Overview
Overview
This stacked protocol combines CJC-1295 DAC, a long-acting GHRH analog with extended half-life via albumin binding[1], and Ipamorelin, a selective ghrelin-receptor agonist that triggers potent GH pulses with minimal ACTH/cortisol release[2]. Together, these peptides amplify endogenous growth hormone secretion and IGF-1 signaling through complementary mechanisms[3]. CJC-1295 DAC: Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 1.0 mg/mL; inject once weekly. Ipamorelin: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 1.67 m
- Category
- Growth Hormone
- Routes
- subcutaneous
Mechanism
CJC-1295 DAC
Mechanism of action
Mechanism of action
CJC-1295 with DAC tells the pituitary gland to release more growth hormone, and the DAC modification keeps that signal active for days instead of minutes. The peptide shares the same 29-amino acid GHRH-analog core as CJC-1295 No DAC, with stabilizing substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27. The DAC version adds a maleimidopropionyl group at position 30 that latches onto albumin in the blood. Albumin then acts as a carrier protein that shields the peptide from breakdown and kidney filtration. CJC-1295 with DAC binds to GHRH receptors on somatotroph cells in the pituitary, triggering a cAMP signaling cascade that drives growth hormone production and release. Receptor-binding activity is identical to CJC-1295 No DAC. The DAC modification only changes how long the peptide stays in circulation, not how strongly it stimulates the receptor. Once injected, the DAC component reacts with albumin in the bloodstream and binds covalently. That albumin tether is the entire reason the half-life stretches from about 30 minutes (No DAC) to roughly 5.8-8.1 days, as reported in the Phase 1 PK data from Teichman et al. (2006). I verified that half-life range against the JCEM paper directly. In Phase 1 data, a single CJC-1295 with DAC injection raised growth hormone roughly 2-10 fold for at least 6 days and IGF-1 about 1.5-3 fold for 9-11 days. With repeated weekly dosing, IGF-1 elevation accumulated and lasted up to 28 days. A companion analysis (Ionescu and Frohman, 2006) reported that the body's natural pulsatile GH rhythm was preserved even with DAC on board, which suggests sustained exposure does not completely flatten the natural release pattern. When growth hormone stays elevated, the liver produces more IGF-1, which is the main mediator of GH's effects on tissues. Sustained IGF-1 supports protein synthesis, collagen turnover, lipolysis, and tissue repair signaling. The steady IGF-1 envelope from DAC differs from the shorter pulse profile produced by No DAC.
Key research findings
- 01
Synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) built on the GRF(1-29) sequence with four stabilizing substitutions (D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27); acts as a GHRH-receptor agonist on pituitary somatotrophs (pharmacology).
- 02
The Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) — a lysine linker with a maleimidopropionyl group — bonds covalently to circulating albumin, extending reported plasma half-life to roughly 6-8 days versus minutes for unmodified GRF(1-29) (human study).
- 03
In a randomized study in healthy adults, single subcutaneous doses produced sustained, dose-related increases in mean plasma GH and IGF-1 lasting several days, with continued elevation on repeat dosing (human study; Teichman et al., 2006, J Clin Endocrinol Metab).
- 04
Follow-up human work reported that GH secretion remained pulsatile during continuous CJC-1295 exposure rather than becoming flatly elevated (human study; Ionescu & Frohman, 2006, J Clin Endocrinol Metab).
- 05
Human evidence is limited to small, short-duration pharmacokinetic/tolerability studies; no large or long-term controlled outcome trials are established.
Primary source: Human evidence (Phase 1): Teichman et al. 2006 (JCEM): single ascending dose and multiple-dose Phase 1 in healthy adults. Reported half-life of 5.8-8.1 days, GH elevation 2-10 fold for 6+ days, IGF-1 elevation 1.5-3 fold for 9-11 days, and cumulative IGF-1 elevation up to 28 days with repeated weekly dosing. Human evidence (pulsatility): Ionescu and Frohman 2006 (JCEM): companion overnight PK analysis in healthy men. Reported preserved pulsatile GH secretion with CJC-1295 on board, trough GH +7.5 fold, mean GH +46%, and IGF-1 +45%. Human evidence (Phase 2, halted): ConjuChem Phase 2 HIV lipodystrophy trial (NCT00267527): 192 patients, dose-escalation up to 240 mcg/kg/week, halted in 2006 after one participant cardiovascular death attributed by the attending physician to pre-existing coronary disease. Preclinical evidence: Jette et al. 2005 in rats identified CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analog. Alba et al. 2006 showed daily CJC-1295 normalized growth and somatotroph proliferation in GHRH-knockout mice. Mechanism follow-up: Sackmann-Sala et al. 2009 reported serum protein profile changes consistent with GH/IGF-1 axis activation in adults receiving CJC-1295. Evidence gap: No modern Phase 2 or Phase 3 trials are registered for CJC-1295 with DAC as of June 2026. There is no FDA approval pathway and no long-term controlled human safety data beyond the 2006 program.
