CJC-1295/Ipamorelin Stack

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"CJC-1295" redirects here. For other uses, see CJC-1295/Ipamorelin Stack (disambiguation).
Medical disclaimer. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before considering any compound discussed below. See Retapedia : Medical disclaimer.

CJC-1295/Ipamorelin Stack (also known as CJC-1295 or DAC:GRF or Ipamorelin or NNC 26-0161) is a therapeutically researched peptide studied for its effects on growth hormone, GHRH, GHS. Synergistic GHRH + GHRP stack. Dual receptor targeting: sustained + pulsatile GH release. Research shows 3-5x amplification vs monotherapy. CJC-1295: 2-10x GH (6+ days). Ipamorelin: selective, no cortisol spike. Not FDA-approved.

CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is a synergistic peptide combination pairing a GHRH analog (CJC-1295) with a selective ghrelin receptor agonist (Ipamorelin) to optimize growth hormone release through complementary mechanisms. CJC-1295 exists in two forms: WITH DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) featuring 5.8-8.1 day half-life via albumin binding, and WITHOUT DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) with 30-minute to 2-hour half-life. Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) highly selective for GHS-R1a without affecting cortisol, prolactin, ACTH, or acetylcholine.

Natty status
CJC-1295/Ipamorelin Stack is generally regarded as compatible with natural bodybuilding, though competitive federations may differ. See § Natty status.
Contents [hide]
  1. 1 Overview
  2. 2 Mechanism of action
  3. 3 Reported effects
  4. 4 Dosage and administration
  5. 5 Natty status
  6. 6 Research
  7. 7 Related compounds
  8. 8 References
  9. 9 External links

Overview

Synergistic mechanism: The peptides target different receptor families in the pituitary gland—CJC-1295 binds GHRH receptors activating G-proteins and increasing cAMP/IP3, while Ipamorelin activates GHS-R1a via phospholipase C generating IP3/DAG and mobilizing intracellular calcium.

This dual-action produces sustained GH elevation (CJC-1295) plus rapid pulsatile spikes (Ipamorelin).

Research on similar GHRH analog + GHRP combinations showed synergistic effects: individual peptides produced 20-fold and 47-fold GH increases respectively, but simultaneous application achieved 54-fold increase.

Clinical practitioners report CJC-1295/Ipamorelin typically produces 3-5 fold greater GH release versus monotherapy, though this specific combination lacks published human trial verification.

Monotherapy data: CJC-1295 WITH DAC produces 2-10 fold GH increases for 6+ days and 1.5-3 fold IGF-1 increases for 9-11 days after single injection; IGF-1 remains elevated 28 days after multiple doses.

Phase 2 trials showed dose-dependent GH/IGF-1 increases at 30-60 mcg/kg with good tolerability but development discontinued after patient death (attributed to unrelated coronary disease).

Ipamorelin showed dose-dependent GH increases and bone growth in preclinical studies but Phase 2 trials for post-operative ileus failed to show efficacy.

The combination may enhance muscle mass, fat metabolism, recovery, and sleep quality through optimized GH pulsatility and sustained elevation.

Critical safety concerns: Cardiovascular risks include increased heart rate, systemic vasodilation, flushing, transient hypotension, potential cardiac hypertrophy, fluid retention, and elevated blood pressure—particularly dangerous with pre-existing heart conditions.

Ipamorelin has minimal side effects (injection site reactions, mild headache, nausea) that typically resolve in 1-2 weeks and does not suppress endogenous hormone production.

Neither peptide is FDA-approved; both classified as Investigational New Drugs for research only.

CJC-1295 removed from FDA Category 2 list September 2024.

Ipamorelin removed from FDA compounding list September 2024 due to nominator withdrawal; FDA recommended against 503A inclusion October 2024 due to insufficient safety data.

Both banned by WADA for competitive sports.

Typical combination dosing: CJC-1295 WITH DAC 1-2mg weekly + Ipamorelin 200-300mcg 1-3x daily; WITHOUT DAC requires daily dosing alongside Ipamorelin.

Mechanism of action

Boosts growth hormone 3-5x higher than individual peptides. Improves sleep quality, muscle mass, fat loss, and recovery. Minimal side effects.

