CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Stack
Robert
Founder, F*CK Getting Old — independent researcher, not a medical professional.
Last reviewed · 4 cited sources
CJC-1295 (no DAC) and ipamorelin are the most commonly paired growth hormone secretagogues. They work through two different pituitary pathways: CJC-1295 is a GHRH analogue that tells the pituitary to release GH, while ipamorelin acts on the ghrelin receptor, amplifying each GH pulse and suppressing somatostatin, the hormone that turns GH release off.
At a glance
| CJC-1295 (no DAC) | Ipamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | GHRH analogue | Ghrelin-receptor agonist (GHRP) |
| Role in the stack | Sets the GH-release signal | Amplifies the pulse |
| Typical reference dose | 100 mcg, Daily or EOD | 200–300 mcg, Daily or EOD |
| Regulatory status | Off-label | Research |
| Research volume | 2.5/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Human / animal studies | 6 / 15 | 8 / 20 |
Research volume reflects how much research exists, not effectiveness. Doses are commonly reported reference protocols, not recommendations.
Why the two are combined
Giving a GHRH-type compound together with a GHRP-type compound releases more GH than either alone — a synergy that has been demonstrated in controlled human studies using research compounds such as GHRH and GHRP-2. That synergy is the rationale for the stack. Ipamorelin is chosen as the GHRP partner because, in its original pharmacology studies, it raised GH without the cortisol and prolactin increases seen with older GHRPs like GHRP-6 and hexarelin.
The “no DAC” version of CJC-1295 has a short half-life, producing a pulse of GH rather than the continuous elevation caused by the longer-acting DAC version, which is why it is preferred for pairing with ipamorelin.
What the evidence does and doesn’t show
There are no published clinical trials of the CJC-1295 (no DAC) + ipamorelin combination itself. The supporting evidence is indirect: human studies of GHRH–GHRP synergy, the original ipamorelin pharmacology, and a small trial of the long-acting DAC version of CJC-1295 that showed sustained increases in GH and IGF-1 in healthy adults. Neither compound is FDA approved, and claims about fat loss, muscle gain, or anti-aging from this stack come mainly from user reports rather than controlled trials.
Raising GH and IGF-1 is not risk-free. Commonly reported effects include water retention, numbness or tingling in the hands, increased hunger, and changes in blood sugar. People with a history of cancer, diabetes, or pituitary problems should not experiment with GH secretagogues outside medical supervision, and anyone using them should have IGF-1 and fasting glucose monitored.
Frequently asked questions
Why stack CJC-1295 with ipamorelin?
They stimulate GH through two different receptors. Combining a GHRH analogue with a ghrelin-receptor agonist produces a larger GH pulse than either alone, a synergy shown in human research.
What is the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and without DAC?
DAC (drug affinity complex) lets the peptide bind to albumin in the blood, extending its half-life to days and producing a continuous GH elevation. Without DAC, the half-life is around 30 minutes, producing a short pulse closer to natural GH release.
Is the CJC-1295 and ipamorelin stack FDA approved?
No. Neither compound is FDA approved, and there are no clinical trials of the combination.
What should be monitored on a GH secretagogue?
IGF-1 is the standard marker of GH activity, and fasting glucose or HbA1c should be checked because GH can reduce insulin sensitivity.
Sources
- Veldhuis JD, Bowers CY (2009). Determinants of GH-releasing hormone and GH-releasing peptide synergy in men. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. PMID 19240251.
- Raun K et al. (1998). Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. PMID 9849822.
- Teichman SL et al. (2006). Prolonged stimulation of GH and IGF-I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GHRH, in healthy adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. PMID 16352683.
- Dominikowski A et al. (2026). The emerging landscape of performance-enhancing peptides modulating the GH-IGF1 axis. Front Endocrinol. PMID 42395176.
For informational and research purposes only — not medical advice. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, stopping, or combining any of these compounds. See our Terms.