Compounded (503A/503B)Also: Mod GRF 1-29 (no-DAC version), CJC-1295 DAC, CJC-1295 No DAC

CJC-1295 Dosage Chart

With-DAC vs no-DAC protocols, common pairing with ipamorelin, and reconstitution math for the 2 mg vial.

Written by
Megan Williams
Editor-in-Chief
Reviewed by
Brian Williams
Co-founder & Research Editor
Last updated
April 25, 2026

Educational tool — not medical advice. This calculator provides estimates based on population averages and published trial data. Outputs are not clinical recommendations and do not replace evaluation by a qualified prescriber. Do not start, stop, or change a peptide therapy based on the result of this tool.

CJC-1295 is a long-acting growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog. It comes in two forms: 'with DAC' (Drug Affinity Complex — long half-life, sustained GH elevation) and 'no DAC' (also called Mod GRF 1-29 — short half-life, used to mimic natural pulsatile GH release). Most experienced clinicians prefer the no-DAC version paired with ipamorelin to preserve the pulsatile GH pattern that is thought to be more physiologic.

CJC-1295 at a Glance

With DAC — typical dose1–2 mg subQ, 1–2× per week
No DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) — typical dose100 mcg subQ, 1–3× per day
Common pairingNo-DAC CJC-1295 + ipamorelin (typically 100 mcg of each)
Cycle length8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
Best timingPre-bed (90+ minutes after last meal) and/or fasted morning
FDA statusNot FDA-approved. Compounded; original DAC version was studied in Phase 1/2 trials but development was discontinued.
Source qualityLimited human pharmacokinetic data. Most protocols are practitioner-derived.

CJC-1295 Reconstitution Chart

How vial size, bacteriostatic water volume, and insulin-syringe units convert for CJC-1295. Use this to translate a prescribed mcg or mg dose into a syringe measurement.

Vial sizeBac waterConcentrationDose → insulin-syringe units (U-100)
2 mg (no DAC)2 mL1 mg/mL (100 mcg per 0.1 mL)
  • 100 mcg10 units
  • 200 mcg20 units
2 mg (with DAC)2 mL1 mg/mL
  • 1 mg100 units (1 mL)
  • 2 mg200 units (2 mL — full vial)
5 mg (combination CJC/ipamorelin blend)2.5 mL2 mg/mL combined
  • 200 mcg combined10 units
  • 300 mcg combined15 units

U-100 syringe reference: 100 units = 1.0 mL. So 10 units = 0.1 mL, 25 units = 0.25 mL, 50 units = 0.5 mL. Pre-mixed CJC-1295 + ipamorelin blend vials are common at compounding pharmacies — confirm the per-component concentration on your label before drawing.

CJC-1295 Dosing by Use Case

Commonly cited protocols vary by what CJC-1295 is being used for. The table below summarizes typical ranges reported in clinical practice and published literature.

Use caseTypical doseFrequencyCycle lengthNotes
Pulsatile GH support (no-DAC, with ipamorelin)100 mcg CJC-1295 + 100 mcg ipamorelinPre-bed, 5–7 nights per week8–12 weeksDefault 'CJC/Ipa' protocol. Mimics natural overnight GH pulse.
Multi-dose pulsatile (no-DAC, athletic or aggressive)100 mcg CJC-1295 + 100 mcg ipamorelin2–3× daily (AM fasted, post-workout, pre-bed)8–12 weeksStronger combined GH exposure; more compliance burden.
Sustained GH elevation (with DAC)1–2 mg CJC-1295 with DAC1–2× per week8–12 weeksNon-pulsatile; many clinicians avoid this approach because it deviates from physiologic GH release.

Stacking CJC-1295

The dominant CJC-1295 protocol is the no-DAC version paired with ipamorelin. The pairing is so common that compounding pharmacies often supply pre-mixed CJC/Ipa blend vials. CJC-1295 with DAC is rarely stacked with ipamorelin because the sustained CJC activity defeats the pulsatile pattern that ipamorelin contributes.

Use with caution

CJC-1295 is generally well-tolerated at typical doses, but the with-DAC version raises concerns about non-physiologic sustained GH elevation.

  • Common side effects: injection-site reactions, mild fluid retention, transient flushing or headache, vivid dreams.
  • With-DAC concern: sustained, non-pulsatile GH elevation is not how the body normally releases GH. Long-term implications are not well-studied.
  • Theoretical concern with chronic GH elevation: insulin resistance, water retention, possible facilitation of cancer growth in patients with malignancy. Not unique to CJC-1295 — applies to all GH-releasing peptides.
  • Original CJC-1295 with DAC clinical development was discontinued; subsequent human safety data is limited.
Do not use if
  • Active or recent malignancy
  • Untreated hyperglycemia or poorly controlled diabetes
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Children or adolescents (use only under specialist supervision for diagnosed GH deficiency)

CJC-1295 Dosing FAQ

DAC stands for Drug Affinity Complex, a chemical modification that extends the half-life from minutes to roughly 6–8 days. With-DAC produces sustained GH elevation; no-DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) acts in short pulses similar to natural GHRH. Most clinicians prefer no-DAC because pulsatile GH release matches normal physiology.

CJC-1295 stimulates GH release via GHRH receptors; ipamorelin stimulates the same release via the ghrelin receptor. The two pathways are synergistic — combined dosing produces a larger GH pulse than either alone, while ipamorelin selectively avoids cortisol and prolactin release that other GH secretagogues can trigger.

Pre-bed dosing (90+ minutes after the last meal, ideally on an empty stomach) is the most common single-dose schedule because it aligns with the natural overnight GH pulse during deep sleep. Multi-dose protocols add a fasted morning dose and/or post-workout dose.

Sleep quality and recovery improvements are commonly reported within 2–4 weeks. Body composition changes (lean mass, fat loss) typically take 8–12 weeks. Anti-aging or skin changes are reported over 3–6 months. None of these are clinically validated outcomes — they are practitioner-reported and patient-reported.

Sources

Related Dosage Charts

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Mechanism, clinical evidence, side effects, costs, and provider listings for CJC-1295 therapy.

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any peptide therapy treatment.