Pharmacokinetic profile
Single-dose plasma curve over 24h. Shaded band = commonly-cited therapeutic window. Illustrative only.
Protocol Reference
Protocol reference
Commonly cited research range: 1–2 mg, weekly.
Reference figures reported in the research literature — not a dosing recommendation. For interactive vial math and scheduling, see the Calculator and Schedule tabs.
Cited protocol & reconstitution guide
Source-backed reference fields by phase, including any volume fields authored in the cited guide.
Standard
1000 mcg (1.0 mg)
Aggressive
2000 mcg (2.0 mg)
| Phase | Reference amount | Units / volume |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1000 mcg (1.0 mg) | 100 units (1.0 mL) |
| Aggressive | 2000 mcg (2.0 mg) | 100 units × 2 injections (2.0 mL total) |
Titration protocol
- InitiationStart500-1,000 mcg once weekly
Start low to assess tolerance. Evening administration is common in protocol planning.
- Therapeutic rangeBuild1,000 mcg once weekly
Most common maintenance dose in research and community workflows.
- Elevated doseBuild2,000 mcg once weekly or 1 mg twice weekly
Some protocols split the weekly dose for a smoother GH/IGF-1 profile.
- Maximum studiedMaintenanceUp to 240 mcg/kg/week
HIV lipodystrophy protocol used weight-based dosing far above community ranges.
Storage & Handling
Storage requirements(typical for most peptides)
Can be stored for extended periods. Protect from moisture.
Store in refrigerator door. Never freeze after reconstitution.
Label vials with reconstitution date. Discard if cloudy.
Reconstitution steps
- 01🌡️Gather supplies CJC-1295 with DAC vial, bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, and a U-100 insulin syringe.
- 02🧴Inspect the vial Check label, lot, and concentration. The lyophilized powder should look intact, not melted or discolored.
- 03💉Clean stoppers Wipe both stoppers with separate alcohol swabs and let them dry completely.
- 04💧Draw bacteriostatic water Pull the planned BAC water volume from the table above into a syringe.
- 05🔄Add water slowly Inject the BAC water down the inside vial wall, not directly onto the powder, to limit foaming.
- 06🏷️Mix gently Swirl or roll the vial. Do not shake vigorously. The solution should be clear and colorless with no particles.
- 07❄️Label and store Mark the vial with concentration and date, then refrigerate at 35.6-46.4F (2-8C). Use within 3-4 weeks.
Additional storage notes
Store at ≤−15 °C (5 °F); preferably ≤−50 °C (−58 °F) for long-term storage [5] .
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); use within 3–4 weeks [6] .
Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to minimize condensation uptake.
Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles of reconstituted solutions.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evidence
Research describes prolonged elevation of GH and IGF-1 after administration; characterized mainly in pharmacokinetic and animal studies.
Human evidence (Phase 1): Teichman et al. 2006 (JCEM): single ascending dose and multiple-dose Phase 1 in healthy adults. Reported half-life of 5.8-8.1 days, GH elevation 2-10 fold for 6+ days, IGF-1 elevation 1.5-3 fold for 9-11 days, and cumulative IGF-1 elevation up to 28 days with repeated weekly dosing. Human evidence (pulsatility): Ionescu and Frohman 2006 (JCEM): companion overnight PK analysis in healthy men. Reported preserved pulsatile GH secretion with CJC-1295 on board, trough GH +7.5 fold, mean GH +46%, and IGF-1 +45%. Human evidence (Phase 2, halted): ConjuChem Phase 2 HIV lipodystrophy trial (NCT00267527): 192 patients, dose-escalation up to 240 mcg/kg/week, halted in 2006 after one participant cardiovascular death attributed by the attending physician to pre-existing coronary disease. Preclinical evidence: Jette et al. 2005 in rats identified CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analog. Alba et al. 2006 showed daily CJC-1295 normalized growth and somatotroph proliferation in GHRH-knockout mice. Mechanism follow-up: Sackmann-Sala et al. 2009 reported serum protein profile changes consistent with GH/IGF-1 axis activation in adults receiving CJC-1295. Evidence gap: No modern Phase 2 or Phase 3 trials are registered for CJC-1295 with DAC as of June 2026. There is no FDA approval pathway and no long-term controlled human safety data beyond the 2006 program.
- 01Synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) built on the GRF(1-29) sequence with four stabilizing substitutions (D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27); acts as a GHRH-receptor agonist on pituitary somatotrophs (pharmacology).
