Peptide profile · Growth Hormone
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
A modified growth hormone-releasing hormone that boosts your body's natural GH pulses for better recovery, deeper sleep, and improved body composition.
Written & reviewed by Michael Carroll · Research, Peptide Initiative
Typical dose
100 mcg per dose
Half-life
30 minutes to 2 hours
Bioavailability
~100% (subcutaneous)
Molecular weight
3367.9 g/mol
Evidence level
Moderate human trials
01 · Compound profile
Scientific & efficacy data
Molecular formula
C152H252N44O42
Primary benefits
Effectively stimulates natural GH release in pulsatile pattern, especially when combined with GHRPs
One of the most reliably noticed benefits, with deeper sleep and more refreshed mornings
Enhances workout recovery and tissue repair through elevated GH and IGF-1 levels
ConjuChem Biotechnologies
Amino acid sequence
Tyr-D-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Gln-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Ala-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Leu-Ser-Arg-NH202 · Dosing
How much do I take?
100 mcg per dose · 1-2 times daily
Subcutaneous: A small injection into the fatty layer just under the skin — the same way insulin is given.
Bioavailability High — most of the dose reaches your bloodstream, just more gradually than an IV.
Best time to take
Before bed on empty stomach (most popular), or morning fasted and pre-workout
With food?
Take on an empty stomach - wait at least 2 hours after eating and 30-60 minutes before eating
If stacking
Best combined with Ipamorelin at the same time for synergistic GH release. Inject both peptides simultaneously for maximum pulse.
＋ Increase if
- +Tolerating current dose well with no side effects
- +Not experiencing noticeable sleep or recovery improvements
- +Body composition changes have plateaued
- +Want to add a second daily dose
－ Decrease if
- −Experiencing persistent water retention
- −Tingling or numbness is uncomfortable
- −Feeling overly fatigued
- −Injection site reactions are bothersome
✓ Signs of right dose
- ✓Deeper, more restful sleep
- ✓Improved recovery between workouts
- ✓Gradual improvements in body composition
- ✓Increased energy and vitality
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Step 1: Peptide Weight
Find the weight printed on your peptide vial label
Look here!
The peptide weight is printed on the label
Look here!
The weight is on the label
Select Weight
Look for a number followed by 'mg' on the vial label (e.g., 5mg, 10mg)
03 · Suitability
Is this right for me?
Best for increasing natural growth hormone levels & building lean muscle mass
Best for
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.
Consider alternatives if
Do not use if
Use with caution if
Not sure?
Compare CJC-1295 (No DAC) with similar peptides to find the best fit for your goals.
04 · Administration
How do I use it?
Subcutaneous injection
Reconstitution — what you need
Example
2mg vial + 2mL BAC water = 1mg/mL (1000mcg/mL). This means each 0.1mL contains 100mcg.
For 100mcg dose at 1mg/mL concentration: draw 0.1mL (10 units on insulin syringe)
Route
Subcutaneous injection into fatty tissue
Best sites
Technique
- 01Clean injection site with alcohol swab and let dry
- 02Pinch a fold of skin between thumb and forefinger
- 03Insert needle at 45-90 degree angle into pinched skin
- 04Inject solution slowly
- 05Remove needle and apply light pressure (do not rub)
Storage · before reconstitution
Store lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in freezer at -20C for long-term storage (years) or refrigerator at 2-8C for up to 12 months. Keep in original vial away from light and moisture.
Storage · after reconstitution
Refrigerate immediately at 36-46F (2-8C). Never freeze reconstituted peptide. Keep vial upright and away from light. Use within 21-28 days.
Signs of degradation
Sample daily schedule
05 · Safety
Is it safe?
4 common side effects · 2 serious
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.
Human studies at doses up to 90mcg/kg showed no serious adverse events. However, most research has been relatively short-term. Long-term safety data in humans is limited compared to FDA-approved medications.
