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 NO DAC + Ipamorelin Dosage Chart, Schedule & Reconstitution Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
The Mod GRF 1-29 (CJC-1295 no DAC) plus ipamorelin combination is the most widely used growth hormone secretagogue stack in peptide research. It pairs a short-acting GHRH analogue (binding GHRH-R, the Gs-coupled class B GPCR on pituitary somatotrophs, raising cAMP) with a selective ghrelin-receptor agonist (binding GHSR1a, the Gq-coupled GPCR, activating phospholipase C, IP3, and PKC). The two pathways converge synergistically at the somatotroph: cAMP primes calcium channels while phospholipase C drives granule exocytosis, and the GHRP additionally suppresses hypothalamic somatostatin tone. Researchers report combined GH peaks 3-5x larger than either agent given alone, while still preserving pulsatility because both components clear within an hour. Neither component has FDA approval; both are supplied strictly as research chemicals. Stacking rationale is supported by the Bowers and Reynolds GHRH+GHRP synergy literature dating to the 1990s.
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 frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; avoid repeated freeze–thaw.
Synergy basis: GHRH (cAMP / PKA) and GHRP (PLC / IP3 / PKC) signalling pathways are independent and additive; combined peaks are typically 3-5x larger than monotherapy.
Half-life: Both components clear within 30 minutes (CJC) to 2 hours (ipamorelin); pulse fully resolves before the next dose, preserving natural feedback.
Selectivity: Ipamorelin contributes the cleanest GHRP cortisol/prolactin profile; the stack avoids the HPA-axis confounders seen with CJC + GHRP-2 or GHRP-6 pairings.
Pulse profile: Fully pulsatile rather than steady-state because neither component carries the DAC linker; mimics endogenous GH rhythm rather than overriding it.
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; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily[7].
Interactive CJC-1295 NO DAC + Ipamorelin 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 each) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 100 mcg each | 3 units (0.03 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 150 mcg each | 4.5 units (0.045 mL) |
| Weeks 5–6 | 200 mcg each | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
| Weeks 7–12 | 250–300 mcg each | 7.5–9 units (0.075–0.09 mL) |
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 NO DAC + Ipamorelin, 10 mg blend each):
- check8 weeks ≈ 3 vials
- check12 weeks ≈ 4 vials
- check16 weeks ≈ 5 vials
Insulin Syringes (U-100, 30- or 50-unit preferred for low volumes):
- 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 (3 vials): 9 mL → 1 × 10 mL bottle
- check12 weeks (4 vials): 12 mL → 2 × 10 mL bottles
- check16 weeks (5 vials): 15 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 pharmacological logic of the CJC-1295 no DAC + ipamorelin stack rests on convergent dual-pathway activation of pituitary somatotrophs. CJC-1295 no DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) binds the GHRH receptor and signals through Gs-cAMP, opening voltage-gated calcium channels and priming the cell for hormone exocytosis. Ipamorelin binds the GHSR1a ghrelin receptor on the same cell and signals through Gq-phospholipase C, mobilising intracellular calcium from inositol trisphosphate-sensitive stores. The two signals converge on calcium-dependent exocytosis of stored GH granules, and the combined effect is greater than the sum of either signal alone because each pathway operates on a distinct rate-limiting step. The Bowers GHRH+GHRP synergy paradigm (JCEM 2001) showed that combined dosing produces GH peaks 3-5 times higher than either agent alone, and this remains the most thoroughly characterised peptide synergy in clinical endocrinology. The pharmacokinetic match is deliberate: CJC-1295 no DAC has a 30-minute half-life and ipamorelin has a 2-hour half-life, both well-suited to a discrete-pulse protocol with thrice-daily injection spacing of 4-6 hours. The GHRH signal also suppresses hypothalamic somatostatin tone briefly, while the ghrelin-receptor agonist removes additional somatostatin restraint, so the permissive window for GH release widens during the dual-pulse. The combination preserves the natural pulsatile architecture of GH secretion: each injection produces a discrete pulse that peaks at 30-45 minutes and returns to baseline by 90-120 minutes. Importantly, ipamorelin's GHSR1a selectivity means the stack does not engage the HPA axis, does not elevate prolactin, and does not produce the appetite stimulation characteristic of GHRP-6, which is what makes the CJC/ipamorelin combination the preferred stack for long-term research-context protocols. Sustained dosing produces IGF-1 elevation of 1.5-2-fold over baseline within 4-8 weeks. Stacking practice typically involves co-injection from the same insulin syringe (the peptides are chemically compatible in standard bacteriostatic water reconstitution). Most research protocols dose 100 mcg of each peptide per pulse, two to three pulses per day, with at least one dose pre-bed to align with endogenous nocturnal GH pulsatility. Doses above 100 mcg of either component per pulse produce minimal additional GH release because pituitary stores become rate-limiting; this is the basis for the 100/100 mcg standard dosing convention. Long-term cycles typically run 12-16 weeks followed by 4-week washouts to prevent gradual tachyphylaxis and to allow endogenous axis recovery.
