CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin Stack
PerformanceAlso known as: CJC-1295 Ipamorelin, Mod GRF 1-29 Ipamorelin, CJC Ipa stack, CJC-1295 without DAC with Ipamorelin, GHRH GHRP combination
Neither CJC-1295 nor Ipamorelin are FDA-approved for human use outside of diagnostic testing contexts. All information is aggregated from preclinical research and community experience. For research and informational purposes only.
Overview
The CJC-1295 (without DAC) and Ipamorelin combination is the most widely researched and community-validated growth hormone secretagogue stack. By pairing a GHRH analog with a selective GHRP, the two peptides act synergistically — producing GH pulses significantly larger than either compound alone, while maintaining a physiological pulse pattern and minimal side effects.
Research Summary
CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) stimulates GHRH receptors on the pituitary, increasing the amplitude of GH pulses. Ipamorelin independently triggers GH release via the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) with high selectivity — minimal cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone co-elevation. The combination exploits two separate receptor pathways to produce synergistic GH output. Animal and human studies on each compound individually confirm GH and IGF-1 elevation. The combination is extrapolated from mechanistic research and is the most studied protocol in the peptide research community.
Dosing Range
low
100mcg each
moderate
200mcg each
high
300mcg each
Units: mcg · Frequency: once daily before sleep (or 2–3x daily for more aggressive protocols)
Dosing ranges are aggregated from preclinical research and community protocols. Not medical dosing guidance.
Administration Routes
Reconstitution Notes
Reconstitute each peptide separately with bacteriostatic water. Standard concentration: 2mg per 2mL BAC water (1mcg/µL). Can be drawn into the same syringe immediately before injection. Store each vial refrigerated at 2–8°C. Stable 28–30 days reconstituted.Step-by-step reconstitution guide →
Reported Side Effects
- Water retention (mild, common)
- Tingling or numbness in hands/feet (transient)
- Headache (usually first 1–2 weeks)
- Fatigue or increased sleepiness (often desired at night dose)
- Increased appetite (mild — less than GHRP-6)
- Flushing (mild, transient)
Research Papers
Community Experiences
Aggregated from public forums. Anecdotal — not clinical evidence.
Extensive community logs on CJC-1295/Ipamorelin protocols, results, and dosing variations.
View original threadWhy This Stack Exists
Growth hormone release from the pituitary is controlled by two main signals:
- GHRH (Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone): sets the amplitude of GH pulses
- Ghrelin / GHRPs: sets the timing and further amplifies GH pulse magnitude
Using both simultaneously exploits two separate, complementary receptor pathways. The result is GH pulse amplitudes significantly larger than either peptide produces alone — while still being tied to the body's natural pulsatile release pattern rather than producing a flat, constant GH level.
Why CJC-1295 Without DAC
CJC-1295 comes in two forms:
| Version | Half-life | Dosing | Notes | |---------|-----------|--------|-------| | With DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) | ~6–8 days | Twice weekly | Constant GH elevation, less physiological | | Without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) | ~30 minutes | Daily, pre-sleep | Mimics natural pulse timing |
For the CJC/Ipa stack, the without DAC version is preferred because it creates an acute pulse aligned with the Ipamorelin injection — mimicking the natural GH burst that occurs during deep sleep. The DAC version blunts the pulse pattern and increases risk of receptor desensitization over time.
Why Ipamorelin Specifically
Among GHRPs, Ipamorelin has the best selectivity profile:
| GHRP | GH Release | Cortisol | Prolactin | Appetite | |------|-----------|----------|-----------|---------| | GHRP-6 | ↑↑↑ | ↑↑ | ↑ | ↑↑↑ | | GHRP-2 | ↑↑↑ | ↑↑ | ↑↑ | ↑↑ | | Ipamorelin | ↑↑↑ | ↔ | ↔ | ↑ | | Hexarelin | ↑↑↑↑ | ↑↑↑ | ↑↑ | ↑↑ |
Ipamorelin delivers strong GH release without the cortisol or prolactin co-elevation that compromises body composition goals and recovery.
Standard Protocol
Beginner (once daily):
- 100mcg CJC-1295 w/o DAC + 100mcg Ipamorelin
- Administered 30–60 minutes before sleep
- Fasted state preferred (no food 2 hours prior)
- Cycle: 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
Intermediate (twice daily):
- 200mcg CJC-1295 w/o DAC + 200mcg Ipamorelin
- Pre-sleep dose + optional morning/pre-workout dose
- Same fasted administration rule applies
What to Expect (Research Context)
Based on aggregated community data and individual compound research:
- Sleep quality: Frequently reported improvement, particularly deep sleep stages (weeks 1–3)
- Recovery: Improved tissue recovery and reduced soreness (weeks 2–6)
- Body composition: Gradual lean mass improvements and mild fat reduction (weeks 6–12)
- Skin and connective tissue: Hair, nail, and skin quality improvements reported by many (weeks 8+)
All of the above reflects community-aggregated anecdotal data, not clinical endpoints.
Stacking Further
CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is often used as the GH foundation layer in broader research stacks:
- + BPC-157: For injury recovery and gut health
- + GHK-Cu: For skin and connective tissue
- + TB-500: For systemic healing support
- + Retatrutide: Not typically combined — Retatrutide has its own metabolic goals
See individual peptide profiles for more on each component.
Want to calculate your dose? Use the dosing calculator →