CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) with a composition of 29 or 30 amino acids that has received 4 modifications to allow it to withstand the enzymes that make it degrade quickly. These four amino acid replacements are what differentiates CJC-1295 from the naturally occurring hormone. The peptide binds itself to the GHRH receptors in the anterior pituitary causing the gland to secrete growth hormone over time, which subsequently leads to IGF-1 production by the liver.
This mechanism is above GH. CJC-1295 does not inject any additional GH; it gets the pituitary to make more of its natural product. This distinction matters for the downstream GH curve: the amplitude of pulses will increase but the feedback loops of the pituitary stay at least partially functional as opposed to when GH is introduced directly.
The queries we receive via the Get US Peptides library are constantly monitored, and the greatest source of misunderstanding has to do with the distinction between DAC and non-DAC. When users visit suppliers' websites, they see DAC and non-DAC listed concurrently and mistakenly conclude that they refer to one and the same thing.
The modification known as DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) creates a bond with albumin in the vascular system making the half-life of CJC-1295 last from around thirty minutes to roughly six to eight days. In contrast to the DAC (also referred to as Mod GRF 1-29), which is eliminated quickly, and triggers a pronounced pulse of GH that resembles the normal pulsatile type of GH release.
| Feature | CJC-1295 No DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) | CJC-1295 with DAC |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Life | ~30 minutes. | ~6-8 days. |
| GH Release Pattern | Sharp pulse, mimics natural rhythm. | Continuous low-level elevation ("GH bleed"). |
| Research Dosing Frequency | 1-3 times daily. | Once or twice per week. |
| Typical Research Dose | 100 mcg per administration. | 1-2 mg per week. |
| Pairs Naturally with Ipamorelin | Yes - timed together for pulse amplification. | Less clean timing match. |
| Human Clinical Data | Limited; no-DAC version studied less formally. | Teichman 2006 Phase 1/2 trial. |
| DAC-Specific Concern | None. | Prolonged IGF-1 elevation, harder to titrate. |
The Teichman 2006 court case - the authoritative human evidence for this substance - was carried out with DAC. One injection infected average GH from 2 to 10 times and IGF-1 from 1.5 to 3 times, keeping IGF-1 high for 9-11 days. This is remarkable pharmacokinetics, although it also implies that a scientist cannot quickly adjust the dose if it causes negative effects. DAC is not eliminated in several hours; it is not eliminated at all.
In protocols for research involving CJC-1295 in conjunction with ipamorelin, there is a strong preference for using the non-DAC version as it allows for simpler timing since both peptides can be given at the same time, causing the GH pulse to occur and returning to baseline before the subsequent dose. As the DAC version has a prolonged release, it cannot use this kind of design.
A practical point to mention from the store’s end is that the CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin Blend at US Peptide Labs at this time doesn’t indicate DAC or no DAC in the product page. Reach out to the supplier before any research protocol is set up in accordance to any particular version.
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide that acts via the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) instead of the GHRH receptor. The original characterization study has shown that ipamorelin triggers GH release with effects similar to GHRP-6. However, unlike previous GHRPs, it has a cleaner hormonal profile and does not raise cortisol or prolactin levels significantly at research doses. The plasma half-life of ipamorelin is about two hours, making it suitable for timed and pulsatile dosing regimens.
The selectivity point should not be overlooked. Both GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 cause the rise of cortisol and prolactin levels with GH secretion, complicating the research results interpretation and creating problems with tolerating longer studies. The ibamorelin binding allows the GH secretion without such hormone noise, which is the main reason why it was chosen as the most preferred GHRP for use with CJC-1295 in research mixtures.
Ipamorelin is classified as a peptide made of five amino acids and is not considered an anabolic-androgenic steroid. Steroids are molecules derived from lipids that act on nuclear receptors, changing their transcription. On the other hand, Ipamorelin acts on the cell surface and uses the GH/IGF-1 axis to function. It does not bind to androgen receptors, and, thus, does not produce any androgenic effects. The misconception arises from the fact that both compounds are banned in sports, even though their pharmacological characteristics are entirely different.
Research credits the merits of ipamorelin to GH and IGF-1 improvements. A rat study using subcutaneous ipamorelin dosed three times daily has demonstrated pk-dose related rises in the rate of longitudinal growth of bone tissue and body mass gain, which correlates with anabolic signaling via IGF-1. Although research findings available from animal testing cannot be directly applied to humans, they provide support to the mechanistic rationale for conducting research studies.
