Peptides: Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 Stack Reference Card

The ipamorelin + CJC-1295 no-DAC combination is the most widely used GH peptide stack in research and performance contexts. Its popularity derives from a combination of strong mechanistic rationale, acceptable individual safety profiles, and the selectivity advantages of ipamorelin (minimal cortisol/prolactin elevation) paired with the pulsatile GH amplification of CJC-1295 no-DAC (Mod GRF 1-29).

The synergy mechanism is straightforward: ipamorelin activates GHSR-1a (the ghrelin receptor) on pituitary somatotrophs, while CJC-1295 no-DAC simultaneously activates GHRH-R (the GHRH receptor) on the same cells. These are different receptors with different downstream signaling cascades, both converging on GH granule release — the combined signal produces a GH pulse approximately 3–4× greater than either compound alone (extrapolated from PMID 16368745; PMID 9861545).

No direct human RCT has studied this exact pair. The stack evidence is Grade C (extrapolated mechanistic), while individual components carry Grade B (human pharmacokinetic data).

Protocol Reference Card

Component	Dose	Timing	Route	Cycle	Notes
Ipamorelin	200–300mcg	2–3× daily; pre-sleep preferred	Subcut (abdomen/flank)	12 weeks on	Inject simultaneously with CJC-1295 no-DAC; separate syringes
CJC-1295 no-DAC (Mod GRF 1-29)	100–200mcg	Same injection session as ipamorelin	Subcut	12 weeks on	MUST be no-DAC form; do not substitute DAC form
Off-cycle break	—	—	—	4 weeks minimum	Allow axis recalibration; assess IGF-1 levels if monitoring bloods

Injection Timing Guide

Time of Day	Food Status	Rationale	Practical Notes
Pre-sleep (optimal)	Fasted ≥2 hours; no food 30–60 min post-injection	Aligns with natural sleep-onset GH pulse; longest fasted window of day	Most effective injection; set alarm if needed to inject 20–30 min before sleep
Fasted morning	8–12 hours fasted (overnight); no food for 30 min after	Low somatostatin from overnight fast; second-best window	Inject on waking; wait 30–60 min before breakfast
Pre-workout fasted	≥2 hours post-last-meal; pre-training	Exercise amplifies GH response; fasted state reduces somatostatin	Works well for morning trainers; less optimal for evening fed-state training
Post-workout fed	Within 1 hour of high-carb meal	Elevated insulin maximizes somatostatin — strongly blunts GH response	Not recommended; reduces effectiveness by 50–75%

Why the CJC-1295 No-DAC Form Is Essential

Using CJC-1295 with DAC instead of no-DAC fundamentally changes this protocol. The DAC form’s 6–8 day half-life creates continuous GHRH-R stimulation, blunting the pulsatile GH pattern. The no-DAC form has a ~30-minute half-life that clears between doses, preserving the 2–3× daily pulsatile pattern. The entire protocol design — injecting at specific times in a fasted state — is built around pulsatile GH release. Using the DAC form removes this logic and transforms the protocol into a continuous GH elevation approach with different pharmacological effects.

Cycling and Receptor Desensitization

The 12-weeks-on / 4-weeks-off cycle structure is designed to prevent GHSR and GHRH-R downregulation. Continuous agonist exposure leads to receptor internalization and desensitization. After 12 weeks of twice or thrice-daily dosing, GH pulse amplitude typically begins to attenuate. The 4-week off-cycle allows receptor recycling and axis normalization before the next cycle.

Legal Status

Jurisdiction	Status	Schedule	Notes
USA	Both research chemicals	Neither scheduled	Both WADA prohibited (S2); not FDA-approved
UK	Neither scheduled	None	Legal to possess; both WADA prohibited under UKAD rules
Australia	Both prescription restricted	Both Schedule 4 (TGA)	Both ASADA prohibited for competitive athletes
Canada	Both gray market	No schedule	No approved DINs; both WADA prohibited
EU	Both generally unscheduled	Varies by country	No EMA approval; both WADA prohibited