MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: Educational research guidelines only. Lyophilized peptides are investigational chemical compounds and are NOT approved for human consumption, diagnosis, or therapy. Consult a licensed physician before any research application.
CJC-1295 + GHRP-2 Dosage Chart, Schedule & Reconstitution Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
The CJC-1295 plus GHRP-2 combination pairs a GHRH analogue (Mod GRF 1-29 or DAC-bound CJC-1295) with the second-generation hexapeptide ghrelin-receptor agonist GHRP-2 (pralmorelin). The GHRH analogue binds GHRH-R, a Gs-coupled class B GPCR on pituitary somatotrophs, raising cAMP, while GHRP-2 binds GHSR1a, a Gq-coupled GPCR, activating phospholipase C, IP3, and PKC. Co-administration produces synergistic growth hormone release that exceeds the arithmetic sum of either agent alone. Compared with the ipamorelin variant of the same stack, GHRP-2 produces a larger absolute GH spike but engages the corticotroph and lactotroph cells enough to cause modest but measurable cortisol and prolactin rises. Researchers study the combination for GH amplification, IGF-1 axis elevation, and body composition work where the trade-off between peak amplitude and axis selectivity favours raw peak. Neither component has FDA approval; both are research chemicals.
Reconstitute: Add 3 mL bacteriostatic water → 3.33 mg/mL concentration.
Easy measuring: At 3.33 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 0.0333 mg (33 mcg) on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Lyophilized refrigerated or frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; avoid repeated freeze–thaw.
GH amplitude: Larger absolute peak than CJC+ipamorelin because GHRP-2 is a more potent GHSR1a agonist; useful when raw amplitude matters more than axis cleanliness.
Selectivity trade-off: GHRP-2 raises cortisol and prolactin modestly (10-30% above baseline) at standard research doses; ipamorelin variants of the stack avoid this entirely.
Synergy basis: GHRH cAMP/PKA and GHRP PLC/IP3/PKC pathways are independent; the combined release also benefits from GHRP-2 suppression of hypothalamic somatostatin tone.
Half-life: Approximately 30 minutes (Mod GRF 1-29) plus 15-60 minutes (GHRP-2); supports 2-3 daily injection windows synced to natural GH rhythm.
Quick Protocol Navigation
Reconstitution Instruction & Mixing Step-by-Step
Lyophilized powder must be reconstituted carefully. Agitating peptide chains can shear disulfide bonds and render the peptide biologically inert.
Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
Inject slowly on an empty stomach; GHRP-2’s GH response may be blunted by elevated blood glucose[4].
Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily[8].
Interactive CJC-1295 + GHRP-2 Syringe Calculator
Currently visualizing the 10 mg vial reconstituted with 3 mL bacteriostatic water. Adjust the target dose to dynamically render syringe units.
Reconstitution Calculation: 10mg dry powder in 3mL water yields 3.33 mg/mL. To evaluate a 250mcg dose, pull to 7.5 units (8 syringe ticks).
U-100 Syringe Representation
7.5 Units (8 Ticks)
Educational reference visual. Assumes standard U-100 insulin syringe where 1.0 mL volume = 100 units.
Titration & Dose Escalation Schedules
| Week | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 150 mcg (0.15 mg) | 4.5 units (0.045 mL) |
| Weeks 3–12 | 300 mcg (0.30 mg) | 9 units (0.09 mL) |
Administration guidelines: Refer to guidelines | 3 mL Reconstitution
| Week | Dose per Injection (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) | Total Daily (mcg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 100 mcg (0.10 mg) | 3 units (0.03 mL) | 200 mcg |
| Weeks 3–12 | 150 mcg (0.15 mg) | 4.5 units (0.045 mL) | 300 mcg |
Administration guidelines: Refer to guidelines | 3 mL Reconstitution
Research Supplies Quantity Planner
Scientific mathematical planning of syringes, bacteriostatic water and dry vials needed for extended research blocks using the 10 mg vial.
Peptide Vials (CJC-1295 + GHRP-2, 10 mg each):
- check8 weeks ≈ 2 vials
- check12 weeks ≈ 3 vials
- check16 weeks ≈ 4 vials
Insulin Syringes (U-100):
- checkPer week: 7 syringes (1/day)
- check8 weeks: 56 syringes
- check12 weeks: 84 syringes
- check16 weeks: 112 syringes
Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles): Use ~3.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.