GH has authoritative effects on body composition, including effects such as fat loss and the preservation of lean body mass. GH also significantly affects sleep, especially SWS, which is the greatest period for the natural production of GH. Ipamorelin's GH pulse is administered at nighttime just before sleeping in order to maximize this natural mode of action. Recovery and tissue repair is often used in research protocols that make use of IGF-1.
A surprising thing for some researchers to find out is that ipamorelin, with other ghrelin agonists, has the capacity to increase cereal appetite. Ghrelin is a hunger hormone that sends out signals through receptors of various types. The hunger substance, ipamorelin, is thought to possess a relatively small impact when measured against GHRP-6. Nevertheless, it is feasible for researchers to consider it in body composition studies.
Ipamorelin does not elevate testosterone levels. It solely operates via the GH/IGF-1 axis and is not engaged in the HPG (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal) axis responsible for the sex hormones' formation. This is validated in terms of receptor pharmacology because the GHS-R1a receptor does not have a role in LH or FSH signaling. Studies conducted with female participants are based on the same mechanism as they are with male participants since the GH pathway is less gender-specific than pathways sensitive to sex hormones.
In order to set realistic timelines in research contexts: GH and IGF-1 changes can usually be measured after a few days of beginning a protocol. Changes in body composition, if they happen, are usually noted between weeks 8-12, which is in line with the slow process of tissue remodeling stimulated by elevated GH/IGF-1 levels. During the first month there is likely to be some changes in quality of sleep and recovery indicators, however, meaningful measurements of body composition can be gathered from weeks 8-12. The mentioned timeline is based on research studies and not individual experiences.
Based on the research available, ipamorelin is typically used at the dose of about 1 mcg per kilogram of body weight for each use. The table below uses this dose to give useful information for various bodyweights as well as the method to convert it to injectable units using a 5 mg vial of ipamorelin which has to be mixed with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water. The resulting concentration in this case will be 2,500 mcg/mL which equals to 25 mcg per 0.01 mL (1 unit on the insulin syringe).
| Body Weight (lbs) | Body Weight (kg) | Dose at 1 mcg/kg | Units (IU) on Insulin Syringe (5 mg vial / 2 mL bac water) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 130 lbs | 59 kg. | 59 mcg (~60 mcg). | 2.4 units. |
| 150 lbs | 68 kg. | 68 mcg (~70 mcg). | 2.8 units. |
| 170 lbs | 77 kg. | 77 mcg (~80 mcg). | 3.2 units. |
| 190 lbs | 86 kg. | 86 mcg (~90 mcg). | 3.6 units. |
| 210 lbs | 95 kg. | 95 mcg (~100 mcg). | 4.0 units. |
| 230 lbs | 104 kg. | 104 mcg (~100 mcg). | 4.2 units. |
A majority of research protocols use a flat dose of 100 mcg regardless of a subject's body weight, which is effectively equivalent to 1 mcg/kg for most adult test subjects. The can calculate exact amounts according to any vial size and reconstitution volume.
Ipamorelin is given in research protocols via subcutaneous administration in a fasted state, either before bedtime to match the body's natural nocturnal growth hormone (GH) pulse or in a fasted period prior to training. The doses are administered once to three times a day depending on the objective of the protocol, with administration before sleeping being the most prevalent design for a single variable. Alternatively, three doses (one early in the morning after fasting, one prior to training, and one before sleeping) are given in protocols aiming at achieving sustained IGF-1 increases.
The cycle period is uniformly 8-12 weeks in the literature and recorded protocols, followed by a break. Prolonged continuous use beyond 12 weeks without a break has not been defined properly in human data.
When it comes to dosing in research studies, it varies not by sex but by weight. For example, a 130 lb female subject and a 130 lb male subject would have the same dosage (1 mcg/kg). In the world of bodybuilding research, those with greater weights may receive as much as 100 mcg each dose because of their weight rather than a specific "bodybuilding dosage" mentioned in the studies.
Ipamorelin is supplied in the form of a lyophilized powder and must be reconstituted using bacteriostatic water carefully introduced down the wall of the vial (do not inject the water directly onto the powder). The volume of bacteriostatic water to be added can be determined based on the concentration required. For example, reconstitution of a 5 mg vial with 2mL of bacteriostatic water gives a concentration of 2500 mcg/mL. Once reconstituted, the solution should be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius and used according to the shelf life provided by the manufacturer.
The standard way in research protocols is to perform a subcutaneous injection in the abdomen (pinching the skin and using the insulin syringe at a 45-degree angle). Intramuscular injection is not usually used in the case of GHRP peptides. To make unit calculations for any vial size or concentration, use the peptide dosage calculator instead of doing it manually, since manual conversion has a higher error rate than most researchers think.
While Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 act on entirely distinct receptors - the ghrelin receptor and the GHRH receptor, respectively - when taken together, they bring forth a synergistic secretory pulse of GH that is greater than either ingredient alone. This explains the logic behind the stack's actions: GHRH analogue preps and boosts GH deposits in the pituitary while GHRP sends a signal to release GH. Both of them act on the somatotroph cells, and their combined stimuli yield a GH response that each of them can't achieve alone at the same dose.
The human trial conducted by Teichman in 2006 demonstrated the level of contribution of CJC-1295 concerning the elevation of GH and IGF-1 levels. As a GHRP, Ipamorelin's lack of activation of cortisol and prolactin makes it the cleanest option when combining it with a GHRH in a research setting. Early stacks employed GHRP-2 or GHRP-6 and CJC-1295, but the confounding effects of cortisol and prolactin made it difficult to interpret data. Combination protocol notes describes the mechanistic reasoning in detail.
In the related studies, the drug is commonly given in doses of 100 mcg CJC-1295 / 100 mcg ipamorelin every night before going to bed up to 300 mcg in instances of intensive studies. The CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin Blend from US Peptide Labs - 7.5 mg / 10 mg in 10 mL, with 99.5 % purity measured by HPLC, is a convenient research form, as it comes premixed with proof of quality assurance, in terms of its specifications by AxisPharm. If one buys the substances separately and mix them, it leads to dilution imbalance which is ensured by the pre-blended vial.
The price for the blend vial is $112.00. This is adequate for normal use during an important research period. For example, if you take 100 mcg of this drug, then a 10 mL vial of the blend will last up to 8 weeks. The bulk price of the product is $100.80 per vial, should you order five vials or more. There is no independent CJC-1295 SKU available at this time.
The adverse effects noted in the ipamorelin studies seem to be more tolerable than those of the majority of other GH secretagogues, since the most frequent adverse effects include transient flushing or warmth after the injection (this effect seems to be much more pronounced when ipamorelin is injected without the addition of DAC CJC-1295), and mild water retention during the first weeks of the protocol.
The body of evidence concerned with regular application is linked to the elevation of IGF-1. IGF-1 is known to be a growth factor with mitogenic effects, while the long-term consequences of elevated IGF-1 in research subjects are not extensively studied. CJC-1295 in the DAC form raises more concerns due to its half-life and continuous rather than pulsatile effect. This is one of the reasons that the other version, the one without DAC is more widely applied in clinical experiments - the GH and IGF-1 curves are easier to track in terms of monitoring them, as the organism goes back to normal in between doses of drug.
The things that do not occur when using ipamorelin in tests include elevated cortisol, elevated prolactin, depressed testosterone, or sign of androgenic effects. This is what distinguishes ipamorelin from older GHRP compounds and anabolic steroids.
In CJC-1295 / ipamorelin research protocols, IGF-1 is the main biomarker used to monitor GH axis activity. Conducting the first IGF-1 level measurement prior to the start of the protocol enables practitioners to make comparisons; further measurement is done either at week 4 or week 8 of the protocol to gauge the GH response and evaluate changes in GH levels from baseline. It is more difficult to assess GH, due to its pulsatile nature; GH levels are variable over time, and taking a blood sample only gives instant reading of GH levels at the moment of blood draw. IGF-1 helps to obtain GH production data over time and acts as a better biomarker for monitoring purposes.
Other indicators that need to be monitored during extended protocols involve fasting glucose, since GH counteracts insulin sensitivity, and standard metabolic panels. While these are not specific to CJC-1295 studies, they are common practices in all GH-axis protocols. The CJC-1295 compound profile available in Get US Peptides has a thorough discussion of IGF-1 monitoring.
Although there are no FDA-approved versions of ipamorelin and CJC-1295, CJC-1295 with DAC did reach Phase 1-2 human trials funded by ConjuChem. The Teichman 2006 data was the outcome of those trials; however, all clinical development of CJC-1295 stopped in 2006 following a death in the clinical trial program that has been unrelated to any of the compounds involved in it. Therefore, none of the compounds have been taken through the full clinical development pathway for FDA approval.
The status of compounding is similarly restrictive. The FDA's Category 2 lists lists those bulk drug substances that might pose safety issues. The lists include ipamorelin acetate (included in the 503B list) and CJC-1295 (which was added to the 503A list in September 2023). Being included in these lists means that compounding pharmacies that are operating under the guidelines of 503A and 503B are not permitted to use these substances as ingredients. Therefore, since 2026, compounding pharmacies in the USA have been prohibited from compounding ipamorelin and CJC-1295 for patients.
