Peptide Comparison
MacimorelinvsCJC-1295 (No DAC)
FDA-approved diagnostic test for adult growth hormone deficiency
A modified growth hormone-releasing hormone that boosts your body's natural GH pulses for better recovery, deeper sleep, and improved body composition.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Macimorelin
25–60 mg
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
100–300 mcg
Frequency
Macimorelin
As needed
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Once daily
Administration
Macimorelin
Oral (reconstituted solution)
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
Macimorelin
4-6 weeks
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
8-12 weeks
Onset Speed
Macimorelin
Rapid (hours to days)
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Macimorelin
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Diagnostic Accuracy
Safety & Tolerability
Convenience & Patient Experience
GH Stimulation
Sleep Quality
Recovery Support
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
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
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
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
Macimorelin
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Applications
Best
suited for
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Macimorelin
Common
- Dysgeusia (abnormal taste)
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Increased Appetite
Serious
- Cardiovascular events
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Common
- Injection site reactions
- Flushing or warmth
- Water retention
- Increased appetite
Uncommon
- Tingling or numbness
- Headache
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
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
- xPatients with QT prolongation or QT/RR prolongation disorder
- xConcurrent use with drugs known to prolong QT interval
- xPatients with critical illness (acute medical or surgical illness)
- xKnown hypersensitivity to macimorelin or any components
- xPatients unable to fast or follow fasting requirements
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
CJC-1295 without DAC has been studied in Phase 1-2 human clinical trials with a favorable safety profile. The most common side effects are mild and include injection site reactions and temporary flushing. Because it stimulates natural GH release rather than providing exogenous GH, it maintains the body's feedback mechanisms.
Contraindications
- xActive cancer or history of cancer
- xPregnancy or breastfeeding
- xPituitary tumors or disorders
- xHypersensitivity to GHRH analogs
- xDiabetic retinopathy
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
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
Choose CJC-1295 (No DAC) if...
- Increasing natural growth hormone levels
- Building lean muscle mass
- Improving sleep quality
- Enhancing workout recovery