Peptides

CJC-1295: GHRH Analog Benefits, Dosage, and Stacking Guide

Medically reviewed by Medical Advisory Board Last reviewed 2026-05-13

How CJC-1295 stimulates growth hormone and why it's best combined with ipamorelin

CJC-1295 is a modified GHRH analog that dramatically extends the half-life of growth hormone-releasing hormone from minutes to days. It's the most common GHRH peptide in clinical use — almost always stacked with ipamorelin for synergistic GH release.

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that has been modified to dramatically extend its half-life. Natural GHRH has a half-life of fewer than 10 minutes due to rapid enzymatic degradation. CJC-1295 (also known as modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF 1-29 without DAC) achieves a half-life of 30 minutes to several hours through amino acid substitutions that protect key cleavage sites.

A variant called CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) adds a lysine-maleimide-PEG chain that allows the peptide to bind albumin in the bloodstream, extending the half-life to 7–10 days. While this allows once-weekly dosing, most practitioners prefer the DAC-free version (Mod GRF 1-29) for more physiologic pulsatile release patterns.

CJC-1295 Benefits

  • Growth hormone amplification: CJC-1295 increases the amplitude of GH pulses from the pituitary. When stacked with ipamorelin (which increases frequency), the combination produces substantially higher GH output than either alone.
  • Extended activity window: The modified half-life means a single injection produces GH stimulation for hours vs. minutes with natural GHRH, making it practical for clinical use.
  • IGF-1 elevation: Clinical studies show significant IGF-1 increases with CJC-1295 use, correlating with body composition improvements.
  • No cortisol spike: Unlike GHRPs (particularly GHRP-2 and hexarelin), CJC-1295 doesn't meaningfully raise cortisol or prolactin.

CJC-1295 Dosage and Timing

The DAC vs. no-DAC distinction matters significantly for dosing:

CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) — most common protocol:

  • 100–200 mcg per injection, 1–3x daily
  • Always combined with ipamorelin (200–300 mcg) in the same injection
  • Inject subcutaneously, ideally away from food (fasting state for 30–60 min before/after)
  • Timing: bedtime is most common; some protocols add a morning or pre-workout dose

CJC-1295 with DAC — less common:

  • 2 mg once weekly or every 2 weeks (subcutaneous)
  • Produces a sustained GH elevation rather than pulsatile pulses
  • Some practitioners prefer no-DAC for more physiologic release

CJC-1295 vs Sermorelin

FactorCJC-1295 (no DAC)Sermorelin
Half-life30 min – 2 hours~12 minutes
MechanismGHRH analog (modified)GHRH analog (natural sequence)
FDA statusNot approvedApproved (off-patent)
GH pulse typePulsatile (with ipamorelin)Pulsatile
Typical useAlways stacked with GHRPStandalone or stacked
Cost$100–250/month$150–400/month

Many practitioners prefer CJC-1295 (no DAC) + ipamorelin over sermorelin alone because the dual-pathway approach produces stronger GH stimulation. Sermorelin has the advantage of FDA history and compounding pharmacy availability in states with stricter regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 is a modified synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with an extended half-life. It stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone. It comes in two forms: CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Mod GRF 1-29, half-life ~30 min–2 hours) and CJC-1295 with DAC (half-life ~7–10 days, allowing once-weekly dosing).

What is CJC-1295 ipamorelin?

CJC-1295 ipamorelin is a combined protocol (or pre-mixed blend) of two complementary peptides. CJC-1295 (a GHRH analog) increases the amplitude of GH pulses; ipamorelin (a GHRP) increases the frequency and selectivity. Together they produce a synergistic GH release that's substantially greater than either compound alone, with minimal cortisol or prolactin impact.

How much CJC-1295 ipamorelin should I take?

A typical clinical protocol uses CJC-1295 (no DAC) 100–200 mcg + ipamorelin 200–300 mcg per injection, once daily at bedtime (or 2–3x daily for more aggressive protocols). These are research reference ranges — actual dosing should be determined with a physician who can monitor IGF-1 response.

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M
Medically Reviewed
Medical Advisory Board
Board-Certified Physician
Last reviewed: 2026-05-13
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

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