CJC-1295 (No DAC) + Ipamorelin
Combined formula: a GHRH analogue and a growth hormone secretagogue
GHRH is the hormone that triggers growth hormone release; a secretagogue also triggers that release, through another receptor. “No DAC” means without the chemical anchor that would extend the action for several days.
One pen, two pituitary signals: CJC-1295 (No DAC) reproduces GHRH, which permits growth hormone release, and ipamorelin reproduces ghrelin, which triggers it through the GHS-R1a receptor.
As early as 1990, in humans, a GHRH combined with a secretagogue related to ipamorelin released more growth hormone than the sum of the two given separately (Bowers, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism).
It is studied for sleep, recovery and body composition: the largest growth hormone pulse occurs early in deep sleep, and ipamorelin releases GH without a significant rise in cortisol or prolactin (Raun, 1998).
- Half-life
- Thirty minutes for CJC-1295 (No DAC), about two hours for ipamorelin; the growth hormone (GH) pulse occurs within the hour.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection, a single pen for both, timed to align with the natural rhythm.
Technical sheet
- Family
- Combined formula: a GHRH analogue and a growth hormone secretagogue
- Half-life
- Thirty minutes for CJC-1295 (No DAC), about two hours for ipamorelin; the growth hormone (GH) pulse occurs within the hour.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection, a single pen for both, timed to align with the natural rhythm.
- Time to effect
- Sleep and recovery within one to two weeks; body composition over several months, alongside training and protein intake.
- Level of evidence
- Laboratory research : In humans: ipamorelin, and molecules related to CJC-1295 (sermorelin, the version with DAC); for this formula, data are limited.
Chemical identity
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
- Chemical name
- GRF modifié (1-29)
- Form
- Synthetic peptide, values for the base form
Ipamorelin
- Form
- Synthetic peptide, values for the base form
- CAS No.
- 170851-70-4
Salt form: as stated on the lot's certificate of analysis.
Two receptors: GHRH and GHS-R1a
The pituitary gland releases growth hormone in waves, mostly early in the night. GHRH authorizes the release, ghrelin triggers it. CJC-1295 (No DAC) reproduces GHRH, ipamorelin reproduces ghrelin (GHS-R1a receptor).
The two pathways can reinforce each other inside the cell: this has been measured in humans with related molecules, never with this pair.
Why both rather than just one
Somatostatin restrains growth hormone release. CJC-1295 (No DAC) needs the second signal, and the effect of ipamorelin alone is sometimes limited by somatostatin: combining the two signals addresses both limits.
One pulse, then back to baseline
Both act briefly: one pulse, then back to baseline. The body keeps its usual feedback loops (IGF-1, somatostatin), which isn't the case with injected growth hormone.
Studied effects and observed timelines
Sleep: the largest GH pulse occurs early in deep sleep
One to two weeks
Recovery: GH drives the production of IGF-1, which supports muscle protein synthesis
Two to four weeks
Body composition: sermorelin, a related analogue, increased IGF-1 and lean mass (Vittone, 1997)
Several months
Skin and connective tissue: IGF-1 supports collagen production
Several months
What you may feel
- Brief hunger after injection (a ghrelin effect from ipamorelin).
- Flushing, facial redness, mild headache within the hour that follows.
- Mild water retention, tingling in the hands if stimulation is too strong.
- Reaction at the injection site.
Stop and consult if
- Persistent tingling or new joint pain.
- Intense thirst, heavy urination.
- Unusual, recurring headaches.
When to abstain
- Active cancer or a recent history of it (GH and IGF-1 stimulate cell growth).
- Uncontrolled diabetes.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- A known pituitary disorder.
- Minors: growth plates are sensitive to GH.
Anti-doping : Prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (growth hormone-releasing factors and secretagogues, S2).
The effects to watch for, and how to reduce them
This sheet is educational. It replaces neither a diagnosis nor follow-up: for any medical condition, pregnancy, breastfeeding or current medication, talk to a health professional.
- CJC-1295 (No DAC)The first component, available on its own for anyone who wants to adjust each signal separately.
- IpamorelinThe second component, available on its own.
- DSIPDSIP is studied for deep sleep, right where the GH pulse is strongest; no study has tested the combination.
- RetatrutideRetatrutide acts on appetite and blood sugar, the formula on the natural growth hormone pulse: two distinct hormonal axes, paired when the goal is body composition.
- BPC-157BPC-157 acts locally on blood supply and tissue rebuilding, the formula on the growth hormone pulse, which is studied for recovery: two mechanisms that complement rather than duplicate each other.
To avoid
- Exogenous growth hormone: effects add up, natural rhythm lost.
- Another secretagogue or GHRH analogue at the same time: double stimulation of the same receptors.
Ipamorelin has been studied in humans (selective GH release, good tolerability). For the GHRH analogue, the human trials concern related molecules, sermorelin and CJC-1295 with DAC (higher GH and IGF-1, pulsatility preserved).
The amplified effect of GHRH + secretagogue has been documented since the 1990s with the first molecules in these two families; the formula itself has no published trial.
For this exact pair, no trial has measured the combined effect: it rests on the mechanism. Ipamorelin has been studied in humans; CJC-1295 (No DAC) has no published trial of its own.
1990 · Bowers et al., Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
Human volunteers, GHRH and a secretagogue (GHRP-6) alone or together
GH release with both signals combined is markedly higher than the sum of the two separately: the demonstration, in humans, that GHRH and secretagogue complement each other.
2006 · Ionescu and Frohman, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
Human volunteers, CJC-1295 with DAC, GH measured every 10 minutes
CJC-1295 increases the amplitude of GH pulses without changing their frequency: natural pulsatility is preserved.
1999 · Gobburu et al., Pharmaceutical Research
Healthy human volunteers, ipamorelin
Rapid, dose-proportional GH release, good tolerability: the pharmacology of the second component in humans.
One pen, or two separate pens?
The formula keeps it simple: one injection, both signals at the same moment. Separate pens let you adjust each component.
Does it replace training?
No. GH supports recovery and protein synthesis; resistance training and protein provide the stimulus and the amino acids. A body composition goal rests on all three.
Why in the evening?
The largest natural GH pulse occurs in the first hours of deep sleep: an evening injection coincides with it. The protocol provided with the product specifies the timing.
Glossary (5)
- GHRH
- Growth hormone-releasing hormone: the “green light” sent by the hypothalamus.
- Ghrelin
- The hunger hormone, which also triggers the release of growth hormone.
- Somatostatin
- The hormone that puts the brakes on growth hormone release; the “red light.”
- Combined effect
- The effect of two molecules taken together, compared with the sum of their separate effects.
- IGF-1
- A growth factor produced by the liver under the effect of GH; it's the one that acts on muscles and tissues.