From around 2018 to 2023, some clinics that specialize in anti-aging and longevity would prescribe a mixture of CJC-1295 and ipamorelin. But now that practice is no longer functional. The compounding pharmacies can no longer produce these compounds and supply them to the clinics due to the removal of the legal framework provided by the list of 503A and 503B Category 2.
In October 2024, FDA's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee formally reviewed ipamorelin acetate and ipamorelin free base can be included on the 503A Bulks List when considering its application in treating various diseases such as growth hormone deficiency and postoperative ileus. However, the committee's review of the matter does not permit reform of compounding regulations since this work is part of its broader regulatory review initiatives. As of 2026, compounding has still been banned.
The legality of selling this compounds as research chemicals for laboratory testing only exists and this is the type of product which US Peptide Labs sells under the name of CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin Blend. This difference between "research use only" and the term "prescription compounded" is not just a legal formality.
In the United States, buying CJC-1295 or ipamorelin for laboratory purposes is legal. They are not classified as controlled substances by the DEA. They are, however, banned in competitive sports, as per the pages of WADA's Prohibited List publication. Since both CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are considered Growth Hormone Releasing Factors and GH Secretagogues, their use has been banned in all competitions by WADA.
The distinction between legality in purchasing and prohibited substances in sports is crucial for researchers conducting studies on competitive athlete populations. While the purchase of the compound can be made legally for laboratory research purposes, an athlete using this compound would be guilty of a doping offense according to the relevant sports federation's regulations.
Age requirement: US Peptide Labs demands buyers to be at least 21 years old. Verification occurs at the moment of purchase.
CJC-1295 was utilized as one of the compounds for the purposes of stimulating GH release with the help of several mechanisms. Below is the comparison of the main alternatives. It must be noted that among the discussed compounds Tesamorelin is the only one that is approved by FDA for medical purposes only for the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy as Egrifta and not for treating other cases.
| Compound | Class | Receptor | Half-Life | Typical Research Dose | FDA Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 No DAC | GHRH analog. | GHRH-R. | ~30 min. | 100 mcg 1-3x daily. | Not approved; 503A Category 2. | Pulsatile GH; pairs with ipamorelin. |
| CJC-1295 with DAC | GHRH analog + albumin binder. | GHRH-R. | ~6-8 days. | 1-2 mg per week. | Not approved; 503A Category 2. | Continuous GH elevation; harder to titrate. |
| Ipamorelin | GHRP / ghrelin-receptor agonist. | GHS-R1a. | ~2 hours. | 100 mcg 1-3x daily. | Not approved; 503B Category 2. | No cortisol/prolactin spike; selective. |
| Sermorelin | GHRH analog (29 AA, native sequence). | GHRH-R. | ~10-20 min. | 200-500 mcg daily. | Previously approved (Geref); withdrawn 2008; compounding restricted. | Shorter half-life than CJC-1295; less enzyme resistance. |
| Tesamorelin | GHRH analog (44 AA + trans-3-hexenoic acid). | GHRH-R. | ~30 min. | 2 mg daily (approved indication). | FDA approved (Egrifta) - HIV lipodystrophy only. | Only FDA-approved GHRH analog; available for research. |
| MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | Non-peptide GH secretagogue (oral). | GHS-R1a. | ~24 hours. | 10-25 mg daily (oral). | Not approved; not a peptide. | Oral bioavailability; raises cortisol; not WADA-named as peptide but prohibited. |
| GHRP-2 / GHRP-6 | GHRP / ghrelin-receptor agonist. | GHS-R1a. | ~30-60 min. | 100-200 mcg per dose. | Not approved. | Cortisol and prolactin spikes; older generation; less selective than ipamorelin. |
| Hexarelin | GHRP. | GHS-R1a + CD36. | ~70 min. | 100-200 mcg per dose. | Not approved. | Strong GH release; significant cortisol elevation; desensitization reported. |
| Low-Dose HGH | Recombinant GH. | GH receptor (direct). | ~3-4 hours (sc). | 0.2-1 IU daily (research). | Approved for specific indications; not for anti-aging. | Bypasses pituitary; suppresses endogenous GH; higher cost. |
When comparing CJC-1295 and sermorelin, it is essential to consider the ability to resist enzymes. Sermorelin is composed of only the first 29 amino acids of GHRH, which results in its quick degradation and the need to be administered in lower dosages. However, CJC-1295 uses four amino acids that prevent degradation and reduce its dosage.
