CJC-1295 Ipamorelin Dosage: Research Protocols, Timing & Cycle Guide
Written by Alejandro Reyes
Founder & Lead Researcher
Reviewed by Peptide Nerds Editorial · Updated March 2026
CJC-1295 Ipamorelin Dosage: Research Protocols, Timing & Cycle Guide
Important: This article is for educational purposes only. We are not doctors. Nothing here is medical advice. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol or medication. Neither CJC-1295 nor ipamorelin is FDA-approved for human use.
Key Takeaways
- CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are not FDA-approved for any human indication. All dosing information below comes from published research, clinical pharmacology studies, and commonly reported protocols in the peptide research community.
- There are two variants of CJC-1295: CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex, half-life ~6-8 days) and CJC-1295 without DAC, also called Mod GRF 1-29 (half-life ~30 minutes).
- The most common research protocol for CJC-1295 with DAC is 2mg subcutaneously once per week.
- The most common research protocol for CJC-1295 no DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) + ipamorelin is 100mcg CJC-1295 no DAC + 200-300mcg ipamorelin, injected subcutaneously before bed.
- Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin receptor agonist. Unlike GHRP-6 and GHRP-2, it does not significantly raise cortisol or ACTH at GH-stimulating doses.
- Timing matters. Growth hormone release is suppressed by elevated blood glucose. Most protocols call for injection on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after eating carbohydrates.
- Common cycling protocol: 8-12 weeks on, 4-6 weeks off to reduce the risk of receptor desensitization.
- Side effects reported in research include water retention, tingling or numbness in extremities, and increased hunger.
What Are CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin?
CJC-1295 and ipamorelin work through two different pathways to stimulate growth hormone release. They are often combined because those pathways are complementary.
CJC-1295: A GHRH Analog
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It was originally developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies. The compound is a modified version of the first 29 amino acids of human GHRH (hGRF 1-29), with four amino acid substitutions that improve stability against enzymatic breakdown.
The "with DAC" version includes a Drug Affinity Complex that allows CJC-1295 to bind covalently to serum albumin after injection. This binding extends the half-life dramatically. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults, CJC-1295 with DAC had an estimated half-life of 5.8 to 8.1 days. A single injection produced dose-dependent increases in GH levels by 2- to 10-fold for 6 days or more, and IGF-1 levels rose 1.5- to 3-fold for 9-11 days (Teichman et al., 2006).
CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) lacks that albumin-binding modification. It has a much shorter half-life of roughly 30 minutes. It produces a sharp GH pulse rather than sustained elevation. This shorter-acting version is what most protocols pair with ipamorelin.
Ipamorelin: A Selective GHRP
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue. It works by binding to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on pituitary somatotropes to stimulate GH release.
What makes ipamorelin different from older growth hormone releasing peptides like GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 is selectivity. In animal studies, ipamorelin stimulated GH release at potency comparable to GHRP-6 but did not significantly increase ACTH or cortisol, even at doses more than 200-fold higher than the ED50 for GH release (Raun et al., 1998). That selectivity profile is why researchers and clinicians favor it over earlier GHRPs.
Pharmacokinetic modeling in healthy human volunteers showed ipamorelin has a terminal half-life of approximately 2 hours, with dose-proportional pharmacokinetics across tested dose levels (Gobburu et al., 1999).
Why They Are Stacked Together
GHRH analogs (like CJC-1295) and ghrelin receptor agonists (like ipamorelin) stimulate GH release through different mechanisms. GHRH acts on the GHRH receptor to initiate a GH pulse. Ghrelin receptor agonists amplify the pulse by suppressing somatostatin (the hormone that inhibits GH release).
Research on the combination of GHRH and GHRP shows the two classes produce a synergistic effect on GH output. In healthy older adults, the combination of GHRP-2 and GHRH drove GH secretion significantly more than either agonist alone (Bowers et al., 2004). That synergy is the rationale behind combining CJC-1295 (GHRH pathway) with ipamorelin (GHRP pathway) in research protocols.
