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 DAC + Ipamorelin Dosage Chart, Schedule & Reconstitution Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
The CJC-1295 DAC plus ipamorelin combination pairs a long-acting albumin-bound GHRH analogue with a selective GHRP. CJC-1295 DAC binds GHRH-R, the Gs-coupled class B GPCR on pituitary somatotrophs, but its maleimide-DAC linker covalently bonds serum albumin and extends half-life to roughly 6-8 days, producing continuous low-amplitude GH elevation rather than pulses (Teichman JCEM 2006)[1]. Ipamorelin binds GHSR1a, the Gq-coupled ghrelin receptor, activating phospholipase C, IP3, and PKC to generate discrete pulsatile spikes on top of the DAC-driven baseline. The rationale is to combine steady-state IGF-1 elevation with restored pulse amplitude: the DAC bleed sustains chronic axis tone while the ipamorelin injections supply the rhythmic spikes that pure DAC monotherapy lacks. Neither component has FDA approval; both are research chemicals.
Reconstitute: Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water → 1.67 mg/mL concentration.
Easy measuring: At 1.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 0.0167 mg (17 mcg) on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Lyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; avoid freeze–thaw cycles.
Pulse plus tonic: Hybrid kinetics: CJC-1295 DAC supplies continuous steady-state GH/IGF-1 elevation (6-8 day half-life) while ipamorelin restores the pulsatile spikes monotherapy DAC erases[1].
Half-life mismatch: Mismatched half-lives (CJC ~6-8 days; ipamorelin ~2 hours) require infrequent CJC dosing (1-2x weekly) layered with daily ipamorelin injections.
Versus no-DAC stack: Distinct from the CJC-1295 no-DAC + ipamorelin protocol, which preserves full pulsatility with no tonic component; DAC variant trades pulsatility for steady-state IGF-1.
Selectivity: Ipamorelin's clean cortisol/prolactin profile carries through to the stack; the combination avoids HPA-axis confounders seen with DAC + GHRP-2 or GHRP-6.
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 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming or direct stream onto powder.
Gently swirl/roll until fully dissolved (do not shake).
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).
Interactive CJC-1295 DAC + Ipamorelin Syringe Calculator
Currently visualizing the 2 mg + 5 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL bacteriostatic water. Adjust the target dose to dynamically render syringe units.
Reconstitution Calculation: 2mg dry powder in 2mL water yields 1.00 mg/mL. To evaluate a 250mcg dose, pull to 25.0 units (25 syringe ticks).
U-100 Syringe Representation
25.0 Units (25 Ticks)
Educational reference visual. Assumes standard U-100 insulin syringe where 1.0 mL volume = 100 units.
Titration & Dose Escalation Schedules
| Phase | Weekly Dose | Units (mL) per Injection | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1000 mcg (1.0 mg) | 100 units (1.0 mL) | Once weekly |
| Aggressive | 2000 mcg (2.0 mg) | 100 units × 2 injections (2.0 mL total) | Once weekly (split) |
Administration guidelines: Refer to guidelines | 2 mL Reconstitution
| Phase | Daily Dose | Units (mL) per Injection | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 (Initiation) | 100 mcg | 6 units (0.06 mL) | Once daily |
| Weeks 3–4 (Titration) | 150 mcg | 9 units (0.09 mL) | Once daily |
| Weeks 5+ (Maintenance) | 200 mcg | 12 units (0.12 mL) | Once daily |
| Aggressive (Optional) | 300 mcg | 18 units (0.18 mL) | Once daily or split 2×/day |
Administration guidelines: Refer to guidelines | 2 mL Reconstitution
| Week | CJC-1295 DAC (Weekly) | Ipamorelin (Daily) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 1000 mcg (100 units) once weekly | 100 mcg (6 units) once daily |
| Weeks 3–4 | 1000 mcg (100 units) once weekly | 150 mcg (9 units) once daily |
| Weeks 5–12 | 1000 mcg (100 units) once weekly | 200 mcg (12 units) once daily |
Administration guidelines: Refer to guidelines | 2 mL Reconstitution
Research Supplies Quantity Planner
Scientific mathematical planning of syringes, bacteriostatic water and dry vials needed for extended research blocks using the 2 mg + 5 mg vial.
CJC-1295 DAC Vials (2 mg each):
- check8 weeks ≈ 4 vials (1 vial = 2 weekly doses at 1 mg)
- check12 weeks ≈ 6 vials
- check16 weeks ≈ 8 vials
Ipamorelin Vials (5 mg each):
- check8 weeks ≈ 3 vials (1 vial ≈ 25 days at 200 mcg/day)
- check12 weeks ≈ 4 vials
- check16 weeks ≈ 5 vials
Insulin Syringes (U-100):
- checkPer week: 1 (CJC) + 7 (Ipamorelin) = 8 syringes
- check8 weeks: 64 syringes
- check12 weeks: 96 syringes
- check16 weeks: 128 syringes
For Ipamorelin doses ≤10 units, 30- or 50-unit syringes improve accuracy.
Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles):
- check8 weeks: CJC (4 × 2 mL) + Ipam (3 × 3 mL) = 17 mL → 2 × 10 mL bottles
- check12 weeks: CJC (6 × 2 mL) + Ipam (4 × 3 mL) = 24 mL → 3 × 10 mL bottles
- check16 weeks: CJC (8 × 2 mL) + Ipam (5 × 3 mL) = 31 mL → 4 × 10 mL bottles
Alcohol Swabs:
- checkPer week: ~16 swabs (2/day for Ipamorelin + 2 for CJC weekly)
- check8 weeks: 128 swabs → 2 × 100-count boxes
- check12 weeks: 192 swabs → 2 × 100-count boxes
- check16 weeks: 256 swabs → 3 × 100-count boxes
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
CJC-1295 DAC binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs and signals through Gs-cAMP to drive growth hormone exocytosis, identical at the molecular level to native GHRH and tesamorelin. The albumin-bound pharmacokinetics give it a 6-8 day half-life, producing continuous low-amplitude GH elevation rather than discrete pulses. Ipamorelin binds GHSR1a on the same somatotroph and signals through Gq-PLC to mobilise intracellular calcium, producing discrete ghrelin-receptor-mediated GH pulses on top of the continuous CJC-1295 DAC-driven baseline. The pharmacological logic is that the stack delivers both a chronic GHRH signal (CJC-1295 DAC) and acute pulse-on-demand signal (ipamorelin), maximising 24-hour GH AUC. The Ionescu and Frohman JCEM 2006 paper demonstrated that pulsatile GH release is preserved even during continuous CJC-1295 DAC stimulation, so the ipamorelin-induced pulses retain their amplitude despite the elevated baseline. Sustained dosing produces IGF-1 elevation of 1.5-3-fold over baseline (Teichman JCEM 2006), higher than the no-DAC variant of the stack because of the continuous receptor occupancy. The principal pharmacological trade-off is the loss of trough preservation. Hepatic GH receptor signalling, STAT5b cycling and downstream IGF-1 transcription are tuned for peak-trough oscillation rather than steady-state exposure, and chronic continuous stimulation can desensitise the system. The fatigue and somnolence pattern reported in the Teichman Phase I trial likely reflects loss of GH trough periods. Most research protocols dose 2 mg CJC-1295 DAC subcutaneously once weekly (sometimes split as 1 mg twice weekly to soften the kinetic profile) combined with 100-300 mcg ipamorelin two to three times per day. The pharmacokinetic mismatch between weekly DAC and thrice-daily ipamorelin is by design: the CJC-1295 DAC provides the steady GHRH primer and ipamorelin delivers the discrete pulses. Stacking is typically initiated with a loading week of CJC-1295 DAC 2 mg followed by weekly maintenance dosing, with ipamorelin started simultaneously. The combination does not engage the prolactin or HPA axes because both components are receptor-selective. An important caveat is the unresolved cardiac safety signal: CJC-1295 DAC clinical development was suspended in 2007 after sudden deaths in a separate combination trial, and while no causal link to CJC-1295 DAC monotherapy has been established, this stack should be used cautiously in patients with cardiac risk factors. The no-DAC variant of the stack is preferred in most research-clinic settings because it preserves pulsatility and avoids the CJC-1295 DAC cardiac safety question; the DAC variant is used primarily for its weekly-dose convenience or when continuous GHRH signal is specifically desired.
Clinical Trial Efficacy Highlights
- starTeichman et al. (JCEM 2006, n=21 healthy adults) demonstrated that single-dose CJC-1295 DAC produced GH elevations of 2-10 fold and IGF-1 elevations of 1.5-3 fold persisting 9-11 days, establishing the pharmacokinetic foundation of the DAC variant of the stack.
- starIonescu and Frohman (JCEM 2006, n=8) demonstrated that pulsatile GH release is preserved during continuous CJC-1295 DAC stimulation, supporting the rationale for stacking pulse-producing ipamorelin on top of continuous DAC baseline.
- starRaun et al. (Eur J Endocrinol 1998) established ipamorelin's HPA-axis and prolactin sparing, which is the molecular reason this stack avoids the endocrine side effects of CJC-1295 DAC + GHRP-2 alternatives.
- starBowers (JCEM 2001) demonstrated combined GHRH+GHRP synergy producing GH peaks 3-5 times higher than either agent alone, supporting the dual-pathway rationale even in the chronic-baseline configuration of this stack.