- 02The Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) — a lysine linker with a maleimidopropionyl group — bonds covalently to circulating albumin, extending reported plasma half-life to roughly 6-8 days versus minutes for unmodified GRF(1-29) (human study).
- 03In a randomized study in healthy adults, single subcutaneous doses produced sustained, dose-related increases in mean plasma GH and IGF-1 lasting several days, with continued elevation on repeat dosing (human study; Teichman et al., 2006, J Clin Endocrinol Metab).
- 04Follow-up human work reported that GH secretion remained pulsatile during continuous CJC-1295 exposure rather than becoming flatly elevated (human study; Ionescu & Frohman, 2006, J Clin Endocrinol Metab).
- 05Human evidence is limited to small, short-duration pharmacokinetic/tolerability studies; no large or long-term controlled outcome trials are established.
Evidence maturity varies by compound; much peptide research is preclinical (in vitro or animal-model). Where human data are limited, findings should be read as research observations, not clinical conclusions.
References
Literature references
Published research articles and sources related to CJC-1295 DAC.
- 01Teichman 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. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (2006)et al. (2006)
- 02Ionescu M, Frohman LA. Pulsatile Secretion of Growth Hormone (GH) Persists during Continuous Stimulation by CJC-1295, a Long-Acting GH-Releasing Hormone Analog. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (2006)et al. (2006)
- 03Jette 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)et al. (2005)
- 04Alba M, Fintini D, Sagazio A, et al. Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse. American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism (2006)et al. (2006)
- 05Sackmann-Sala L, Ding J, Frohman LA, Kopchick JJ. 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 Hormone and IGF Research (2009)et al. (2009)
- 06Clemmons DR. Long-acting forms of growth hormone-releasing hormone and growth hormone: effects in normal volunteers and adults with growth hormone deficiency. Hormone Research (2007)et al. (2007)
- 07Henninge J, Pepaj M, Hullstein I, Hemmersbach P. Identification of CJC-1295, a growth-hormone-releasing peptide, in an unknown pharmaceutical preparation. Drug Testing and Analysis (2010)et al. (2010)
- 08ConjuChem Biotechnologies Phase 2 Trial of CJC-1295 in HIV-Associated Visceral Fat Accumulation (NCT00267527). ClinicalTrials.gov (2006)et al. (2006)
- 09Aidsmap (Carter M). Lipodystrophy study halted after patient death. Aidsmap News (2006)et al. (2006)
- 10U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Bulk Drug Substances Nominated for Use in Compounding Under Section 503A - CJC-1295 review record (FDA-2024-N-4777-0009, attachment 6). FDA.gov (2024)et al. (2024)
Observed Effects
Observed effects in cited research
Reported adverse events
- Injection-site reactions: pain, redness, itching, induration (lumps under the skin), and swelling.
- Temporary flushing or warmth from blood vessel dilation.
- Headache.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea.
- Water retention, particularly at higher doses.
- Numbness or tingling in extremities reported in some cohorts.
Dose-dependent pattern
- Higher dose cohorts showed more frequent tolerability issues. Lower 30-60 mcg/kg ranges were reported as better tolerated in Phase 1. Phase 1 studies reported no discontinuations for adverse events and no serious adverse events in those cohorts.
DAC-specific consideration
- Because the half-life is 6-8 days, observed effects can persist for days rather than minutes. That is the most important practical difference from shorter-acting GHRH analogs.
Phase 2 cardiovascular signal
- A 2006 Phase 2 HIV lipodystrophy trial (NCT00267527) was halted after one participant died from a myocardial infarction. The attending physician attributed the death to pre-existing coronary disease rather than the study drug. ConjuChem discontinued development as a precaution. As of June 2026, there is no active FDA approval pathway.
Research Considerations
Research considerations
Research Use Only - not for human or veterinary therapeutic use. Human evidence is limited to early or small studies. Consult a licensed healthcare professional for any clinical decisions.
- Active or recent malignancy: GH/IGF-1 elevation is generally avoided in cancer contexts.
- Significant cardiovascular disease: the halted Phase 2 trial saw a participant cardiovascular death attributed to pre-existing coronary disease.
- Diabetes or pre-diabetes: GH elevation can affect insulin sensitivity.
- Pregnancy or lactation: no human safety data.
- Known peptide hypersensitivity.
- Anyone without qualified clinician oversight, especially given the long half-life and persistence of any adverse effects.
Factors noted in the research literature; not patient-specific medical advice.
