Apex Research Reference
CJC-1295 NO DAC
Modified GRF(1-29) — Short-Acting GHRH Analog for Pulsatile GH Release
GHRH ANALOG GH PULSE ANTI-AGING RECOVERY BODY RECOMP PULSATILE
01 / IDENTITY

Compound Profile

29
AMINO ACIDS
~3.4
kDa MW
SC
ROUTE
~30 min
HALF-LIFE
CLASSIFICATION
Modified GRF(1-29) — the first 29 amino acids of human GHRH, with 4 amino acid substitutions for stability: Ala2→D-Ala, Gln8→Ala, Ala15→Ala, Leu27→Norleucine. These changes resist enzymatic degradation while maintaining full GHRH receptor (GHRHR) binding affinity.
MECHANISM
Binds GHRH receptor (GHRHR) on somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary → stimulates GH synthesis and release. Works at the hypothalamic-pituitary axis level — the upstream signal in the GH cascade. Short half-life (30 min) produces a clean, sharp GH pulse that closely mimics natural GHRH signaling.
NO DAC vs. WITH DAC
No DAC (this compound): 30-min half-life → pulsatile GH release → physiological pattern → preferred for anti-aging and performance

With DAC: 6-8 day half-life → sustained bleed of GH → non-pulsatile → less preferred for long-term use
VIAL SIZE
10mg lyophilized powder (standalone)
// WHY NO DAC IS SUPERIOR FOR MOST USERS
CJC-1295 No DAC
• Pulsatile GH release
• Mimics natural GH rhythm
• Preserves pituitary sensitivity
• Daily dosing control
• Used with Ipamorelin for synergy
• Preferred in anti-aging medicine
CJC-1295 With DAC
• Sustained GH elevation
• Weekly dosing (convenient)
• Possible receptor blunting
• Less physiological pattern
• Less control over GH levels
• Harder to stack precisely
02 / RESEARCH HISTORY

Development Timeline

1982
Human GHRH identified and sequenced. GHRH(1-44) is the full-length hormone; GHRH(1-29) is the minimally active fragment that retains full GH-releasing potency. This 29-amino-acid fragment (Sermorelin/GRF 1-29) enters clinical development as a GH deficiency treatment.
1998–2004
ConjuChem (Canada) develops CJC series — modified GRF(1-29) analogs with enhanced stability. The 4-amino-acid substitutions of CJC-1295 increase half-life from 7 minutes (native GHRH) to 30 minutes (no DAC version), solving the rapid degradation problem without fundamentally changing the pulsatile release pattern.
2006
Human Phase II trial published for CJC-1295 with DAC (the long-acting version). Results demonstrate 2–10× increase in mean 24-hour GH levels and 3–4× increase in IGF-1 over baseline. Demonstrates potent GH axis stimulation in humans. No DAC variant studied in parallel for pulsatile dosing protocols.
2008–2016
Performance medicine and anti-aging clinic community establishes CJC-1295 no DAC + Ipamorelin as the reference combination protocol. The pairing — GHRH analog (upstream signal) + GHSR-1a agonist (direct pituitary signal) — produces synergistic GH pulses 2–4× greater than either alone. Becomes the most prescribed GH peptide combination in functional medicine.
2024
FDA issues advisory on compounded GHRPs and GHRH analogs, citing significant clinical use in anti-aging medicine. Clinical experience with CJC-1295/Ipamorelin combinations spans well over a decade with excellent real-world safety data from functional medicine physicians.
03 / BENEFITS

Primary Effects

01
Amplified GH Pulse — GHRH Pathway
CJC-1295 no DAC activates the GHRH receptor — the primary upstream signal for GH synthesis and release. When combined with Ipamorelin (which activates the ghrelin receptor pathway), both major GH secretion pathways are simultaneously activated, producing GH pulses 2–4× larger than either agent alone. This dual-pathway activation is the most physiologically appropriate GH optimization strategy.
02
IGF-1 Elevation — Downstream Anabolic Effect
Each GH pulse triggers liver IGF-1 synthesis. With CJC-1295 no DAC administered 1–3× daily, IGF-1 levels progressively normalize to upper-normal ranges over 4–8 weeks. IGF-1 is responsible for most of GH's anabolic effects: muscle protein synthesis, fat mobilization, connective tissue repair, and cognitive enhancement.
03
Body Recomposition
GH-driven lipolysis + IGF-1-driven muscle protein synthesis = simultaneous fat reduction and lean mass increase. This is the defining benefit of sustained GH optimization — unlike pure caloric restriction (which loses lean mass) or pure muscle-building (which adds fat), optimized GH/IGF-1 uniquely enables true body recomposition.
04
Recovery & Tissue Repair
GH is the body's primary repair hormone. It drives collagen synthesis in tendons, ligaments, and muscle fascia; promotes cartilage repair; and accelerates wound healing. Athletes on CJC/Ipamorelin protocols consistently report faster recovery between training sessions, reduced joint pain, and improved resilience to injury.
05
Sleep Quality & Restoration
GH is predominantly secreted during slow-wave sleep. Elevating GH pulsatility at bedtime deepens SWS and amplifies the natural nocturnal GH pulse. The feedback is bidirectional — better sleep increases GH, higher GH improves sleep quality. CJC/Ipamorelin administered before bed creates a self-reinforcing sleep-recovery cycle.
06
Anti-Aging — Somatopause Reversal
Somatopause (age-related GH decline) drives increased visceral fat, decreased lean mass, worsened sleep, reduced skin quality, lower energy, and cognitive decline. CJC-1295 no DAC + Ipamorelin is the most evidence-based approach to reversing somatopause — restoring GH/IGF-1 to physiologically younger ranges without exogenous GH's side effects.
04 / RECONSTITUTION