CJC-1295 Ipamorelin Dosage: The Two Main Protocols
There are two distinct protocols depending on which CJC-1295 variant is used. They are not interchangeable.
Protocol 1: CJC-1295 with DAC (Long-Acting)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| CJC-1295 with DAC dose | 2mg subcutaneous |
| Frequency | Once per week |
| Ipamorelin (optional add) | 200-300mcg subcutaneous, 1-3x daily |
| Cycle length | 8-12 weeks |
| Off period | 4-6 weeks |
CJC-1295 with DAC produces sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation due to its multi-day half-life. In the Teichman et al. (2006) trial, multiple weekly or biweekly doses produced cumulative IGF-1 elevation that remained above baseline for up to 28 days.
Because the DAC version already provides continuous GHRH receptor stimulation, some protocols use it as a standalone without ipamorelin. Others add ipamorelin at bedtime to amplify the nightly GH pulse on top of the elevated baseline.
Key consideration: The sustained GHRH stimulation from the DAC version raises a theoretical concern about GH blunting over time. A study by Ionescu and Frohman (2006) showed that CJC-1295 increased trough (baseline) GH levels by 7.5-fold while preserving normal GH pulsatility. That suggests continuous GHRH stimulation does not eliminate pulsatile secretion. But the study only measured effects at the 1-week mark, not over months of use. Longer-term desensitization data is limited.
Protocol 2: CJC-1295 No DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) + Ipamorelin (Short-Acting)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| CJC-1295 no DAC dose | 100mcg subcutaneous |
| Ipamorelin dose | 200-300mcg subcutaneous |
| Frequency | 1-3x daily (most common: once before bed) |
| Timing | Empty stomach, 2+ hours after carbohydrates |
| Cycle length | 8-12 weeks |
| Off period | 4-6 weeks |
This is the more commonly used protocol in the research community. The short half-lives of both compounds (30 minutes for Mod GRF 1-29, 2 hours for ipamorelin) mean each injection produces a discrete GH pulse rather than sustained elevation.
Most common approach: A single injection of both peptides combined, administered subcutaneously before bed. This is timed to coincide with the body's natural nocturnal GH surge.
More aggressive protocols call for 2-3 injections daily: upon waking (fasted), post-workout, and before bed. Each injection is the same dose. More frequent dosing produces more GH pulses per day but also increases cost and injection burden.
Timing and Meal Spacing: Why It Matters
Growth hormone release is suppressed by elevated blood glucose. This is well-documented physiology, not speculation. A 2019 review in Neuroendocrinology confirmed that glucose-mediated increases in hypothalamic somatostatin suppress GH release in humans (Hage et al., 2019).
This has direct implications for peptide timing.
The practical rule: Do not eat carbohydrates for at least 2 hours before injecting CJC-1295 and ipamorelin. Avoid eating for 30-60 minutes after injection. Fat and protein have less impact on GH suppression than carbohydrates, but a fully fasted state is ideal.
Before bed protocol: Finish your last meal at least 2 hours before injection. Inject, then go to sleep. This is why the pre-bed timing is popular. It naturally creates a fasted window.
Post-workout protocol: If injecting after training, wait at least 30 minutes after your last intra-workout carbohydrate drink. The exercise-induced GH pulse and the peptide-induced pulse can stack.
How to Reconstitute CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin
Both peptides typically come as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in vials. They require reconstitution with bacteriostatic water before injection.
Reconstitution Steps
What you need: Peptide vial (lyophilized powder), bacteriostatic water for injection, insulin syringe, alcohol prep pads, clean surface.
Step 1. Clean the rubber stoppers on both the peptide vial and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol prep pads. Let air dry.
Step 2. Draw the desired volume of bacteriostatic water into the syringe.
Step 3. Insert the needle into the peptide vial at an angle. Let the water run down the inside glass wall. Do not spray directly onto the powder. Direct force can damage the peptide bonds and reduce potency.
Step 4. Gently swirl the vial until fully dissolved. Do not shake. Shaking creates foam and can denature the peptide.
Step 5. Inspect. The solution should be clear and colorless. If cloudy or discolored, do not use.
