FDA's advisory committee voted against every form of both in late 2024, including a 0-13 vote on CJC-1295 and a 0-12 vote, with 1 abstention, on ipamorelin [2] [3]. Neither was part of FDA's 2026 peptide reviews, and we found no new review scheduled [4] [5].
CJC-1295 is a lab-made growth hormone releasing hormone analog and ipamorelin is a growth hormone secretagogue; both are sold online, often as a pair, and neither is FDA-approved [6] [1].
At a glance
FDA advisers voted against all forms of both peptides in 2024 [2] [3].
Two votes, both againstFDA cites serious adverse events with each, including a death in an IV ipamorelin study [7].
Safety findings FDA has postedTesamorelin (Egrifta) is the FDA-approved drug in this family, for one HIV-related use [8].
The approved drug in this family
These two peptides are usually sold together as a "CJC-1295 ipamorelin" blend for muscle, fat loss and sleep. Their legal situation is different from the peptides in this year's news: FDA's advisers already looked at both and said no.
Legal status of CJC-1295
Not allowed in compoundingCJC-1295 cannot be legally compounded [1]. An FDA advisory committee voted against it in December 2024 [2], and we found no new review scheduled [14].
- FDA status
- FDA placed it in Category 2 on Sept 29, 2023 [9]. FDA now lists it as "nominated but withdrawn," which is outside every category [7]. We could not confirm when the nomination was withdrawn. It was not one of the 12 peptides FDA removed from Category 2 in April 2026 [4]. It is not in Category 1 and is not on the 503A bulks list, so a 503A pharmacy may not lawfully compound it today [1]. FDA says it has identified serious adverse events with CJC-1295, including increased heart rate and vasodilatory reactions [7].
- Advisory committee
- On Dec 4, 2024, the committee voted against all five forms of CJC-1295, including the DAC forms. Votes ranged from 0-13 to 1-12 [2].
- FDA-approved products
- None. We found no FDA-approved drug that contains CJC-1295.
- Sports (WADA)
- Prohibited under class S2 as a growth hormone releasing hormone analog. CJC-1295 is named [6].
Checked against FDA sources on . We update this box when FDA acts. Report a change: [email protected].
Legal status of Ipamorelin
Not allowed in compoundingIpamorelin cannot be legally compounded [1]. An FDA advisory committee voted against it in October 2024 [3], and we found no new review scheduled [14].
- FDA status
- FDA placed it in Category 2 on Sept 29, 2023 [9]. FDA now lists it as "nominated but withdrawn," which is outside every category [7]. We could not confirm when the nomination was withdrawn. It was not one of the 12 peptides FDA removed from Category 2 in April 2026 [4]. It is not in Category 1 and is not on the 503A bulks list, so a 503A pharmacy may not lawfully compound it today [1]. Ipamorelin acetate is also still in Category 2 for 503B outsourcing facilities [7]. FDA says a published study identified serious adverse events, including death, when ipamorelin was given intravenously [7].
- Advisory committee
- On Oct 29, 2024, the committee voted 0 yes, 12 no and 1 abstain on both ipamorelin and ipamorelin acetate [3].
- FDA-approved products
- None. We found no FDA-approved drug that contains Ipamorelin.
- Sports (WADA)
- Prohibited under class S2 as a growth hormone secretagogue. Ipamorelin is named [6].
Checked against FDA sources on . We update this box when FDA acts. Report a change: [email protected].
Two votes, both against
FDA placed both in Category 2, its significant-safety-risk group, in September 2023 [9]. In 2024, FDA brought them to its Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee [3] [2]:
| Substance | Date | Use reviewed | Vote (yes-no-abstain) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin (free base) | Oct 29, 2024 | Growth hormone deficiency, postoperative ileus | 0-12-1 [3] |
| Ipamorelin acetate | Oct 29, 2024 | Growth hormone deficiency, postoperative ileus | 0-12-1 [3] |
| CJC-1295 (free base) | Dec 4, 2024 | Growth hormone deficiency | 0-13 [2] |
| CJC-1295 acetate | Dec 4, 2024 | Growth hormone deficiency | 1-12 [2] |
| CJC-1295 DAC, three forms | Dec 4, 2024 | Growth hormone deficiency | 0-13 each [2] |
Members who voted no on ipamorelin cited "a lack of information supporting safety and efficacy," and one added that "the high frequency of a drug being prescribed does not necessarily mean the drug is safe and effective" [3]. For CJC-1295, one member commented on the lack of evidence that it works [2].
Both now sit on FDA's nominated but withdrawn list, and we could not confirm when the nominations were withdrawn [7]. They were not among the 12 peptides FDA removed from Category 2 in April 2026 [4]. Ipamorelin acetate also remains in Category 2 for 503B outsourcing facilities [7]. With no monograph, no approved drug and no bulks listing, a 503A pharmacy may not compound either [10] [1].
What each peptide is
WADA's 2026 list puts them in different groups. CJC-1295 is listed among growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analogs, next to sermorelin and tesamorelin [6]. Ipamorelin is listed among growth hormone secretagogues and releasing peptides [6]. Both are meant to push the body to release more of its own growth hormone. CJC-1295 "DAC" refers to modified forms, and FDA's committee voted on three of them [2].
Safety findings FDA has posted
- CJC-1295: "FDA has identified serious adverse events associated with CJC-1295 including increased heart rate," as well as vasodilatory reactions, with limited clinical data [7].
- Ipamorelin: FDA says a published study "identified serious adverse events including death" when ipamorelin was given intravenously [7].
Neither has a controlled trial large enough to give side effect rates for the way it is sold online. Seller lists of ipamorelin side effects are not drawn from FDA-reviewed data.
