CJC-1295 (With DAC) + Ipamorelin
A research overview of the combination of CJC-1295 with DAC and ipamorelin for sustained GH elevation through complementary receptor pathways. The DAC albumin-binding modification extends half-life to 6-8 days, enabling weekly dosing. This stack is pharmacokinetically distinct from the no-DAC formulation.
Science simplified
The GH Convenience Stack pairs CJC-1295 with DAC and Ipamorelin, the longer-acting version of the GH Optimization Stack. CJC-1295 with DAC has a half-life of approximately 8 days allowing once or twice weekly dosing instead of daily. Ipamorelin provides the selective GH pulse on top of the sustained GHRH baseline. This combination trades the natural pulsatile pattern of the no-DAC version for convenience and sustained GH elevation. Human pharmacokinetic data exists for both individually but no combination outcomes trials have been conducted.
Best researched for
GH elevation · convenient dosing · hormone optimization
Evidence stage
Individual PK data · no combination outcomes trials
Approval status
Neither compound FDA-approved · research use only
Sustained
GH Release Pattern
6-8 days
Half-life (with DAC)
None
Combination Trial Data
Weekly
Dosing Frequency
PSI Verdict
Supported by evidence
CJC-1295 DAC and Ipamorelin target GH release through complementary receptor pathways. CJC-1295 acts on GHRH receptors while Ipamorelin acts on ghrelin receptors. The combination produces sustained GH elevation through two independent mechanisms, and both compounds have documented human pharmacokinetic profiles. The DAC modification extends CJC-1295 half-life significantly, producing more stable GH elevation than the No-DAC version.
Not yet established
Elevated GH and IGF-1 are intermediate endpoints, not clinical outcomes. Human evidence connecting sustained GH elevation via this stack to meaningful improvements in body composition, recovery, or aging markers is essentially absent. The DAC modification that extends half-life also reduces the pulsatile nature of GH release, which may have physiological trade-offs not yet characterized.
Confidence level
This is the most pharmacokinetically rational GH secretagogue stack in this library. Two compounds with complementary mechanisms and cleaner side effect profiles than older GHRPs. Whether optimized GH release translates to outcomes that matter is a question the evidence has not answered for any GH secretagogue stack.
Stack Rationale
DAC mechanism: CJC-1295 with DAC uses a maleimide conjugation to bind serum albumin after injection, extending the half-life from approximately 30 minutes (without DAC) to 6-8 days. This albumin binding produces sustained GH elevation rather than a discrete pulsatile release, enabling weekly dosing instead of multiple daily injections.
Dual pathway stimulation: CJC-1295 with DAC activates GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotrophs. Ipamorelin activates GHS-R1a ghrelin receptors through a separate and complementary pathway. When both pathways are active, GH release is synergistically amplified beyond what either compound produces alone.
Sustained vs pulsatile: The sustained GH elevation produced by the DAC formulation differs fundamentally from the pulsatile pattern of the no-DAC version. Endogenous GH release is pulsatile. Sustained elevation is pharmacologically convenient but less physiologically similar to natural GH secretion. This distinction has potential implications for receptor desensitization and downstream IGF-1 kinetics that are not fully characterized.
Important limitation: No clinical or preclinical studies have evaluated CJC-1295 with DAC and ipamorelin in combination. The dual-pathway rationale is pharmacologically sound but has not been validated in outcomes trials. Phase II data for CJC-1295 DAC confirms hormone elevation but not clinical outcomes in healthy adults.
In everyday terms: The DAC version of CJC-1295 attaches to blood proteins which extends its half-life from about 30 minutes to approximately 8 days. This means instead of daily dosing you only need to inject once or twice a week. The tradeoff is a sustained GH elevation rather than the sharper natural pulse pattern of the no-DAC version. Ipamorelin is added on top to provide additional selective GH pulses between the longer-acting CJC-1295 doses.