Step 6. Refrigerate. Use within 4-6 weeks. Do not freeze reconstituted peptides.
Reconstitution Math
Understanding the math is necessary to draw the correct dose. Here is how it works for the most common vial sizes.
CJC-1295 no DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) in a 2mg vial:
| Bacteriostatic Water Added | Concentration | Volume for 100mcg Dose |
|---|---|---|
| 1mL | 2mg/mL (2000mcg/mL) | 5 units (0.05mL) |
| 2mL | 1mg/mL (1000mcg/mL) | 10 units (0.1mL) |
Ipamorelin in a 5mg vial:
| Bacteriostatic Water Added | Concentration | Volume for 200mcg Dose | Volume for 300mcg Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2mL | 2.5mg/mL (2500mcg/mL) | 8 units (0.08mL) | 12 units (0.12mL) |
| 2.5mL | 2mg/mL (2000mcg/mL) | 10 units (0.1mL) | 15 units (0.15mL) |
CJC-1295 with DAC in a 2mg vial:
| Bacteriostatic Water Added | Concentration | Volume for 2mg Dose |
|---|---|---|
| 1mL | 2mg/mL | 100 units (1mL) |
| 2mL | 1mg/mL | 200 units (2mL) |
Note: A standard insulin syringe holds 100 units (1mL). For the 2mg with DAC dose, adding 1mL of water means one full syringe equals the full weekly dose.
Formula: Dose (mcg) / Concentration (mcg/mL) = Volume to inject (mL). Multiply mL by 100 to get insulin syringe units.
For a full walkthrough on peptide reconstitution, see our how to reconstitute peptides guide.
Injection Protocol
Site: Subcutaneous. Lower abdomen (2 inches from navel), love handles, or upper thigh.
Rotation: Rotate injection sites. Do not inject the same spot repeatedly.
Technique: Pinch a fold of skin, insert needle at 45-90 degrees depending on body fat, inject slowly, withdraw.
Cycling: 8-12 Weeks On, 4-6 Weeks Off
The standard cycling recommendation for CJC-1295 and ipamorelin is 8-12 weeks of use followed by 4-6 weeks off.
The rationale is receptor desensitization. With continuous stimulation, GHRH receptors and ghrelin receptors can downregulate, reducing the GH response to each dose over time.
The 30-day GHRP-2 infusion study by Bowers et al. (2004) provides some data on this. GH secretion was stimulated more than 3-fold on day 1, but the response decreased to 1.8-fold by day 14 and 30. GH secretion stayed elevated above saline, but there was measurable attenuation. IGF-1, however, remained at a stable plateau through all 30 days.
This suggests that some degree of GH response reduction happens with continuous use, even within 2 weeks. Taking periodic breaks allows receptors to resensitize.
| Protocol | On Duration | Off Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 8 weeks | 4 weeks | Most conservative approach |
| Extended | 12 weeks | 4-6 weeks | Common in community protocols |
| CJC-1295 with DAC only | 8-12 weeks | 6 weeks | Longer off period due to sustained half-life |
During the off period, endogenous GH secretion patterns should normalize. Some protocols substitute other non-GHRH/GHRP compounds during the break, but that is outside the scope of this guide.
Side Effects Reported in Research
Neither CJC-1295 nor ipamorelin has undergone the large-scale Phase 3 safety trials that FDA-approved drugs require. Side effect data comes from smaller clinical studies, pharmacology trials, and community reports.
Common Side Effects
Water retention. Elevated GH increases sodium and water reabsorption. Mild puffiness, especially in the hands and face, is the most frequently reported side effect. It typically resolves within the first 2-3 weeks or after discontinuation.
Tingling and numbness. Paresthesia (tingling, pins-and-needles sensation) in the hands and feet. This is a recognized effect of elevated GH and IGF-1 levels. It is dose-dependent and usually subsides with dose reduction.
Increased hunger. Ipamorelin is a ghrelin receptor agonist. Ghrelin is the body's primary hunger hormone. Some increase in appetite is expected, though ipamorelin's effect on appetite is generally milder than GHRP-6 based on its more selective receptor profile.
