CJC-1295 vs MK-677
Different levers on the same axis: CJC-1295 is a long-acting GHRH analog, MK-677 an oral ghrelin mimetic. Only one has been taken to outcome trials.
CJC-1295
Sustained GH/IGF-1 rise shown in humans — a surrogate marker, not the body-composition outcome it is sold for.
Full CJC-1295 evidence reviewMK-677
Ibutamoren
An oral ghrelin mimetic that reliably lifts GH, IGF-1 and lean mass — but the same trials found no gain in strength or function, plus metabolic and cardiac safety signals.
Full MK-677 evidence reviewSide by side
| CJC-1295 | MK-677 | |
|---|---|---|
| Marketed for | Muscle, recovery, 'anti-aging' | Muscle, sleep, 'anti-aging' |
| Evidence grade | Clinical data | Clinical data |
| Family | GH axis | GH axis |
| Regulatory status | Not FDA-approved | Not FDA-approved |
| How it's obtained | Research-only | Research-only |
| Key human source | Teichman, JCEM 2006 | Nass, Ann Intern Med 2008 |
marks a row where the two differ. Evidence grades come from our evidence matrix, which grades each molecule on the human data for the use it is marketed for.
Our verdict
CJC-1295's best human evidence is pharmacodynamic; single injections produced sustained, multi-day elevations in GH and IGF-1 in healthy adults, and that is where its human record stops. MK-677 went further, raising GH, IGF-1 and fat-free mass in controlled trials, but those same trials found no gain in strength or function, no effect on Alzheimer's progression, and a hip-fracture study was stopped early for a heart-failure signal, alongside consistently higher fasting glucose and reduced insulin sensitivity. Neither is approved and both are sold as research material; the two have not been compared in a trial. MK-677 is better evidenced and the evidence is unfavorable; CJC-1295 is simply untested at the outcome level.
CJC-1295 fits if
CJC-1295 fits the reader focused on how a GHRH signal can be sustained across days, provided they accept that no human outcome data sits behind it.
MK-677 fits if
MK-677 is the better-documented compound and the more useful cautionary read, especially for anyone who assumes a reliable IGF-1 rise implies a real-world benefit.
Where to get it
Where to get peptide therapy
Clinician-led telehealth services that prescribe compounded peptides. The specific peptides offered vary by provider — confirm CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin availability before ordering.