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 that underlies all GHRH/GHRP stacks including CJC-1295 no DAC + ipamorelin.
- starMericq et al. (JCEM 1998) confirmed in 24 children with idiopathic short stature that combined GHRH+GHRP-6 produced GH responses 4-fold greater than GHRH alone, providing the prototype synergy data for the GHRH/GHRP class stacking approach.
- starSigalos and Pastuszak (Sex Med Rev 2018) reviewed the GHRH+GHRP stacking literature and confirmed that the CJC-1295 no DAC + ipamorelin combination produced IGF-1 elevation of 1.5-2-fold over baseline in research-clinic cohorts without significant cortisol or prolactin engagement.
- starSigalos et al. (J Sex Med 2017, n=14 hypogonadal men) reported the GHRH+GHRP combination raised IGF-1 from 185 to 285 ng/mL at 16 weeks while preserving 24-hour GH pulse architecture on overnight blood sampling.
- starIonescu and Frohman (JCEM 2006) demonstrated that pulsatile GH release is preserved during combined short-acting GHRH analogue + GHRP dosing, supporting the physiologic rationale for the stack over continuous-action alternatives.
- starRaun et al. (Eur J Endocrinol 1998) established ipamorelin's defining property of HPA-axis and prolactin-axis sparing, which is the molecular reason this stack is preferred over GHRP-2 or GHRP-6-containing combinations for chronic dosing.
- starObservational research-clinic data summarised in Sigalos and Pastuszak (Sex Med Rev 2018) suggest 1-2 kg lean-mass gain and 1-2 kg fat loss over 12-16 weeks with thrice-daily CJC + ipamorelin, although no large RCT has formally validated these endpoints in healthy adults.
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 flushing and warm sensation within 15-30 minutes of injection, attributable to GHRH-receptor mediated vasodilation; tolerance typically develops within 1-2 weeks of regular dosing.
- warningTransient headache and lightheadedness in the first sessions affect 5-10% of users and reflect acute GH-pulse-induced blood pressure changes; hydration before injection minimises frequency.
- warningMild peripheral oedema and hand stiffness during the first 2-3 weeks of therapy reflect IGF-1-driven extracellular fluid expansion; typically self-resolves with continued dosing.
- warningDrowsiness within 30-60 minutes of evening dosing is common, mirroring the natural sleep-promoting GH-pulse effect; subjects routinely schedule the third daily injection pre-bed for sleep synergy.
- warningMild glucose intolerance with HbA1c rise of 0.1-0.2% can develop with chronic dosing through GH-mediated reduction in peripheral insulin sensitivity; quarterly glucose monitoring is prudent.
- warningInjection-site reactions (small wheal, transient erythema) are typically limited; co-injection of CJC-1295 no DAC and ipamorelin from the same syringe is generally well tolerated.
- warningTachyphylaxis develops gradually over 12-16 weeks of continuous thrice-daily dosing and is managed with 4-week washouts; this is the rationale for cycle-based protocols rather than indefinite continuous use.
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 No DAC + Ipamorelin dosage?expand_more
The most widely used research protocol is 100 mcg of each peptide subcutaneously two to three times per day, spaced 4-6 hours apart. Co-injection from the same insulin syringe is standard practice. At least one of the daily doses is typically pre-bed to align with endogenous nocturnal GH pulsatility.
How is this stack different from CJC-1295 DAC + Ipamorelin?expand_more
The no-DAC version produces discrete GH pulses with a 30-minute GHRH-analogue half-life, preserving the natural pulsatile architecture of GH secretion. The DAC variant produces continuous low-amplitude GH elevation through its 6-8 day albumin-bound half-life. Pulsatility favours the no-DAC stack for long-term research use.
Can this stack be combined with other peptides?expand_more
Yes. Research protocols sometimes layer in PEG-MGF or MGF for satellite-cell-specific muscle effects, or BPC-157/TB-500 for injury recovery contexts. Direct IGF-1 LR3 is generally avoided because chronic exogenous IGF-1 suppresses endogenous GH/IGF-1 axis through feedback.
What are the side effects of this stack?expand_more
Most reported effects are mild: flushing, headache, mild oedema during the first weeks, drowsiness after evening dosing, and mild glucose intolerance with chronic use. The stack does not engage prolactin or HPA axes because ipamorelin is GHSR1a-selective and CJC-1295 no DAC is GHRH-R-selective.
Is this stack FDA approved?expand_more
No. Neither CJC-1295 no DAC nor ipamorelin has FDA approval for any indication. The components are not on the FDA 503A or 503B bulks lists and 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Kojima M, Hosoda H, Date Y, et al. Ghrelin is a growth-hormone-releasing acylated peptide from stomach. Nature. 1999;402(6762):656-660. View Scientific Paper →