Preparation Protocol

// 10MG VIAL — STANDARD RECONSTITUTION
10,000 mcg ÷ 300 units BAC water = 33.3 mcg per unit
Add 3.0 mL (300 units) bacteriostatic water to 10mg lyophilized vial.
TARGET DOSE UNITS TO DRAW VOLUME NOTE
LOW100 mcg 3 units 0.03 mL Entry dose; women / first use
STANDARD200 mcg 6 units 0.06 mL Standard dose — matches Ipamorelin 200mcg
HIGH300 mcg 9 units 0.09 mL Upper range; strong GH pulse
Storage: Lyophilized — refrigerate (2–8°C), protect from light. Reconstituted: refrigerate, use within 30 days.
Blend Option: CJC-1295 no DAC is available as a standalone 10mg vial OR pre-blended with Ipamorelin in a 5mg blend vial (2.5mg each). The blend vial is more convenient for the standard combined protocol — see CJC/IPA Blend reference page.
05 / DOSING PROTOCOL

Administration Guide

PROTOCOL DOSE TIMING FREQUENCY CONTEXT
STANDARD 200 mcg SC Bedtime fasted Daily With Ipamorelin — bedtime GH protocol
2× DAILY 200 mcg SC AM + Bedtime (fasted) 2×/day Accelerated body recomp, performance
3× DAILY 200 mcg SC AM + pre-WO + Bedtime 3×/day Maximum GH optimization; intensive protocols
Always combine with Ipamorelin: CJC-1295 no DAC alone produces a moderate GH response. Combined with Ipamorelin, the dual-pathway synergy produces dramatically amplified GH pulses. They should be injected simultaneously in the same SC injection (mix in one syringe or inject side by side).
FASTED STATE MANDATORY: Both CJC-1295 no DAC and Ipamorelin require a fasted state for maximum effect. Insulin inhibits GH release at the pituitary level. Minimum 2 hours post-meal. Bedtime (3+ hours after dinner) is optimal.
06 / TIMING

Administration Timing

PRIMARY WINDOW
Bedtime, fasted (2+ hours after last meal). Syncs with natural nocturnal GH pulse. Deepens slow-wave sleep. Combined with Ipamorelin for maximum GH amplitude.
SECONDARY WINDOW
Morning fasted (before breakfast). Adds a second GH pulse point for body recomposition protocols. Do NOT inject within 1 hour of eating — insulin will blunt the GH response.
HALF-LIFE IMPLICATION
30-minute half-life means the GH pulse from a single dose lasts ~2–3 hours. This pulsatile pattern is physiologically superior to sustained GH elevation — preserves receptor sensitivity and mirrors natural GH secretion.
POST-INJECTION EATING
Wait 30–60 minutes after injection before eating (allow peak GH pulse to occur in the fasted state). Then have your post-workout/post-pulse meal to deliver substrates for GH-driven protein synthesis.
07 / BIOMARKERS

Monitoring Panel

// GH AXIS — PRIMARY EFFICACY MARKERS
MARKERTESTCLINICAL RANGEOPTIMAL ON CJC/IPA
IGF-1Primary GH Axis Marker AM fasting serum CLINAge-dependent (70–250 ng/mL typical adult range) OPT200–300 ng/mL — upper-normal for age; measure monthly
IGFBP-3IGF Carrier Protein Serum CLIN1.6–6.1 mg/L OPTRising trend with treatment — rises proportionally with IGF-1
Fasting GlucoseGH-Insulin Interaction AM fasting CLIN70–99 mg/dL NOTEMonitor — elevated GH can mildly increase fasting glucose in some users
// BODY COMPOSITION TRACKING
MARKERMETHODBASELINEEXPECTED AT 3 MONTHS
DEXA ScanFat Mass / Lean Mass DEXA imaging BASEPre-cycle EXP−2–5 lbs fat mass; +1–3 lbs lean mass
Visceral Fat (VAT)Abdominal Fat DEXA or CT scan BASEPre-cycle EXPMeasurable reduction — GH preferentially mobilizes visceral fat
08 / CYCLE PROTOCOL

Recommended Cycle

3–6
MONTHS ACTIVE
Daily
FREQUENCY
4–8
WEEKS OFF
Bedtime
INJECTION TIME
Standard Protocol: CJC-1295 no DAC 200mcg + Ipamorelin 200mcg SC bedtime fasted, daily. Check IGF-1 at weeks 4 and 12. Adjust dose (up to 300mcg each) if IGF-1 hasn't reached target range. Most users see optimal IGF-1 range reached by week 6–8.
Performance Protocol (2–3× daily): Same dose (200mcg each) but morning + bedtime (or AM + pre-workout + bedtime). Multiple pulse points elevate mean 24-hour GH and IGF-1 more dramatically. Reserved for active athletes prioritizing body recomposition.
Off Cycle: 4–8 weeks off after each 3–6 month cycle. Pituitary somatotroph sensitivity is preserved with cycling. Many long-term users run 5–6 months on / 4–6 weeks off indefinitely — supported by the compound's safety profile and long clinical experience in functional medicine.
Research Compound Notice: CJC-1295 has been studied in human Phase II trials with demonstrated GH/IGF-1 elevation and favorable safety data. Not FDA-approved. Widely used in compounded form through anti-aging and functional medicine physicians. Monitor IGF-1 and fasting glucose during use. Not for use in active cancer. Consult a qualified healthcare provider.