Injection site reactions. Redness, itching, or mild bruising at the injection site. Standard for subcutaneous peptide injections.
Headache. Reported in some users, particularly during the first week. Usually transient.
Less Common but Documented Concerns
Blood glucose changes. Growth hormone is diabetogenic. It reduces insulin sensitivity and can raise fasting blood glucose. Anyone with pre-existing insulin resistance or diabetes should approach GH-stimulating peptides with caution and physician oversight.
Elevated IGF-1. Sustained IGF-1 elevation is a theoretical concern for anyone with a personal or family history of cancer, as IGF-1 promotes cell growth. Monitoring IGF-1 levels during use is a standard recommendation.
Cortisol and ACTH. One of ipamorelin's advantages is that it does not significantly raise cortisol or ACTH. The Raun et al. (1998) study confirmed this. However, other GHRPs (GHRP-6, GHRP-2) do increase cortisol, which is why ipamorelin is the preferred option in this stack.
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin vs. Other GH Peptides
| Peptide | Class | Standard Research Dose | Frequency | Approx. Half-Life | FDA Approved? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 with DAC | GHRH analog | 2mg | Once weekly | 6-8 days | No |
| CJC-1295 no DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) | GHRH analog | 100mcg | 1-3x daily | ~30 min | No |
| Ipamorelin | GHRP / ghrelin agonist | 200-300mcg | 1-3x daily | ~2 hours | No |
| Sermorelin | GHRH analog | 100-300mcg | Once daily (bedtime) | ~10 min | No (discontinued) |
| Tesamorelin | GHRH analog | 2mg | Once daily | 7-13 min | Yes (HIV lipodystrophy) |
| GHRP-6 | GHRP / ghrelin agonist | 100-300mcg | 2-3x daily | ~20 min | No |
The CJC-1295 no DAC + ipamorelin stack is the most commonly researched pairing because of complementary mechanisms (GHRH + GHRP), ipamorelin's selectivity (no cortisol spike), and short half-lives that produce discrete GH pulses rather than continuous elevation.
For those who want once-weekly dosing, CJC-1295 with DAC is simpler but provides a different pharmacokinetic profile: sustained GH elevation vs. pulsatile release. Whether pulsatile or sustained GH release is more favorable for specific outcomes (fat loss, recovery, sleep quality) has not been definitively established in controlled human trials.
For the most clinically validated GH peptide option, tesamorelin is in a different tier with Phase 3 trial data. See our tesamorelin dosage guide for that breakdown.
Who Should NOT Use CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin
These are research compounds without FDA approval. There is no official prescribing information. The following contraindications are based on GH physiology and general peptide safety principles.
Do not use if you have:
- Active cancer or a recent history of malignancy (GH and IGF-1 promote cell growth)
- Diabetes or significant insulin resistance without physician monitoring
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Known hypersensitivity to either compound
- Active pituitary tumors or other hypothalamic-pituitary axis disruption
Use with caution and monitoring if you have:
- Pre-diabetes or borderline fasting glucose
- Family history of cancer
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (GH can worsen symptoms)
- Sleep apnea (elevated GH may worsen upper airway obstruction)
- Any condition requiring close blood glucose management
Athletes: Both CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list. Use is banned in competitive sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best CJC-1295 ipamorelin dosage for beginners?
The most commonly referenced starting protocol is 100mcg CJC-1295 no DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) combined with 200mcg ipamorelin, injected subcutaneously once daily before bed on an empty stomach. Some protocols start at 100mcg ipamorelin and increase to 200-300mcg based on response and tolerability.
How long does CJC-1295 ipamorelin take to show effects?
IGF-1 elevation from CJC-1295 with DAC is measurable within the first week and reaches steady-state by weeks 2-3 with weekly dosing. With the short-acting no DAC + ipamorelin protocol, GH pulses occur within minutes of injection, but body composition and recovery effects typically take 4-8 weeks of consistent use to become noticeable.
Can you take CJC-1295 and ipamorelin in the same syringe?
