CJC-1295 (No DAC) vs Pralmorelin (GHRP-2)
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 hexapeptide that stimulates growth hormone release—used clinically in Japan for GH testing and studied for healing and anti-inflammatory effects.
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
Pralmorelin (GHRP-2)
1–1 mcg/kg/hour
Frequency
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Once daily
Pralmorelin (GHRP-2)
Once daily
Administration
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Subcutaneous injection
Pralmorelin (GHRP-2)
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle length
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
8-12 weeks
Pralmorelin (GHRP-2)
4-6 weeks
Onset speed
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Pralmorelin (GHRP-2)
Rapid (hours to days)
Evidence level
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Pralmorelin (GHRP-2)
Limited human trials
Benefit ratings
GH Stimulation
Sleep Quality
Recovery Support
Muscle & Performance Enhancement
Injury Recovery & Healing
Diagnostic Clinical Use
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
Pralmorelin (GHRP-2)
Molecular formula
C45H55N9O6
Molecular weight
818.0 g/mol
Half-life
15-60 minutes
Bioavailability
~100% (subcutaneous injection)
CAS number
158861-67-7
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.
Pralmorelin (GHRP-2)
Subcutaneous
1 mcg/kg/hour (continuous infusion) in research settings
Continuous infusion · Study-defined (e.g. ~270 minutes in published trials)
Subcutaneous infusion dose used in controlled human GH-release/appetite studies; not an approved therapeutic regimen. [4]
Intravenous
100 mcg (0.1 mg) single bolus (diagnostic GH-stimulation test)
Single administration · Single test; blood sampled at 0, 15, 30, 60 min
Japan-approved diagnostic dose (GHRP Kaken 100) for growth hormone deficiency; fixed 100 mcg IV bolus. A research GH-stimulation dose of 1 mcg/kg IV is also documented. [1]
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].
Pralmorelin (GHRP-2)
Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts
If you're serious about lean muscle gains and recovery, pralmorelin directly stimulates GH release—one of the body's most powerful anabolic hormones. [7][9] Most athletes in research settings use 100-200 mcg for faster muscle repair and improved performance.
Individuals Recovering from Injury
Recent animal studies show GHRP-2 reduces inflammation and speeds tendon-bone healing. [3] If you're dealing with sports injuries, rotator cuff issues, or fractures, this peptide's anti-inflammatory profile may accelerate recovery when combined with proper rehab.
Those Seeking Diagnostic GH Testing
If your doctor suspects growth hormone deficiency, pralmorelin is the gold-standard diagnostic tool in Japan and many countries. A single injection stimulates GH release, allowing physicians to assess your pituitary function safely and accurately [1][5][6].
Peptide Research Enthusiasts
Pralmorelin is one of the most extensively studied GHRPs worldwide. If you're exploring peptide protocols and understand research-grade products, this is a powerful tool for understanding how your GH axis responds to stimulation.
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
Pralmorelin (GHRP-2)
Common
- Facial flushing
- Transient headache
- Increased appetite
- Temporary dizziness or lightheadedness
Uncommon
- Carpal tunnel-like sensations
- Joint or muscle aches
- Sleep quality changes
Serious
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
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
Pralmorelin (GHRP-2)
Evidence level
Limited human trials
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
Pralmorelin (GHRP-2) has been safely used in diagnostic settings in Japan for decades and is well-tolerated in most individuals when used at appropriate doses. [5][6][11] The peptide is synthetic and chemically stable, with low immunogenicity risk. However, it is NOT FDA approved and should only be used under medical supervision or within research protocols. Long-term safety data in healthy humans is limited.
Contraindications
- Active malignancy or unresolved cancer history
- Uncontrolled hypertension or severe cardiovascular disease
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Acute infection or sepsis
- 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 Pralmorelin (GHRP-2) if...
- Athletes seeking enhanced recovery and lean mass gains
- Individuals with suspected GH deficiency (diagnostic use)
- Recovery from tendon or bone injuries
- Those wanting to test GH axis responsiveness