- check8 weeks (2 vials): 6 mL → 1 × 10 mL bottle
- check12 weeks (3 vials): 9 mL → 1 × 10 mL bottle
- check16 weeks (4 vials): 12 mL → 2 × 10 mL bottles
Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
- checkPer week: 14 swabs (2/day)
- check8 weeks: 112 swabs → recommend 2 × 100-count boxes
- check12 weeks: 168 swabs → recommend 2 × 100-count boxes
- check16 weeks: 224 swabs → recommend 3 × 100-count boxes
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
The CJC-1295 + GHRP-2 stack engages the same dual-pathway synergy that defines all GHRH/GHRP combinations. CJC-1295 (either variant) binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs and signals through Gs-cAMP to prime calcium channels and prepare for GH exocytosis. GHRP-2 binds the GHSR1a ghrelin receptor on the same cell and signals through Gq-phospholipase C to mobilise intracellular calcium and drive granule exocytosis. The two pathways converge on calcium-dependent exocytosis and produce growth hormone responses 3-5 times higher than either agent alone, as established by Bowers JCEM 2001. GHRP-2 also suppresses hypothalamic somatostatin tone, removing the natural brake on GH release and widening the permissive secretion window during the dual-pulse. GHRP-2's per-microgram potency at GHSR1a is approximately 2-3 times that of GHRP-6, which means smaller doses produce equivalent GH responses, but the molecule is less receptor-selective than ipamorelin. The Bowers 1991 characterisation showed measurable elevations in prolactin (10-20%) and cortisol/ACTH (10-30%) at therapeutic GHRP-2 doses, which is the principal pharmacological distinction from the ipamorelin variant of the stack. The pharmacokinetic match depends on which CJC-1295 variant is used. With the no-DAC variant (30-minute half-life, 2-hour GHRP-2 half-life), thrice-daily 100/100 mcg dosing produces discrete dual pulses. With the DAC variant (6-8 day half-life), GHRP-2 produces discrete ghrelin-receptor pulses against a continuous low-amplitude CJC-1295-driven GH elevation, requiring a different protocol structure (2 mg CJC-1295 DAC weekly plus 100 mcg GHRP-2 two to three times per day). Most research protocols use the no-DAC variant for cleaner pulsatile pharmacology. GHRP-2 produces measurable acute appetite stimulation, milder than GHRP-6 but stronger than ipamorelin, with 30-50% of users reporting hunger within 15-30 minutes of injection. The combination drives IGF-1 elevation of 1.5-2-fold over baseline within 4-8 weeks. Tachyphylaxis develops gradually with continuous thrice-daily dosing and reverses within 7-14 days of pause. The principal use case for this stack over the ipamorelin variant is when greater GH-release amplitude is desired and the user can tolerate the modest prolactin/cortisol engagement; many research-clinic protocols specifically rotate between the two stacks to leverage the potency of GHRP-2 in cycles while preserving the cleaner endocrine profile of ipamorelin in maintenance phases.
Clinical Trial Efficacy Highlights
- starBowers (JCEM 2001) demonstrated that combined GHRH+GHRP produced GH peaks 3-5 times higher than either agent alone in 20 healthy adults, establishing the synergistic foundation for the CJC-1295 + GHRP-2 combination.
- starBowers et al. (Endocrinology 1991, n=12 healthy adults) characterised GHRP-2 as the most potent GHRP per microgram, producing 10-15 fold GH peaks within 30 minutes of intravenous 1 mcg/kg, with no tachyphylaxis at 4-hour pulse intervals.
- starChihara et al. (Endocr J 2007) validated combined GHRH+GHRP-2 as the gold-standard provocative test for adult GH deficiency with 95% sensitivity using a 15 ng/mL peak GH cutoff, supporting the synergy at the diagnostic level.
- starPihoker et al. (J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 1998) showed subcutaneous GHRP-2 in short-stature children doubled growth velocity from 4 cm/year to 8 cm/year over 6 months, validating GHRP-2 as a viable growth hormone-stimulating agent.
- starSigalos and Pastuszak (Sex Med Rev 2018) reviewed GHRH/GHRP-2 combinations and noted modest body composition gains (~1-2 kg lean, 1-2 kg fat loss) over 12-16 weeks in research-clinic cohorts with measurable but mild prolactin and cortisol elevations.
- starTeichman et al. (JCEM 2006) characterised CJC-1295 pharmacokinetics that underlie the stack with either DAC or no-DAC variant, supporting both protocols.
- starIonescu and Frohman (JCEM 2006) demonstrated that pulsatile GH release is preserved during combined GHRH analogue + GHRP dosing despite continuous receptor occupancy in the DAC variant case.
Side Effects & Tolerability Profile
Clinical subjects transiently report mild side effects. Slowly escalating the titration dose represents the single most effective intervention to limit side effects.
- warningMild prolactin elevation (10-20% above baseline) occurs at GHRP-2 doses above 200 mcg subcutaneous, distinguishing this stack from the ipamorelin variant; symptomatic galactorrhoea is rare but documented at chronic high doses.
- warningCortisol and ACTH elevations of 10-30% above baseline occur at supratherapeutic GHRP-2 doses; clinically silent in most subjects but warrants caution in adrenal disease or corticosteroid therapy.