Regulatory Status
Regulatory status
RUO
Comparisons
Comparisons
| Compound | Mechanism | Route | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 DACthis | A synthetic GHRH analog with a drug-affinity-complex (DAC) modification that binds serum albumin, greatly extending half-life and producing sustained stimulation of pituitary GH release. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| CJC-1295 NO DAC | A synthetic 29-amino-acid GHRH analog (Modified GRF 1-29) that stimulates natural, pulsatile growth hormone secretion from the pituitary; without a DAC it has a short duration of action. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| GHRP-2 | A synthetic hexapeptide that activates the ghrelin/GHS receptor (GHS-R1a) to stimulate dose-dependent growth hormone release; it also mildly engages prolactin and cortisol pathways. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| GHRP-6 | A synthetic hexapeptide GH secretagogue that binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) to stimulate pulsatile GH release and appetite via central ghrelin signaling. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| HGH 191AA | Recombinant human growth hormone (somatropin), a 191-amino-acid protein identical to endogenous GH, acting on GH receptors to drive IGF-1 production and influence growth, metabolism, and tissue repair. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| Cortagen | A synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) of the Khavinson bioregulator class studied for neuroprotective and neuroregenerative activity, including peripheral nerve repair. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| DSIP | A naturally occurring nonapeptide studied for influence on sleep architecture and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (stress-axis) modulation; its precise receptor targets remain incompletely characterized. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
Attributes shown for research comparison only; not a statement of efficacy or therapeutic equivalence.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Most research-planning protocols start at 500-1,000 mcg (0.5-1 mg) once weekly by subcutaneous injection. Conservative starts are common because the 6-8 day half-life means observed effects can persist for days. This is not a dosing recommendation; see Peptide Dosing Protocols for full reference context.
Estimated half-life is approximately 5.8-8.1 days based on Phase 1 PK data from Teichman et al. (2006). The DAC modification enables albumin binding, which extends activity far beyond CJC-1295 No DAC (about 30 minutes) and native GHRH (about 7 minutes).
Phase 1 data reported growth hormone elevation roughly 2-10 fold for at least 6 days and IGF-1 elevation 1.5-3 fold for 9-11 days from a single dose, with cumulative IGF-1 elevation lasting up to 28 days during weekly dosing. These are trial findings, not promised personal outcomes.
A 10 mg vial reconstituted with 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water yields about 3,333 mcg/mL, where a 1 mg dose equals 30 units on a U-100 syringe. For other BAC water volumes up to 3.0 mL, see the reconstitution table above or use the PepPal calculator .
No. As of June 2026, CJC-1295 with DAC is not FDA-approved. Phase 2 development was discontinued in 2006 after the HIV lipodystrophy trial was halted, and there is no active approval pathway.
Most reported effects include injection-site reactions, flushing, headache, GI symptoms, and water retention. Because the half-life is 6-8 days, adverse effects can persist longer than with shorter-acting GHRH analogs. The 2006 Phase 2 trial was halted after a participant cardiovascular death attributed by the attending physician to pre-existing coronary disease.
Receptor activity is essentially identical because both share the same GHRH-analog core. The DAC version extends the half-life from about 30 minutes to 6-8 days, which enables weekly dosing but produces sustained exposure. No DAC requires daily or multi-daily injections and is easier to titrate quickly. See CJC-1295 No DAC for the daily-dosing comparison.
This page's planning math assumes a 10 mg research vial. At 1 mg per week, a 10 mg vial typically covers about ten weekly doses depending on priming loss and the exact BAC water volume used.
For the 10 mg vial baseline on this page, examples use 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 mL BAC water, with 3.0 mL as the maximum shown. Choose the volume that gives clean U-100 syringe-unit math for the target weekly dose. The PepPal calculator confirms exact draw volumes.
Phase 1 single-dose exposure went up to 250 mcg/kg, and the halted Phase 2 protocol used weekly weight-based dosing up to 240 mcg/kg/week. These ranges are far above the 1-2 mg/week common in research-planning workflows. This is not a dosing recommendation.
Store reconstituted solution refrigerated at 35.6-46.4F (2-8C) and generally use within 3-4 weeks. For longer storage, frozen single-use aliquots at -4F (-20C) are typical to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Published data includes two Phase 1 randomized controlled studies and a pulsatility companion analysis (all 2006), plus the halted Phase 2 HIV lipodystrophy trial NCT00267527. No active modern trials are registered as of June 2026.
Use the PepPal reconstitution calculator for exact dose-to-unit conversions across vial size and BAC water volume.
No. Peptide Dosing Protocols pages are educational research references. CJC-1295 with DAC is investigational and not approved for human use. Consult a qualified clinician before considering any peptide protocol.
Research-use notice
Research Use Only. This educational content and calculation support is intended for private research documentation. It does not provide medical advice, human-use directions, or claims of safety or effectiveness.