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CJC-1295 (DAC) vs Ipamorelin

How CJC-1295 (DAC) and Ipamorelin differ on mechanism, dosing, and the strength of the evidence behind each.

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Compiled from published research · Continuously updated

How this is graded

Every compound below carries a REGEN research grade, from S (regulatory approval behind the use it is bought for) down to F (no clinical evidence). Ordering follows that grade rather than search volume, so the compound at the top is the one with the most evidence, not the one most often sold. Doses are those reported in published protocols and are not recommendations.

CJC-1295 (DAC)

Dgrade1–2 mg

CJC-1295 (DAC) is the Drug Affinity Complex version of the GHRH analog. The DAC binds albumin and stretches the half-life to roughly a week, giving a sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1 rather than a sharp pulse — convenient for less frequent dosing but a more continuous, less physiological release than the no-DAC form. Almost always run with a GH secretagogue like Ipamorelin. Monitor IGF-1 on cycle.

Ipamorelin

Cgrade200–300 mcg

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin to trigger a clean pulse of growth hormone from the pituitary, without the cortisol, prolactin, or hunger spikes seen with older secretagogues like GHRP-6. Its selectivity makes it one of the most popular and well-tolerated GH peptides. It is typically paired with a GHRH like CJC-1295 to produce a larger, more physiological GH release. Common goals are recovery, sleep quality, and gradual improvements in body composition. Track IGF-1 to confirm response.

Evidence compared

 CJC-1295 (DAC)Ipamorelin
Research gradeDgradeCgrade
Reported dose1–2 mg200–300 mcg
Frequency1-2x weekly1-3x daily
Half-life~6-8 days~2 hours
Routessubcutaneoussubcutaneous
Tracked outcomesBody Composition, Muscle Growth, Sleep Quality, Joint & Tendon HealthBody Composition, Muscle Growth, Sleep Quality
Contraindicationsactive malignancy, pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetesactive malignancy, pregnancy

Which has more behind it

Ipamorelin carries the stronger evidence grade (C) against CJC-1295 (DAC) at D, which means more of what is claimed for Ipamorelin has been tested in humans. Both entries link through to the full reference, where the trial list and citations for each claim are set out in full.

Full CJC-1295 (DAC) reference · Full Ipamorelin reference

At a glance

CompoundGradeReported doseHalf-life
CJC-1295 (DAC)Dgrade1–2 mg · 1-2x weekly~6-8 days
IpamorelinCgrade200–300 mcg · 1-3x daily~2 hours

Frequently asked questions

CJC-1295 (DAC) or Ipamorelin, which has better evidence?

Ipamorelin carries the stronger evidence grade (C) against CJC-1295 (DAC) at D, which means more of what is claimed for Ipamorelin has been tested in humans.

Can CJC-1295 (DAC) and Ipamorelin be used together?

CJC-1295 (DAC) and Ipamorelin are commonly paired in reported protocols. Combining compounds does not combine their evidence, each still carries its own grade.

What doses are reported for CJC-1295 (DAC)?

Published protocols report 1–2 mg, 1-2x weekly. This is what the literature describes, not a recommendation.

References

  1. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone and IGF-I secretion by CJC-1295 · Teichman SL, et al. · 2006
  2. Teichman SL, 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. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2006;91(3):799-805. · Hoffmann P, Feige JJ, Alfaidy N · 2006
  3. Activation of the GH/IGF-1 axis by CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog, results in serum protein profile changes in normal adult subjects. · Sackmann-Sala L, Ding J, Frohman LA et al. · 2009
  4. Jette L, et al. Human Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor (hGRF)1-29-Albumin Bioconjugates Activate the GRF Receptor on the Anterior Pituitary in Rats: Identification of CJC-1295 as a Long-Lasting GRF Analog. Endocrinology. 2005. · Chung S, Son GH, Park SH, Park E, Lee KH, Geum D, Kim K · 2005
  5. Alba M, et al. Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2006. · Zaidi D, James KA, Wagner GF · 2006
  6. Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog. · Ionescu M, Frohman LA · 2006
  7. Substances in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks
  8. Ionescu M, Bhopale G. Activation of the GH/IGF-1 axis by CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog. Growth Hormone & IGF Research. 2009. · Nummenmaa L, Calder AJ · 2009
  9. The study of doping market: How to produce intelligence from Internet forums. · Pineau T, Schopfer A, Grossrieder L et al. · 2016
  10. [PDF] December 4, 2024 Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee ... · 2024
  11. Thomas A, et al. Identification of CJC-1295, a growth-hormone-releasing peptide, in an unknown pharmaceutical preparation. Drug Testing and Analysis. 2011. · Chiaretti A, Ruggiero A, Barbi E, Pierri F, Maurizi P, Fantacci C, Bersani G, Riccardi R · 2011
  12. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue · Raun K, et al. · 1998
  13. Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients. · Beck DE, Sweeney WB, McCarter MD et al. · 2014
  14. Ipamorelin | C38H49N9O5 | CID 9831659 - PubChem - NIH
  15. Hansen BS, et al. The growth hormone secretagogue ipamorelin: pharmacological profile. Endocrinology. 1999;140(11):5552-5561. · Cowen ME, Miles BJ, Cahill DF, Giesler RB, Beck JR, Kattan MW · 1998
  16. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers. · Gobburu JV, Agersø H, Jusko WJ et al. · 1999
  17. Johansen PB, et al. Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats. Growth Hormone & IGF Research. 1999;9(2):106-113. · Johansen PB, Nowak J, Skjaerbaek C, Flyvbjerg A, Andreassen TT, Wilken M, Orskov H · 1999
  18. Determination of growth hormone releasing peptides metabolites in human urine after nasal administration of GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin, and Ipamorelin. · Semenistaya E, Zvereva I, Thomas A et al. · 2015
  19. Svensson J, et al. Effects of growth hormone secretagogues on bone. Endocrine. 2001;14(1):63-66. · Heffernan M, Summers RJ, Thorburn A, Ogru E, Gianello R, Jiang WJ, Ng FM · 2001
  20. A high-throughput LC-MS/MS screen for GHRP in equine and human urine, featuring peptide derivatization for improved chromatography. · Timms M, Hall N, Levina V et al. · 2014
  21. Efficacy of ipamorelin, a ghrelin mimetic, on gastric dysmotility in a ... · Greenwood-Van Meerveld B, Tyler K, Mohammadi E, Pietra C · 2012
  22. Beck DE, et al. Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for postoperative ileus. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 2008;12(7):1223-1231. · Akramiene D, Kondrotas A, Didziapetriene J, Kevelaitis E · 2007
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