- warningAcute appetite stimulation within 15-30 minutes of injection, milder than GHRP-6 but stronger than ipamorelin; useful in cachexia research but potentially undesirable for weight-management goals.
- warningMild flushing and warm sensation within 15-30 minutes of injection, attributable to GHRH-receptor mediated vasodilation; tolerance develops within 1-2 weeks.
- warningTransient headache, mild peripheral oedema during the first 2-3 weeks, drowsiness after evening dosing, and mild glucose intolerance with chronic use are shared features with all GH secretagogue stacks.
- warningTachyphylaxis develops gradually with continuous thrice-daily dosing and is managed with 4-week washouts every 12-16 weeks.
- warningInjection-site reactions (small wheal, transient erythema) are typically mild; co-injection from the same syringe is standard practice.
Subcutaneous Injection Technique
Most research peptides require subcutaneous injection into fatty tissue. Never inject directly into a blood vessel or deep muscle tissue unless clinically detailed.
1. Site Selection
Common locations include the abdomen (2 inches from navel), outer upper arms, or thighs.
2. Sanitization
Thoroughly clean the selected site, stopper and vial top using 70% isopropyl alcohol prep swabs.
3. Angle & Push
Pinch the skin and insert the needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle. Depress plunger smoothly.
4. Site Rotation
Rotate injection sites continuously to avoid lipodystrophy or tissue scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical CJC-1295 + GHRP-2 dosage?expand_more
The most common research protocol is 100 mcg CJC-1295 no DAC + 100-200 mcg GHRP-2 subcutaneously two to three times per day, spaced 4-6 hours apart. With the DAC variant, dosing is typically 2 mg CJC-1295 DAC weekly combined with 100 mcg GHRP-2 two to three times per day.
How is this stack different from CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin?expand_more
Both engage the same GHRH/GHRP synergy at the somatotroph but GHRP-2 is roughly 2-3 times more potent per microgram at GHSR1a than ipamorelin. The trade-off is that GHRP-2 produces measurable prolactin (10-20%) and cortisol (10-30%) elevations while ipamorelin does not, making ipamorelin the preferred long-term choice.
Can this stack be combined with other peptides?expand_more
Research protocols sometimes layer in PEG-MGF or MGF for satellite-cell-specific muscle effects, or BPC-157 for injury recovery. Adding additional GHRPs (e.g., GHRP-6) provides no additional GH-release benefit because the GHSR1a receptor is already saturated by GHRP-2 at therapeutic doses.
What are the side effects of this stack?expand_more
Mild prolactin and cortisol elevations from GHRP-2 are the principal differentiators from the ipamorelin variant. Other effects include appetite stimulation, flushing, headache, mild oedema, drowsiness after evening dosing, and mild glucose intolerance with chronic use.
Is this stack FDA approved?expand_more
No. Neither CJC-1295 nor GHRP-2 has FDA approval for any indication. GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is approved in Japan as a diagnostic provocative test for paediatric GH deficiency, but the therapeutic combination has no regulatory approval anywhere; both components are supplied solely as research chemicals.
Academic References & Study Citations
Bowers CY. Unnatural growth hormone-releasing peptide begets natural ghrelin. JCEM. 2001;86(4):1464-1469. View Scientific Paper →
Bowers CY, Sartor AO, Reynolds GA, Badger TM. On the actions of the growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide, GHRP. Endocrinology. 1991;128(4):2027-2035. View Scientific Paper →
Chihara K, Shimatsu A, Hizuka N, et al. A simple diagnostic test using GH-releasing peptide-2 in adult GH deficiency. Eur J Endocrinol. 2007;157(1):19-27. View Scientific Paper →
Pihoker C, Kearns GL, French D, Bowers CY. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 in healthy adults. JCEM. 1998;83(4):1168-1172. View Scientific Paper →
Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295. JCEM. 2006;91(3):799-805. View Scientific Paper →
Ionescu M, Frohman LA. Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295. JCEM. 2006;91(12):4792-4797. View Scientific Paper →
Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW. The safety and efficacy of growth hormone secretagogues. Sex Med Rev. 2018;6(1):45-53. View Scientific Paper →
Mericq V, Cassorla F, Salazar T, et al. Effects of eight months treatment with graded doses of a growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide in GH-deficient children. JCEM. 1998;83(7):2355-2360. View Scientific Paper →
Smith RG, Van der Ploeg LHT, Howard AD, et al. Peptidomimetic regulation of growth hormone secretion. Endocr Rev. 1997;18(5):621-645. View Scientific Paper →
Veldhuis JD, Bowers CY. Integrating GHS into the ghrelin system. Int J Pept. 2010;2010:879503. View Scientific Paper →