CJC-1295 with DAC vs MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
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.
The oral growth hormone secretagogue that tricks your body into producing more GH — no needles required.
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
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
25–25 mg
Frequency
CJC-1295 with DAC
Twice weekly
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
Once daily
Administration
CJC-1295 with DAC
Subcutaneous injection
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
Oral (capsule or liquid)
Cycle length
CJC-1295 with DAC
8-12 weeks
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
8-12 weeks
Onset speed
CJC-1295 with DAC
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence level
CJC-1295 with DAC
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Benefit ratings
GH Elevation
Convenience
Recovery Support
Muscle and body composition
Recovery and athletic performance
Sleep quality and metabolic health
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
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
Molecular formula
C27H36N4O5S
Molecular weight
528.7 g/mol
Half-life
4-6 hours (IGF-1 elevation persists ~24 hours)
Bioavailability
High oral bioavailability
CAS number
159634-47-6
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]
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
Oral
Weeks 2-4
10 mg
Once daily · 2-4 weeks initial
Lower entry dose used in practice to limit water retention and appetite surge before titrating up.
Studied up to 1-2 years
25 mg
Once daily · Studied up to 1-2 years
25 mg once-daily oral is the dose used in the randomized trial in healthy older adults; increased GH/IGF-1 and fat-free mass [1]. Most-studied dose [2].
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.
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
Older Adults (60+) Seeking Body Composition Improvements
MK-677 was designed for aging populations. It restores GH and IGF-1 to youthful levels, [7] increases lean mass, and improves physical function in people over 60. A 2-year clinical trial showed a 1.1 kg gain in fat-free mass [1] with only modest fat gain—ideal for maintaining strength in older age.
Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts Wanting Recovery Support
Oral dosing makes MK-677 convenient for athletes. It enhances muscle protein synthesis, speeds recovery after intense training, and supports lean mass building without the hassle of injections.
People with Chronic Wasting or Protein Deficiency
Clinical trials show MK-677 helps treat protein-energy wasting in kidney disease and other conditions. [2] It stimulates appetite (a feature in these populations) and preserves muscle tissue—making it useful for those losing mass despite good nutrition.
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
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
Common
- Increased appetite
- Mild water retention or edema
- Elevated fasting glucose
Uncommon
- Joint or muscle pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome or nerve compression symptoms
- Mild nausea or digestive upset
Serious
- Glucose dysregulation and diabetes risk
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
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
Evidence level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
MK-677 has been studied in hundreds of humans over 2+ years and is generally well tolerated. [1][3] Most side effects are mild and manageable, especially with lower starting doses. The lack of injection requirement makes it safer than injectable GH in terms of infection risk and sterility concerns. However, it is not FDA approved and should be viewed as a research compound.
Contraindications
- Uncontrolled diabetes or severe glucose dysregulation
- Active cancer or high cancer risk requiring caution with IGF-1 elevation
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
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 MK-677 (Ibutamoren) if...
- Building lean muscle mass and strength
- Improving overall body composition in aging adults
- Enhancing athletic recovery and performance
- Supporting metabolic health and fat loss