CJC-1295 with DAC vs Hexarelin
Long-acting growth hormone releaser that works around the clock to boost your body's natural GH production with just one or two injections per week.
A powerful synthetic growth hormone secretagogue that tells your pituitary gland to release more growth hormone—plus it has remarkable heart-protective properties that make it stand out from other GH-boosting peptides.
Written by Michael Carroll — Owner, Director of Research · Reviewed by the Peptide Initiative Research Team · Editorial standards
Quick comparison
Dose range
CJC-1295 with DAC
2–2 mg
Hexarelin
1.5–3 mcg/kg
Frequency
CJC-1295 with DAC
Twice weekly
Hexarelin
Once daily
Administration
CJC-1295 with DAC
Subcutaneous injection
Hexarelin
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle length
CJC-1295 with DAC
8-12 weeks
Hexarelin
8-12 weeks
Onset speed
CJC-1295 with DAC
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Hexarelin
Rapid (hours to days)
Evidence level
CJC-1295 with DAC
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Hexarelin
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Benefit ratings
GH Elevation
Convenience
Recovery Support
GH Release
Heart Health
Body Composition
Compound specifications
CJC-1295 with DAC
Molecular formula
C165H269N47O46
Molecular weight
3647.28 g/mol
Half-life
6-8 days
Bioavailability
~100% (subcutaneous)
CAS number
863288-34-0
Hexarelin
Molecular formula
C47H58N12O6
Molecular weight
887.04 g/mol
Half-life
55-70 minutes
Bioavailability
High when injected subcutaneously
CAS number
140703-51-1
Dosing compared
CJC-1295 with DAC
Subcutaneous
1 mg (1000 mcg)
Once weekly · 2-4 weeks
A starting dose used in practice. The DAC version is long-acting (about a 6-8 day half-life), so weekly dosing keeps growth hormone and IGF-1 raised. In the Phase 1 trial a single dose raised GH for 6+ days and IGF-1 for up to 11 days. [2]
2 mg (2000 mcg)
Once weekly (or split twice weekly) · 8-12 weeks
The common maintenance dose, roughly in line with the 30-60 mcg/kg weekly range studied in the Phase 1 trial. [1][2] In the ascending-dose trials, single injections raised mean GH 2- to 10-fold for six or more days and IGF-I 1.5- to 3-fold for 9-11 days; 30 and 60 µg/kg doses were the best tolerated [2].
2 mg per dose
Twice weekly · 8-12 weeks
A higher total weekly amount split into two doses, used by experienced users; near the top of the 30-60 mcg/kg weekly range from the clinical study. [2]
Hexarelin
Subcutaneous
1.5-3 mcg/kg (approx. 100-200 mcg); ~100 mcg per injection in practice
Single dose in trials; 1-3 times daily in research practice · Acute test or open-ended practice use
Trial-validated subcutaneous GH-releasing doses of 1.5-3 mcg/kg in healthy volunteers [6]; the ~100 mcg fixed-dose practice figure aligns with the lower 1.5 mcg/kg trial dose.
Intravenous
1-2 mcg/kg (2 mcg/kg is maximally effective)
Single administration · Acute GH provocation
Trial-established near-maximal GH-releasing intravenous dose; produced a larger GH rise than equimolar GHRH in 12 healthy young volunteers [6].
Best suited for
CJC-1295 with DAC
Growth Hormone Optimization
CJC-1295 with DAC excels at providing a sustained, steady elevation of growth hormone levels. Unlike shorter-acting peptides that create brief spikes, the DAC modification keeps GH elevated for days, mimicking a more youthful hormone profile.
Muscle Building and Recovery
By increasing both GH and IGF-1 levels, this peptide supports protein synthesis and muscle repair. Users often notice improved recovery between workouts and better ability to build and maintain lean muscle mass.
Anti-Aging and Longevity
Growth hormone naturally declines with age, contributing to many signs of aging. CJC-1295 with DAC helps restore more youthful GH levels, potentially supporting better skin quality, energy levels, and overall vitality.
Body Composition Improvement
The combination of increased GH and IGF-1 promotes fat metabolism while preserving muscle tissue. Many users experience gradual fat loss, particularly in stubborn areas, while maintaining or building lean mass.
Convenient Weekly Dosing
Unlike peptides requiring daily or twice-daily injections, the extended half-life of CJC-1295 with DAC means just one or two injections per week provide continuous benefits. Ideal for those who want results without daily protocols.
Hexarelin
Growth Hormone Optimization
Hexarelin is one of the most potent GH-releasing peptides available. It triggers strong, natural pulses of growth hormone from your pituitary, mimicking the way your body released GH when you were younger. This makes it ideal for those looking to restore youthful GH levels [6][8][9].
Heart Health Support
Unlike most other GH peptides, Hexarelin has direct cardioprotective effects through its binding to CD36 receptors in the heart. Research shows it can protect heart cells from damage, reduce inflammation, and even help prevent the scarring that occurs after heart injury [1][3][5].
Body Composition Improvement
The robust GH pulses triggered by Hexarelin enhance fat burning while supporting lean muscle. Research in obese models showed it increased lipid oxidation in fat tissue and reduced fat accumulation in the liver—all while improving insulin sensitivity [2].
Athletic Recovery
Growth hormone is essential for tissue repair and recovery. Hexarelin's ability to stimulate strong GH release makes it popular among athletes looking to bounce back faster from training. The improved sleep quality many users report also supports recovery.
Side effects
CJC-1295 with DAC
Common
- Injection site reactions
- Water retention
- Flushing
- Tingling sensation
Uncommon
- Headaches
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Joint discomfort
Serious
- Carpal tunnel symptoms
- Blood glucose elevation
Hexarelin
Common
- Increased hunger
- Water retention
- Tingling or numbness (paresthesia)
- Injection site reaction
Uncommon
- Headache
- Joint discomfort
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Safety & evidence
CJC-1295 with DAC
Evidence level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
CJC-1295 with DAC was evaluated in Phase 1-2 human clinical trials where it demonstrated a generally favorable safety profile. The most common adverse events were mild injection site reactions including temporary pain, swelling, and redness. No serious adverse events were reported in the published clinical studies. The compound was being developed for HIV-associated lipodystrophy before the program was discontinued.
Contraindications
- Active cancer or history of malignancy
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Pituitary tumors or disorders
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Uncontrolled diabetes
Hexarelin
Evidence level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
Hexarelin has been studied in human trials and shows a generally favorable safety profile at research doses. [6][9] The most common effects relate to its strong GH-releasing action: temporary hunger spikes, [14] mild water retention, [15] and occasional tingling in the hands. Importantly, research suggests Hexarelin has direct cardioprotective effects that may add a margin of safety for cardiovascular health [1][5].
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant
- Currently breastfeeding
- Active cancer or history of cancer
- Known allergy to peptide components
- Uncontrolled diabetes
Which is right for you?
Choose CJC-1295 with DAC if...
- Boosting natural growth hormone production
- Building lean muscle mass
- Improving body composition
- Anti-aging and longevity
Choose Hexarelin if...
- Growth hormone optimization
- Body composition improvement
- Heart health support
- Athletic recovery