CJC-1295 (No DAC) vs Macimorelin
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].
FDA-approved diagnostic test for adult growth hormone deficiency
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
Macimorelin
0.5–0.5 mg/kg
Frequency
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Once daily
Macimorelin
As needed
Administration
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Subcutaneous injection
Macimorelin
Oral (reconstituted solution)
Cycle length
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
8-12 weeks
Macimorelin
4-6 weeks
Onset speed
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Macimorelin
Rapid (hours to days)
Evidence level
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Macimorelin
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
Benefit ratings
GH Stimulation
Sleep Quality
Recovery Support
Diagnostic Accuracy
Safety & Tolerability
Convenience & Patient Experience
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
Macimorelin
Molecular formula
C26H30N6O3
Molecular weight
474.6 g/mol
Half-life
4.1 hours
Bioavailability
Oral; food decreases Cmax and AUC by approximately 50-55% — must be administered fasting
CAS number
381231-18-1
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.
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.
Macimorelin
Oral
0.5 mg/kg
Single dose · One-time diagnostic test
FDA-label (Macrilen) single oral dose for diagnosing adult growth hormone deficiency. Granules (60 mg) are reconstituted in 120 mL water (0.5 mg/mL) and taken after an 8-hour fast; serum GH below 2.8 ng/mL across the 30/45/60/90-minute draws confirms deficiency [4].
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].
Macimorelin
Diagnosis of Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency
Macimorelin is FDA-approved specifically for diagnosing AGHD in adults. It replaces the insulin tolerance test (ITT) as a safer, more convenient, and equally accurate diagnostic option. Phase 3 trials showed 87% sensitivity and 96% specificity.
Patients Intolerant or Contraindicated for ITT
For patients who cannot safely undergo insulin tolerance testing due to cardiac risk, seizure history, or other contraindications, macimorelin offers an evidence-based non-invasive alternative.
Clinical Confirmation Testing
With 97% reproducibility on retesting, macimorelin can reliably confirm GH deficiency diagnoses and monitor therapeutic responses over time with excellent consistency.
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
Macimorelin
Common
- Dysgeusia (abnormal taste)
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Increased Appetite
Serious
- Cardiovascular events
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
Macimorelin
Evidence level
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
FDA status
FDA approved for this use
Safety overview
Macimorelin is well-tolerated with an excellent safety profile in clinical trials. No serious adverse events were reported in Phase 3 studies (n=154). Most side effects are mild and transient. QT prolongation of approximately 11 msec occurs but is generally not clinically significant. However, avoid combining with other QT-prolonging drugs.
Contraindications
- Patients with QT prolongation or QT/RR prolongation disorder
- Concurrent use with drugs known to prolong QT interval
- Patients with critical illness (acute medical or surgical illness)
- Known hypersensitivity to macimorelin or any components
- Patients unable to fast or follow fasting requirements
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 Macimorelin if...
- Diagnosing adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD)
- Patients who cannot tolerate or are contraindicated for insulin tolerance test
- Clinical settings requiring convenient, repeatable hormone testing
- Healthcare providers seeking FDA-approved diagnostic alternatives