Reported effects

Effects reported in the literature and from preclinical models include:

  • CJC-1295 (WITH DAC) produces 2–10 fold dose-dependent increases in mean plasma GH lasting 6 or more days after a single subcutaneous injection in healthy adults, with good tolerability at 30–60 mcg/kg [1] Phase II
  • CJC-1295 raises mean plasma IGF-1 by 1.5–3 fold for 9–11 days after a single dose, with IGF-1 remaining above baseline for up to 28 days after repeated weekly injections [1] Phase II
  • Ipamorelin stimulates GH release in rats and swine with potency comparable to GHRP-6 but without raising ACTH or cortisol even at doses more than 200-fold higher than the effective GH-releasing dose [2] Preclinical
  • Ipamorelin dose-dependently increases longitudinal bone growth rate and body weight gain in rats over 15 days of subcutaneous administration [3] Preclinical
  • Ipamorelin inhibits cisplatin-induced body weight loss by approximately 24% during the delayed phase (48–72 h) in ferrets, suggesting appetite-preserving activity via GHS-R1a agonism [4] Preclinical

Evidence grades: FDA approved Phase III Phase II Phase I Preclinical Anecdotal

Dosage and administration

⚠
Dosage information is included for encyclopedic purposes only. Retapedia does not provide medical advice. See Retapedia : Medical disclaimer.

Beginner Protocol

  • CJC-1295 WITH DAC 1mg weekly + Ipamorelin 200mcg once daily (bedtime)

Standard Protocol

  • CJC-1295 WITH DAC 1-2mg weekly + Ipamorelin 200-300mcg twice daily (AM + bedtime)

Advanced Protocol

  • CJC-1295 WITH DAC 2mg weekly + Ipamorelin 300mcg three times daily (AM + post-workout + bedtime)

Alternative

  • CJC-1295 WITHOUT DAC 100-200mcg 1-3x daily + Ipamorelin 200-300mcg 1-3x daily (synchronized dosing)

Timing

  • Both on empty stomach, 30-60 min before/after meals

Optimal Ipamorelin timing

  • 2 hours before bedtime for sleep and natural GH alignment

CJC

  • 1295 WITH DAC: Inject 1-2x weekly (any time, sustained effect)
  • 1295 WITHOUT DAC: Dose daily or twice daily alongside Ipamorelin

Split dosing

  • Space Ipamorelin 6-8 hours apart to mimic natural GH pulses

Cycling

  • 8-12 weeks on with 5-days-on/2-days-off weekly pattern to prevent desensitization

Results timeline

  • Sleep improvements 2-4 weeks, body composition changes 3-6 months

General

  • Cardiovascular screening required before use

Not recommended for those with pre

  • existing heart conditions

Natty status

See also: Peptide § Natty status

CJC-1295/Ipamorelin Stack is generally regarded as compatible with the natty designation, particularly when used for therapeutic healing purposes. Opinions vary across natural bodybuilding federations, and athletes who compete should consult the rulebook of their respective sanctioning body.[5]

Research

The peptide has been the subject of 13 studies and reference works collected on this site. The full bibliography is in § External links below.

Other peptides in this catalogue with overlapping mechanisms or status:

Ipamorelin Natty
Stimulates growth hormone release without cortisol/prolactin effects. Improves sleep quality, recovery, and body composition. Minimal side effects.
CJC-1295 Natty
Increases growth hormone and IGF-1 for 6+ days per injection. Improves body composition, muscle recovery, and fat metabolism. Weekly dosing.
MK-677 Natty
Increases lean muscle mass, bone density, and deep sleep quality. Enhances recovery and tissue healing. Risk of blood sugar issues.
IGF-1 LR3 Natty
Powerfully increases muscle growth, protein synthesis, and fat burning. Accelerates tissue repair and recovery. Risk of hypoglycemia.

References

  1. a b CJC-1295 Phase 2 clinical trial efficacy results
  2. ^ First selective GHS (Ipamorelin) characterization study
  3. ^ Ipamorelin bone growth in rats research
  4. ^ Ipamorelin cisplatin-induced weight loss study
  5. a b World Anti-Doping Agency. (2026). Prohibited List 2026.

External links

Categories: Peptides | Therapeutic peptides | Growth hormone | GHRH | GHS | Sleep

This page was last edited on May 25, 2026, at 01:14 (UTC).

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