretagogue pharmacology comparison Limited human pharmacology; no approved indication | ~2 hours | |
| CJC-1295 GHRH analog (with or without DAC) | Research only | 3/5 Limited human pharmacology | Long-acting GHRH analog and IGF-1 stimulation context Limited human pharmacology; no approved indication | ~6–8 days (DAC) | |
| Tesamorelin GHRH analog | Approved | 5/5 Approved with human trials | Approved GHRH analog benchmark Approved medication with human trials | ~26 minutes | |
| IGF-1 LR3 IGF-1 analog / IGF-1 receptor agonist (research reagent) | Research only | 2/5 Preclinical / reagent only | General category comparison See detail page for context. | ~20-30 hours (reported, non-clinical estimate) | |
| IGF-1 DES Truncated IGF-1 analog | Research only | 2/5 Preclinical only | General category comparison See detail page for context. | Very short; minutes in animal studies | |
| MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) IGF-1 splice variant / E-domain peptide | Research only | 2/5 Preclinical and contested | General category comparison See detail page for context. | Very short; minutes for the native E-peptide | |
| ACE-031 Soluble ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein (myostatin/activin ligand trap) | Investigational | 3/5 Moderate human evidence; discontinued for safety | General category comparison See detail page for context. | ~10-15 days | |
| GHRP-2 Growth hormone secretagogue / ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist (synthetic hexapeptide) | Research only | 3/5 Validated GH-deficiency diagnostic; no established therapeutic use | General category comparison See detail page for context. | Short; GH response peaks ~15-60 min after IV dosing and clears within a few hours (precise human half-life not consistently reported) |
Growth hormone peptide cards
Ipamorelin
NNC 26-0161
Selective GH secretagogue pharmacology comparison
Limited human pharmacology; no approved indication
CJC-1295
DAC:GRF
Long-acting GHRH analog and IGF-1 stimulation context
Limited human pharmacology; no approved indication
Tesamorelin
Egrifta
Approved GHRH analog benchmark
Approved medication with human trials
IGF-1 LR3
Long R3 IGF-1
A modified IGF-1 that binds IGF binding proteins far more weakly than native IGF-1, leaving it free to act as a potent, long-acting agonist at the IGF-1 receptor.
IGF-1 analog / IGF-1 receptor agonist (research reagent)
IGF-1 DES
DES(1-3) IGF-1
Removal of the N-terminal tripeptide sharply lowers IGF-binding-protein affinity while preserving IGF-1 receptor binding, leaving more free peptide to activate IGF-1R.
Truncated IGF-1 analog
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
IGF-1Ec
MGF is the IGF-1Ec splice variant whose distinct C-terminal E-domain peptide, induced by mechanical loading or damage, is proposed to activate satellite cells ahead of mature IGF-1 signaling.
IGF-1 splice variant / E-domain peptide
ACE-031
ramatercept, ActRIIB-Fc
A soluble ActRIIB-Fc decoy receptor that sequesters myostatin and activin before they reach activin type II receptors, releasing the natural brake on skeletal muscle growth.
Soluble ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein (myostatin/activin ligand trap)
GHRP-2
Pralmorelin, KP-102
GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin mimetic that activates the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) at the hypothalamus and pituitary, amplifying GHRH and reducing somatostatin tone to drive a transient growth hormone pulse.
Growth hormone secretagogue / ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist (synthetic hexapeptide)
Growth hormone guides
Read the strongest related guides for this category before drilling into a single database entry.
FAQ
What are growth hormone peptides?
Growth hormone peptides are compounds that influence the GH axis, usually through GHRH signaling or ghrelin-receptor mediated GH release.
Which growth hormone peptide has the strongest evidence?
Tesamorelin has the strongest evidence in this database because it has an approved indication and human randomized trial data.
Are ipamorelin and CJC-1295 approved medications?
No. Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are research-only in this database and do not have approved consumer indications.
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