CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin

CJC-1295 (in the no-DAC form) is a modified version of the active fragment of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It signals the pituitary to release a growth hormone pulse, then clears within a few hours. Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin-receptor agonist that triggers a parallel pulse on the same pituitary cells.^[1] Together, they produce a larger, sharper GH release than either on its own.

There are two versions of CJC-1295. The DAC version has an albumin-binding tail that extends its half-life to roughly 6 to 8 days, producing a sustained, non-pulsatile elevation of GH and IGF-1.^[2] The no-DAC version clears in about half an hour, which keeps the dosing closer to your body’s natural pulsatile pattern.

We use the no-DAC form on purpose. Pulsatile GH release is the physiology your body already uses, mostly during deep sleep. A sustained DAC-driven floor of GH is a different pharmacologic state, with theoretical concerns about receptor downregulation and disrupted feedback. Whether pulsatile is meaningfully better than sustained at wellness doses isn’t settled by head-to-head trials, but the mechanistic argument is the reason we choose no-DAC.

Bedtime dosing aligns with the body’s natural overnight GH pulse. The 5-on / 2-off rhythm gives the pituitary regular off-days. The 12-on / 4-off cycle preserves responsiveness rather than pushing the system continuously.

Doses are adjusted based on what you’re noticing in training, sleep, and recovery. The cycle structure is the main lever; we adjust if a cycle isn’t doing what you expected, not on a fixed timeline.

Patients who don’t get adequate sleep, who under-eat protein, or who skip training sessions usually don’t see much from this protocol. The peptide layer assumes the basics are already in place.

Most patients on CJC-1295 / ipamorelin are also working on the basics elsewhere. This protocol is often used to supplement other services like testosterone replacement, medical weight management, and the GLP-1 program.