Yes. Both peptides can be drawn into the same insulin syringe and injected together. This is standard practice in research protocols. Draw the CJC-1295 first, then the ipamorelin, and inject both subcutaneously.
Should CJC-1295 with DAC be combined with ipamorelin?
It depends on the protocol goals. CJC-1295 with DAC provides sustained GHRH stimulation on its own. Adding ipamorelin at bedtime amplifies the nightly GH pulse through the complementary ghrelin receptor pathway. Some protocols use CJC-1295 with DAC as a standalone. Others add daily ipamorelin for additional GH pulse amplification.
What time of day should you inject CJC-1295 and ipamorelin?
Before bed is the most common timing. This aligns with the body's natural nocturnal GH surge and ensures a fasted state (assuming 2+ hours since last meal). For protocols with multiple daily doses, common timing is: upon waking (fasted), post-workout, and before bed.
Does food affect CJC-1295 ipamorelin effectiveness?
Yes. Elevated blood glucose suppresses GH release. Carbohydrates are the main concern. Wait at least 2 hours after eating carbohydrates before injecting. Avoid eating for 30-60 minutes after injection. A fasted state at injection time produces the strongest GH response.
What happens when you stop CJC-1295 and ipamorelin?
GH and IGF-1 levels return to baseline after discontinuation. With CJC-1295 with DAC, the long half-life means effects taper over 1-2 weeks after the last injection. With the short-acting no DAC + ipamorelin protocol, GH levels return to baseline within hours of the last dose. IGF-1 normalization takes somewhat longer.
The Bottom Line
CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are the most commonly paired growth hormone secretagogues in peptide research. The stack works through two complementary pathways: GHRH receptor activation (CJC-1295) and ghrelin receptor activation (ipamorelin). Published pharmacology data supports the mechanism, and the synergistic effect of combining GHRH and GHRP-class compounds on GH output is documented in clinical studies.
The two CJC-1295 variants serve different purposes. The DAC version (2mg weekly) provides sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation with minimal injection burden. The no-DAC version (Mod GRF 1-29, 100mcg + ipamorelin 200-300mcg before bed) produces sharp, pulsatile GH release that more closely mimics natural physiology.
Neither compound is FDA-approved for human use. There are no Phase 3 trials establishing long-term safety or optimal dosing for body composition, recovery, or anti-aging outcomes. All protocols discussed here come from smaller clinical pharmacology studies and established community use patterns.
If you are considering these compounds, work with a physician who understands peptide protocols. Get baseline bloodwork including IGF-1, fasting glucose, and insulin. Monitor during use. Cycle off. And understand that the evidence base, while promising, is not in the same tier as FDA-approved compounds like tesamorelin.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol, medication, or supplement regimen. Individual results vary. The author shares personal experience and published research, not medical recommendations.
Sources
- Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, 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. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799-805. PMID: 16352683
- Ionescu M, Frohman LA. Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(12):4792-4797. PMID: 17018654
- Jette L, Leger R, Thibaudeau K, 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;146(7):3052-3058. PMID: 15817669
- Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-561. PMID: 9849822
- Gobburu JV, Agerso H, Jusko WJ, et al. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers. Pharm Res. 1999;16(9):1412-1416. PMID: 10496658
- Bowers CY, Granda R, Mohan S, et al. Sustained elevation of pulsatile growth hormone (GH) secretion and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and IGFBP-5 concentrations during 30-day continuous subcutaneous infusion of GH-releasing peptide-2 in older men and women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89(5):2290-2300. PMID: 15126555
- Hage M, Kamenicky P, Chanson P. Growth Hormone Response to Oral Glucose Load: From Normal to Pathological Conditions. Neuroendocrinology. 2019;108(3):244-255. PMID: 30685760
- Sackmann-Sala L, Ding J, Frohman LA, et al. 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. Growth Horm IGF Res. 2009;19(6):471-477. PMID: 19386527
- Beck DE, Sweeney WB, McCarter MD, et al. Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2014;29(12):1527-1534. PMID: 25331030
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