CJC-1295 (No DAC) vs Hexarelin
A modified growth hormone-releasing hormone that boosts your body's natural GH pulses for better recovery, deeper sleep, and improved body composition [13] [17].
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 (No DAC)
100–100 mcg
Hexarelin
1.5–3 mcg/kg
Frequency
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Once daily
Hexarelin
Once daily
Administration
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Subcutaneous injection
Hexarelin
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle length
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
8-12 weeks
Hexarelin
8-12 weeks
Onset speed
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Hexarelin
Rapid (hours to days)
Evidence level
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Hexarelin
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Benefit ratings
GH Stimulation
Sleep Quality
Recovery Support
GH Release
Heart Health
Body Composition
Compound specifications
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Molecular formula
C152H252N44O42
Molecular weight
3367.9 g/mol
Half-life
30 minutes to 2 hours
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 (No DAC)
Subcutaneous
100 mcg
Once daily, 30 minutes before bed · 2-4 weeks
A common starting dose used in research practice. Because the no-DAC form is short-acting (about 30 minute half-life), it is injected on an empty stomach for the best growth-hormone pulse. [14][15]
100 mcg per dose
1-2 times daily · 8-12 weeks
The typical maintenance dose used in practice, often given before bed and/or after fasted exercise. Frequently paired with a GH-releasing peptide.
100 mcg per dose
2-3 times daily · 8-12 weeks
A higher-frequency plan used by experienced users to mimic natural GH pulses across the day, each dose taken fasted.
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 (No DAC)
Natural Growth Hormone Optimization
Perfect for those wanting to boost their body's own GH production rather than using synthetic growth hormone. Mimics the natural pulsatile release pattern your pituitary uses [2].
Workout Recovery and Muscle Building
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts use it to accelerate recovery between training sessions, support lean muscle development, and reduce body fat over time [17] [18].
Sleep Quality Enhancement
Because GH is naturally released during deep sleep, many users report dramatically improved sleep quality with more vivid dreams and feeling more refreshed upon waking [12] [13].
Anti-Aging and Vitality
As GH levels decline with age, CJC-1295 helps restore more youthful hormone patterns, potentially improving skin quality, energy levels, and overall well-being [16] [17] [20].
Synergistic Peptide Stacking
Designed to work hand-in-hand with GHRPs like Ipamorelin. When combined, these peptides amplify each other's effects for significantly greater GH release than either alone [9].
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 (No DAC)
Common
- Injection site reactions
- Flushing or warmth
- Water retention
- Increased appetite
Uncommon
- Tingling or numbness
- Headache
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Hexarelin
Common
- Increased hunger
- Water retention
- Tingling or numbness (paresthesia)
- Injection site reaction
Uncommon
- Headache
- Joint discomfort
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Safety & evidence
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Evidence level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
CJC-1295 without DAC itself has not been evaluated in controlled human clinical trials; expectations about its safety are extrapolated from studies of related GHRH analogs. The most common side effects are mild and include injection site reactions and temporary flushing [19]. Because it stimulates natural GH release rather than providing exogenous GH, it maintains the body's feedback mechanisms [2].
Contraindications
- Active cancer or history of cancer
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Pituitary tumors or disorders
- Hypersensitivity to GHRH analogs
- Diabetic retinopathy
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 (No DAC) if...
- Increasing natural growth hormone levels
- Building lean muscle mass
- Improving sleep quality
- Enhancing workout recovery
Choose Hexarelin if...
- Growth hormone optimization
- Body composition improvement
- Heart health support
- Athletic recovery