Compound Profiles
A modified GRF(1-29) peptide with a DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) maleimide group that binds serum albumin after injection, extending half-life to 6-8 days. Phase II human pharmacokinetic data confirmed 2-10 fold GH elevation sustained for 6-8 days following a single injection. Activates GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs. The most pharmacokinetically characterized research GHRH analog with human data. Development program currently inactive.
A pentapeptide ghrelin mimetic that selectively activates GHS-R1a receptors. Distinguished from other GHRPs by its selectivity, it does not elevate cortisol, ACTH, or prolactin at research doses. Half-life approximately 2 hours. Complements CJC-1295 with DAC by amplifying GH release through the ghrelin pathway simultaneously with sustained GHRH pathway activation.
Pharmacokinetic Comparison
| Dimension | CJC-1295 With DAC | Ipamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Receptor target | GHRH-R (pituitary) | GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) |
| Half-life | 6-8 days | ~2 hours |
| GH release pattern | Sustained elevation | Pulse amplification |
| Dosing frequency | Weekly | 2-3x daily |
| Human PK data | Phase II confirmed | Limited |
| Evidence level | Human Trials | Animal Studies |
DAC vs No DAC. Key Differences
This stack uses CJC-1295 with DAC, a pharmacokinetically distinct formulation from CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29). These are not interchangeable. The differences are mechanistically meaningful, not merely cosmetic.
| Dimension | With DAC (this stack) | No DAC |
|---|---|---|
| Half-life | 6-8 days | ~30 minutes |
| GH pattern | Sustained elevation | Pulsatile, mimics endogenous GHRH |
| Dosing | Weekly injection | Multiple daily injections |
| User involvement | Low, weekly dosing | High, timing-dependent |
| Physiologic mimicry | Lower, sustained flat elevation | Higher, pulsatile pattern |
A detailed comparison of the pulsatile formulation is available in the CJC-1295 no DAC + Ipamorelin stack overview.
Evidence Summary
What people commonly research this for
- , Sustained GH elevation with convenient once or twice weekly dosing
- , Body composition and hormone optimization research
- , Lower frequency protocol alternative to daily GH peptide dosing
Human pharmacokinetic data exists for both compounds individually. No combination outcomes trials exist. Not FDA-approved.
Individual Compound Evidence
CJC-1295 with DAC has Phase II human pharmacokinetic data confirming 2-10 fold GH elevation sustained for 6-8 days following a single injection. This is the most pharmacokinetically characterized research GHRH analog. Ipamorelin is rated Animal Studies with limited human pharmacokinetic data and a strong preclinical selectivity profile. Neither compound has published clinical outcomes data for body composition, performance, or anti-aging in healthy adults.
Combination Evidence
No controlled studies have evaluated CJC-1295 with DAC and ipamorelin in combination. The dual-pathway rationale is pharmacologically supported but the combination has not been tested in outcomes trials. GH elevation from this stack is a theoretical extrapolation from the individual compound profiles.
Safety Considerations
Known Individual Profiles
Phase II CJC-1295 DAC data reported mild injection site reactions and transient flushing with no serious adverse events. Ipamorelin is distinguished by its selectivity, no cortisol, ACTH, or prolactin elevation at research doses. Long-term sustained IGF-1 elevation carries epidemiological cancer risk considerations that have not been resolved in controlled trials for this compound class.
Combination Safety. Unknown
No safety data exists for the combination. The sustained nature of GH elevation with DAC (compared to the pulsatile pattern without DAC) raises additional theoretical considerations regarding receptor desensitization and prolonged IGF-1 exposure that are not characterized for this specific protocol.
Research Context
Full compound profiles: CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin.
The no-DAC formulation stack (with pulsatile pharmacokinetics and multiple daily dosing) is reviewed in the CJC-1295 no DAC + Ipamorelin stack.
A structured overview of all GH axis peptides by evidence level is available in the best peptides for hormone optimization roundup.
The broader GH axis research context is covered in the GH axis and hormone optimization overview.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are research compounds not approved for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional. PSI aggregates publicly available research and does not conduct original clinical trials.