Common side effects · experienced by some users
Less common
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and seek help if
- ×Signs of allergic reaction (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- ×Persistent severe headaches that don't improve
- ×Significant joint pain or carpal tunnel symptoms
- ×Development of diabetes symptoms (excessive thirst, frequent urination)
- ×Any concerning changes in moles or skin growths
- ×Planned surgery (stop 1-2 weeks before)
Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting or stopping peptide therapy. This information is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice.
With other peptides
- ✓Ipamorelin — Excellent synergy - GHRH + GHRP combination amplifies GH release 3-5x more than either alone
- ✓GHRP-6 — Strong synergy but may increase hunger more than Ipamorelin combination
- ✓GHRP-2 — Effective combination with moderate hunger increase
- ✓BPC-157 — Can be used together for enhanced healing and recovery
- !CJC-1295 with DAC — Redundant - do not combine as both are GHRH analogs
With medications
- !Insulin — May affect blood sugar regulation, monitor closely
- !Diabetes medications — GH can increase blood sugar - may need dose adjustments
- !Glucocorticoids (Prednisone) — May reduce effectiveness of CJC-1295
- ✓Thyroid medications — Generally safe but monitor thyroid levels
With supplements
- ✓Arginine — May enhance GH release, safe to combine
- ✓GABA — May support GH release and sleep quality
- ✓Melatonin — Safe for bedtime dosing, may enhance sleep benefits
- ✓High-dose carbohydrates — Eating carbs/sugar before injection blunts GH response - avoid
06 · Effectiveness
How do I know it's working?
Moderate human trials · first signs week 1-2
Evidence level
Moderate human trials
(Phase 1-2)
How it works
Your brain naturally releases growth hormone in pulses throughout the day, especially during deep sleep. CJC-1295 without DAC is a modified version of the hormone (GHRH) that tells your pituitary gland to release GH. By mimicking this natural signal, it amplifies your body's own GH pulses rather than replacing them entirely. This keeps your hormonal feedback system working normally while boosting overall GH output.
CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF) is a synthetic 29-amino acid analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It contains four amino acid substitutions (positions 2, 8, 15, and 27) that protect it from degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), extending its half-life from minutes to 30 minutes-2 hours. It binds to GHRH receptors on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary, activating adenylyl cyclase and increasing cAMP, which triggers GH synthesis and secretion. Unlike the DAC version, the no-DAC form produces acute GH pulses that mimic physiological patterns. When combined with a GHRP (ghrelin mimetic), the two peptides act synergistically via different receptor pathways, producing GH release 3-5x greater than either alone. The short half-life requires daily dosing but allows for more precise control of GH stimulation timing.
What to expect
Week 1-2
What you might notice
- •Improved sleep quality and deeper rest
- •More vivid dreams
- •Subtle increase in energy levels
- •Possible mild water retention
- •Injection site may be slightly red initially
What's normal
- •Sleep improvements are often the first noticeable effect
- •Mild side effects like flushing are common and temporary
- •Don't expect dramatic physical changes yet
What's next
- →Continue at starting dose if tolerating well
- →Track sleep quality and energy in a journal
- →Consider adding a GHRP if not already stacking
Week 3-4
What you might notice
- •Faster recovery between workouts
- •Improved skin appearance and hydration
- •Gradual fat loss beginning
- •Better workout performance
- •Sustained energy throughout the day
What's normal
- •Recovery benefits become more apparent
- •Physical changes are still subtle
- •Side effects should be minimal by now
What's next
- →Consider increasing dose if effects are mild
- →Ensure proper nutrition to support muscle growth
- →May add second daily dose for enhanced results
Week 5-8
What you might notice
- •Noticeable improvements in body composition
- •Increased lean muscle mass
- •Continued fat reduction
- •Better skin elasticity and appearance
- •Improved sense of well-being
What's normal
- •Body composition changes become visible
- •IGF-1 levels peak after consistent use
- •Full benefits developing
What's next
- →Continue protocol through week 8-12
- →Consider lab work to check IGF-1 levels
- →Maintain consistent injection schedule
Week 9-12+
What you might notice
