Ipamorelin vs Mod GRF 1-29 vs MOTS-c
A three-way comparison to help you find the right peptide for your research goals.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin.
Full details →Mod GRF 1-29
Mod GRF 1-29 (Modified GRF 1-29, also called CJC-1295 without DAC or Tetrasubstituted GRF 1-29) is a modified growth hormone-releasing hormone analog with improved stability over natural GHRH.
Full details →MOTS-c
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that plays a key role in metabolic regulation and has emerged as a significant longevity research target.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Ipamorelin | Mod GRF 1-29 | MOTS-c |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Acts as a ghrelin mimetic, binding to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) in the pituitary to stimulate GH release. Highly selective with minimal effect on other hormones. | Binds to GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland to stimulate growth hormone release. Four amino acid substitutions improve resistance to enzymatic degradation while maintaining biological activity. | Activates AMPK pathway, enhances glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, improves insulin sensitivity, and regulates mitochondrial function. Acts as a metabolic hormone affecting whole-body energy homeostasis. |
| Typical Dosage | Typical dosing ranges from 200-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily, often combined with CJC-1295. | Typical dosing: 100-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily, usually combined with a GHRP like Ipamorelin for synergistic effects. | Research protocols typically use 5-10mg administered subcutaneously several times per week. Optimal dosing not yet established. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Best results when administered fasted or before sleep. Often stacked with GHRH peptides. | Subcutaneous injection. Best administered on empty stomach. Short half-life (~30 minutes) necessitates multiple daily doses, unlike DAC version. | Subcutaneous injection. Often combined with exercise protocols as it enhances exercise capacity and metabolic adaptation. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause mild headaches, lightheadedness, or increased hunger initially. | Flushing, headache, dizziness, and injection site reactions. Generally well-tolerated. May cause water retention. | Limited human data. Animal studies show good tolerability. May affect energy levels and exercise performance. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Ipamorelin, Mod GRF 1-29, MOTS-c are all commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Ipamorelin:
Unique to Mod GRF 1-29:
Unique to MOTS-c:
Detailed Analysis
Commonalities
Both Ipamorelin and Mod GRF 1-29 are commonly used for Muscle Growth, Fat Loss, Recovery & Healing, Sleep Quality.
Which Should You Choose?
Ipamorelin has stronger evidence for Fat Loss, Sleep Quality.
Commonalities
Both Ipamorelin and MOTS-c are commonly used for Muscle Growth, Fat Loss.
Which Should You Choose?
Ipamorelin has stronger evidence for Muscle Growth, Fat Loss.
Commonalities
Both MOTS-c and Mod GRF 1-29 are commonly used for Muscle Growth, Fat Loss.
Which Should You Choose?
Mod GRF 1-29 has stronger evidence for Muscle Growth.