Understand the source comparison
Best Research Peptides for Sarcopenia Research: Mechanism Comparison
CJC-1295 (DAC) GHRH analog. Stimulates pituitary GH release, elevates hepatic IGF-1 production, activates mTOR signaling 6–8 days 100mcg 2x/week subcutaneous Serum IGF-1 AUC, lean body mass (DEXA), muscle CSA (MRI) Gold standard for sustained IGF-1 elevation i
No winner is assigned.
This page preserves a source comparison for education. It does not add a rating, recommendation or clinical judgment.
- CJC-1295 (DAC)
- GHRH analog. Stimulates pituitary GH release, elevates hepatic IGF-1 production, activates mTOR signaling
- 6–8 days
- 100mcg 2x/week subcutaneous
- Serum IGF-1 AUC, lean body mass (DEXA), muscle CSA (MRI)
- Gold standard for sustained IGF-1 elevation in elderly subjects. Longest half-life allows twice-weekly dosing
- Ipamorelin
- Ghrelin receptor agonist. Triggers pulsatile GH release without cortisol or prolactin elevation
- 2 hours
- 200–300mcg 1–2x/day subcutaneous
- Peak GH levels (serum), muscle protein synthesis rate (stable isotope tracer)
- Preferred for replicating physiological GH pulse patterns. Minimal side effects, research-friendly pharmacokinetics
- BPC-157
- Tissue repair peptide. Upregulates VEGF, reduces IL-6/TNF-alpha, enhances fibroblast migration
- 4–6 hours
- 250–500mcg/day subcutaneous or oral
- Inflammatory cytokine panel, muscle microvascular density (biopsy), satellite cell count
- Does not directly increase protein synthesis but creates tissue environment necessary for anabolic signaling to function
- TB-500
- Thymosin Beta-4 fragment. Modulates actin polymerization, promotes cell migration and angiogenesis
- 10 days
- 2–5mg loading dose, then 2mg/week maintenance
- Capillary density (immunohistochemistry), tissue remodeling markers (MMP expression)
- Slower onset than BPC-157 but longer duration. Used when sustained tissue repair signaling is protocol goal
- Follistatin-344
- Myostatin inhibitor. Binds and neutralizes MSTN, removes genetic ceiling on muscle hypertrophy
- 28–30 hours
- 100mcg/day subcutaneous
- Myostatin serum levels, muscle fiber cross-sectional area (biopsy), grip strength
- Most direct intervention for genetic muscle wasting. Allows hypertrophy even when anabolic signaling is otherwise compromised
- GHRP-2
- Ghrelin receptor agonist. Stimulates GH release, increases appetite, mild cortisol elevation
- 20–30 minutes
- 100–300mcg 2–3x/day subcutaneous
- GH pulse amplitude, caloric intake (food diary), body composition (DEXA)
- Broader receptor affinity than ipamorelin. Appetite stimulation useful in sarcopenic elderly with poor intake