If you use either peptide
Tell your doctor what you used, especially if you have heart disease. FDA cites increased heart rate with CJC-1295 [7]. Chest pain, fainting or trouble breathing: call 911.
Ipamorelin vs sermorelin
People often compare ipamorelin with sermorelin, which is sold by telehealth companies. They are not in the same legal position. Ipamorelin was voted down and cannot be compounded [3] [1]. Sermorelin was the active ingredient in Geref, an FDA-approved drug that FDA determined in 2013 was not withdrawn for safety or effectiveness reasons [11]. Whether that lets pharmacies compound sermorelin today is not confirmed in any FDA statement we found. Our sermorelin cost page covers it. WADA bans both [6].
The approved drug in this family
Tesamorelin, sold as Egrifta WR, is a GHRH analog with FDA approval. Its label limits it to reducing excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV who have lipodystrophy, and says it is not for weight loss [8]. It is a different drug from CJC-1295, with its own warnings. See our tesamorelin page for the label facts and price. For low testosterone or other hormone questions, see testosterone therapy.
Drug testing in sports
Both are on WADA's 2026 Prohibited List under class S2, which is banned at all times: CJC-1295 by name as a GHRH analog and ipamorelin by name as a growth hormone secretagogue [6].
No legal way to buy them
CJC-1295
There is no legal way to buy CJC-1295 today
Legal options that exist today
- Tesamorelin (Egrifta): a different drug: an FDA-approved growth hormone releasing factor analog, approved only to reduce excess belly fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy
Ipamorelin
There is no legal way to buy Ipamorelin today
Legal options that exist today
- Tesamorelin (Egrifta): a different drug: an FDA-approved growth hormone releasing factor analog, approved only to reduce excess belly fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy
"Research use only" vials are not a legal workaround; FDA rejected that label in a 2025 warning letter [12]. A 2026 Utah indictment alleges a physician gave ipamorelin, CJC-1295 and other drugs from China to more than 200 patients; he is presumed innocent [13]. See our peptide FDA status tracker, the legal peptide price tracker and FDA warning letters.
What changed
CJC-1295
- : FDA's safety page lists it as nominated but withdrawn. The withdrawal date is not confirmed [7].
- : On Dec 4, 2024, the committee voted against all five forms of CJC-1295, including the DAC forms. Votes ranged from 0-13 to 1-12 [2].
- : FDA placed it in Category 2, citing significant safety risks [9].
Ipamorelin
- : FDA's safety page lists it as nominated but withdrawn. The withdrawal date is not confirmed [7].
- : On Oct 29, 2024, the committee voted 0 yes, 12 no and 1 abstain on both ipamorelin and ipamorelin acetate [3].
- : FDA placed it in Category 2, citing significant safety risks [9].
Other peptides with no FDA review under way: Selank and thymosin alpha-1. Peptides that did get a favorable vote in 2026: MOTS-c and Semax.
How we check
The vote counts on this page come straight from FDA's posted minutes for the Oct 29 and Dec 4, 2024 meetings [3] [2], not from news coverage. The current listing comes from FDA's categories document and safety-risk page, both rechecked Oct 24, 2026 [1] [7]. We do not link to sellers of either peptide. Process: editorial standards.
Questions people ask
Is CJC-1295 legal?
Is ipamorelin legal?
What are ipamorelin side effects?
FDA says a published study identified serious adverse events, including death, when ipamorelin was given intravenously [7]. No large controlled trial gives side effect rates for the products sold online.
What are CJC-1295 side effects?
FDA has identified serious adverse events with CJC-1295, including increased heart rate and vasodilatory reactions, and says clinical data are limited [7].
Is ipamorelin better than sermorelin?
Are CJC-1295 and ipamorelin banned in sports?
Yes. The 2026 WADA Prohibited List names CJC-1295 as a GHRH analog and ipamorelin as a growth hormone secretagogue, both under class S2, banned at all times [6].
Is there an approved alternative?
Tesamorelin (Egrifta WR) is an FDA-approved GHRH analog, but only for reducing excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy; the label says it is not for weight loss [8].
Medical review: pending. A licensed clinician has not yet reviewed this page.
Sources
15 cited
- Bulk drug substances nominated for use in compounding under section 503A (categories document). FDA, May 14, 2026.
- Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee minutes, Dec 4, 2024. FDA, Dec 4, 2024.
- Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee minutes, Oct 29, 2024. FDA, Oct 29, 2024.
- FDA peptides do-not-compound list update (2026). Frier Levitt, Apr 16, 2026.
- Meeting of the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (before the end of February 2027). FDA, Apr 15, 2026.
- 2026 Prohibited List. World Anti-Doping Agency (copy hosted by Asia Rugby), Sep 2025.
- Certain bulk drug substances for use in compounding that may present significant safety risks. FDA, Apr 22, 2026.
- Egrifta WR (tesamorelin) prescribing information. FDA, Mar 2025.
- 503A categories update for September 2023. FDA (copy hosted by the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding), Sep 29, 2023.
- Bulk drug substances used in compounding under section 503A of the FD&C Act. FDA, May 14, 2026.
- Determination that Geref (sermorelin acetate) was not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness. Federal Register, Mar 4, 2013.
- Warning letter: USApeptide.com. FDA, Feb 26, 2025.
- Utah licensed osteopathic physician indicted for allegedly receiving misbranded drugs from China. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Utah, Apr 2026.
- FDA's peptide rally: what compounders and industry need to know (post 1 of 2). Hyman, Phelps & McNamara (FDA Law Blog), Apr 21, 2026.
- July 23-24, 2026 Meeting of the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee. FDA, Jul 23, 2026.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician about your own care.