- •Sustained improvements in muscle and fat ratio
- •Continued enhanced recovery
- •Stable sleep and energy benefits
- •Overall improved physical performance
- •Anti-aging effects more noticeable
What's normal
- •Benefits plateau at optimal levels
- •Consistent results with continued use
- •Some users cycle off for 4-8 weeks before restarting
What's next
- →Decide on cycling strategy with healthcare provider
- →May take 4-8 week break before next cycle
- →Maintain lifestyle factors to preserve gains
Signs it's working · Sleep and Recovery
- ✓Falling asleep faster and sleeping more deeply
- ✓Waking up feeling more refreshed
- ✓More vivid or memorable dreams
- ✓Faster recovery between workouts
- ✓Less muscle soreness after training
Signs it's working · Body Composition
- ✓Gradual reduction in body fat
- ✓Increased lean muscle mass
- ✓Improved muscle definition
- ✓Clothes fitting differently (looser around waist, tighter around shoulders)
- ✓Better muscle pumps during workouts
Signs it's working · Overall Vitality
- ✓Improved energy throughout the day
- ✓Better skin quality and elasticity
- ✓Stronger nails and healthier hair
- ✓Improved mood and sense of well-being
- ✓Enhanced exercise performance
Not seeing results? Common reasons
- •Not taking on empty stomach - food (especially carbs) blunts GH release significantly
- •Not combining with a GHRP - CJC-1295 alone produces modest effects; pairing with Ipamorelin multiplies results
- •Dose too low - some individuals need higher doses for noticeable effects
- •Poor quality peptide - ensure source tests for purity and potency
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule - daily consistent timing is important for best results
- •Not enough time - meaningful body composition changes take 6-12 weeks
- •Improper storage - degraded peptide from improper refrigeration won't work
Key research
07 · Questions
Frequently asked
What's the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and without DAC?+
The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version attaches to albumin in your blood, extending its half-life to 6-8 days for weekly dosing. The no-DAC version has a short half-life of 30 minutes to 2 hours, requiring daily dosing but producing more natural GH pulses. Most users prefer no-DAC for its more physiological release pattern and ability to fine-tune dosing.
Why should I combine CJC-1295 with Ipamorelin?+
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin work through different receptors but both stimulate GH release. When combined, they create a synergistic effect that releases 3-5 times more GH than either peptide alone. Think of CJC-1295 as pressing the gas pedal while Ipamorelin releases the parking brake - together they're far more effective.
Why do I need to take it on an empty stomach?+
Food, especially carbohydrates, triggers insulin release. Insulin significantly blunts the GH response to CJC-1295. Taking it fasted (2+ hours after eating) ensures maximum GH release. This is why bedtime dosing is popular - most people haven't eaten for several hours before sleep.
How long until I see results?+
Sleep improvements are often noticed within the first week. Enhanced recovery and energy typically appear by weeks 2-3. Visible body composition changes (less fat, more muscle) usually take 6-8 weeks of consistent use. Full benefits are typically seen by week 12.
Is CJC-1295 without DAC the same as Mod GRF 1-29?+
Yes, they're the same peptide with different names. Modified GRF (1-29), Mod GRF 1-29, and CJC-1295 without DAC all refer to the tetrasubstituted 29-amino acid GHRH analog. The naming can be confusing, but if you see these names, they're describing the same compound.
Can I use CJC-1295 without DAC for anti-aging?+
Many people use it for this purpose. Growth hormone naturally declines with age, and restoring more youthful GH patterns may support skin quality, energy levels, body composition, and overall vitality. However, it won't reverse aging - it may help you feel more energetic and recover better.
Do I need to cycle CJC-1295 without DAC?+
Many users follow 8-12 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks, though some use it continuously. Cycling may help maintain receptor sensitivity and prevent tolerance. There's no definitive research on optimal cycling protocols, so consult with a healthcare provider familiar with peptides.
What time of day is best for injection?+
Most users prefer bedtime dosing because GH is naturally released during deep sleep, and taking it fasted is easier at night. Some users add a morning fasted dose for additional benefits. Pre-workout dosing is another option as GH supports exercise performance and recovery.