In contrast to using low-dose human growth hormone (HGH), CJC-1295 and ipamorelin help stimulate the body’s own growth hormone production while preserving the important pituitary feedback. Exogenous HGH, on the other hand, completely bypasses the pituitary and stops the natural production of growth hormone over time. This is one of the reasons the anti-aging research community has largely shifted its focus to secretagogue protocols, even though the total development of growth hormone is less than that from the direct HGH use.
Currently, the only item from US Peptide Labs containing CJC-1295 is CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin Blend: 7.5 mg / 10 mg in a 10 mL lyophilized powder vial at $112.00. The compound is 99.5% pure according to HPLC analysis, checked by AxisPharm with a lot-specific certificate of authenticity - the lot number can be found at the vial's bottom. The prices are as follows - 2+ packs at $106.40, 5+ packs at $100.80 each. Free delivery in the USA is offered for orders of $70 and more. Tracking service is available - the parcel will be sent from the US. You should be at least 21 years old to buy the products.
For investigators who would rather utilize a non-injection method, there’s the CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin Nasal Spray is available at $188.00 option. Just how bioavailable certain peptides can be when taken through the nasal mucosa is an ongoing area of investigation in which there is still much to learn, specifically regarding the fact that larger peptides are absorbed less readily through transmucosal procedure than via the injection method of the subcutaneous manner. There are no significant oral formulations of CJC-1295 as it is broken down enzymatically in the GI tract before being systemically absorbed. Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize that when nasal sprayer is chosen, it does not equate to subcutaneous injections, so it must be considered during the preparation of research protocols.
Verification of COA is one of the important steps that should not be skipped by researchers. The COA reading guide that deals with Get US Peptides tells how to go through HPLC purity report for information such as retention time, peak area, and names of other peaks. In this case, COA from independent labs such as AxisPharm is of greater value than a certificate issued by the company. Moreover, COA papers can be confirmed at US Peptide Labs' quality COA page as well.
The only version of CJC-1295 available in the market is combined with DAC, so those in need of only CJC-1295 for research purposes will have to contact a vendor to check for this specific variant. The performance and vitality collection is also known to have other GH-related substances such as IGF-1 LR3 and Tesamorelin.
Ipamorelin is utilized in research environments to initiate GH release, through the activity of ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a), in a pulsatile manner, while avoiding the rise in prolactin or cortisol experienced with older GHRPs. Studies have been conducted on its effects on GH and IGF-1 levels, body composition, sleep patterns, as well as recovery markers. It is not FDA-approved and is available for research purposes only, not for therapeutic uses.
Studies indicate that dosages should be indicated as about 1 mcg for every 1 kilograms of body weight per dose, or rounded off to 100 mcg in practical terms. The number of administrations per day may vary from one to three and is often given as a single dose before going to bed.
Ipamorelin does not affect the HPG system, and it only works via the GH/IGF-1 axis. Ipamorelin is not a steroid, but rather a pentapeptide, which means that its pharmacological aspect is different. Up to now, ipamorelin has not been proven to have any androgenic effect.
There is no available literature regarding the human safety data of ipamorelin. Ipamorelin has not undergone trials necessary for the gathering of this data. Existing short-time studies indicate minor adverse effects, such as flushing of the skin, retention of fluids, and increased appetite, without any evidence regarding the effects of continuous elevation of IGF-1 over months or years of human subjects.
Their mechanisms are different from one another. Ipamorelin is classified as a ghrelin-receptor agonist(a GHRP) and works through the GHS-R1a receptor in order to start the secretion of GH. Sermorelin and tesamorelin on the other hand are considered to be analogs of GHRH and act through the GHRH receptor for the secretion of GH. Tesamorelin is the only approved substance by the FDA for the purpose of treating HIV lipodystrophy. It is ideal to note that Sermorelin drug was previously granted approval but it was removed from the market in 2008. Besides, it is also important to note that Ipamorelin has never got approval by the FDA. The half-life of these drugs is also different. Sermorelin degrades within 10-20 minutes, tesamorelin with CJC-1295 without DAC has the half-life of about 30 minutes and CJC-1295 with DAC has the half time of 6-8 days due to binding to albumin. See the complete table above for more data.
Investigate the chemical substance. Authenticate the Certificate of Analysis (COA). Make use of correct code for protocol. The compound with a purity of 99.5% and made by the AxisPharm-approved company represents the source of CJC-1295 qualified research in 2026. Using Get US Peptides implies having all the exact scientific details while having all the relevant tables for both types of substance's versions available on CJC-1295 dosage reference site.