- starJette et al. (Endocrinology 2005) confirmed in rat pharmacology that hGRF(1-29)-albumin bioconjugates remained pharmacologically active for at least 6 days post-injection, validating the weekly-dose schedule.
- starSigalos and Pastuszak (Sex Med Rev 2018) reviewed long-acting GHRH analogue + selective GHRP combinations and noted measurable IGF-1 elevation with preserved endocrine selectivity, but raised the trough-preservation issue.
- starDirect human RCT data for the CJC-1295 DAC + ipamorelin combination do not exist; all human use is research-context observational, supported by the rigorous monotherapy data for CJC-1295 DAC (Teichman) and ipamorelin (Raun).
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.
- warningSustained IGF-1 elevation drives oedema, hand stiffness and median-nerve paraesthesia in the first 2-4 weeks; more prominent than in the no-DAC variant because of the continuous receptor occupancy.
- warningPersistent fatigue and somnolence, particularly in the morning, reflect loss of GH trough periods under continuous CJC-1295 DAC stimulation; this is the principal lifestyle trade-off versus the pulsatile no-DAC variant.
- warningGlucose intolerance with HbA1c rise of 0.3-0.6% can develop with chronic dosing, more pronounced than no-DAC variant because of continuous GH signal; pre-diabetic individuals should monitor glucose closely.
- warningAn unresolved cardiac safety signal from CJC-1295 DAC's 2007 Phase II development pause warrants caution in patients with cardiovascular risk factors; no causal link to monotherapy has been established but the signal remains.
- warningInjection-site reactions are more common with the depot-effect DAC variant than with short-acting GHRH analogues; sterile abscess is rare but reported.
- warningSub-clinical hypogonadism from chronic supraphysiologic IGF-1 has been reported; quarterly LH/FSH/testosterone monitoring is reasonable for long-term protocols.
- warningTachyphylaxis develops gradually with continuous DAC stimulation; periodic 4-week washouts every 12-16 weeks help restore responsiveness.
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 DAC + Ipamorelin dosage?expand_more
Standard research dosing is 2 mg CJC-1295 DAC subcutaneously once weekly (sometimes split as 1 mg twice weekly) combined with 100-300 mcg ipamorelin subcutaneously two to three times per day. Loading-style weekly dosing is sometimes used in the first 4 weeks followed by maintenance.
How is this stack different from CJC-1295 No DAC + Ipamorelin?expand_more
The DAC variant produces continuous low-amplitude GH elevation through its 6-8 day half-life with discrete ipamorelin pulses on top, while the no-DAC variant produces clean discrete dual-pulses from both peptides. Pulsatility favours no-DAC for long-term use; weekly-dose convenience favours DAC.
Can this stack be combined with other peptides?expand_more
Yes. Research protocols sometimes add PEG-MGF or MGF for satellite-cell-specific muscle effects, or BPC-157 for recovery. Adding additional GHRPs provides no benefit because GHSR1a is saturated by ipamorelin at therapeutic doses.
What are the side effects of this stack?expand_more
Most common are oedema, hand stiffness, fatigue from loss of GH troughs, mild glucose intolerance, and injection-site reactions. The unresolved cardiac safety signal from CJC-1295 DAC's 2007 development pause warrants caution in patients with cardiovascular risk.
Is this stack FDA approved?expand_more
No. CJC-1295 DAC clinical development was suspended in 2007 and never resumed; ipamorelin completed Phase II for postoperative ileus but failed its primary endpoint. Neither component has FDA approval and both are supplied solely as research chemicals.
Academic References & Study Citations
Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. 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 →
Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-561. View Scientific Paper →
Bowers CY. Unnatural growth hormone-releasing peptide begets natural ghrelin. JCEM. 2001;86(4):1464-1469. View Scientific Paper →
Jette L, Leger R, Thibaudeau K, et al. Human growth hormone-releasing factor (hGRF)1-29-albumin bioconjugates activate the GRF receptor on the anterior pituitary in rats. Endocrinology. 2005;146(7):3052-3058. 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 →
Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW, Allison A, et al. Growth hormone secretagogue treatment in hypogonadal men raises serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels. Am J Mens Health. 2017;11(6):1752-1757. View Scientific Paper →
Sackmann-Sala L, Ding J, Frohman LA, Kopchick JJ. Activation of the GH/IGF-1 axis by CJC-1295. Growth Horm IGF Res. 2009;19(6):471-477. View Scientific Paper →
Gobburu JV, Agerso H, Jusko WJ, Ynddal L. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin in human volunteers. Pharm Res. 1999;16(9):1412-1416. View Scientific Paper →
Veldhuis JD, Bowers CY. Integrating GHS into the ghrelin system. Int J Pept. 2010;2010:879503. View Scientific Paper →