Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 (No DAC) Blend: Complete Guide to Dosing, Benefits & Results

If you’ve looked into growth hormone peptides, you’ve probably seen this combination everywhere. Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 (no DAC) is the most popular GH secretagogue stack for a reason: it works synergistically to boost growth hormone release while avoiding most of the side effects that plague other peptides in this category.

But there’s a lot of confusion out there. What’s the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and without? Is Mod GRF 1-29 the same thing? How do you actually dose this stuff? And what results can you realistically expect?

I’ve been researching and writing about peptides for years, and I’ve put everything you need to know about this combination in one place. This guide covers the science, the practical protocols, and the real-world results people are getting.

Quick Answer: What Is the Ipamorelin CJC-1295 Blend?

What Are Ipamorelin and CJC-1295?

Before getting into how they work together, let’s break down each peptide on its own.

Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (five amino acids) developed by Novo Nordisk. It belongs to a class called Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRPs), which mimic ghrelin and bind to the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a) in your hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

What makes ipamorelin stand out is its selectivity. A 1998 study in the European Journal of Endocrinology found that ipamorelin is the first and most selective GHRP ever developed. It releases growth hormone without affecting cortisol or ACTH, even at doses over 200 times higher than needed for GH release.

That selectivity is a big deal. Other GHRPs like GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 raise cortisol (your stress hormone) and can cause issues with prolactin. Ipamorelin doesn’t touch either one.

CJC-1295 (No DAC) / Mod GRF 1-29

The naming around this peptide gets confusing. You’ll see it called CJC-1295 without DAC, CJC-1295 no DAC, Mod GRF 1-29, or Modified GRF (1-29). All the same thing. It’s a 29-amino acid analog of your body’s natural Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH). The “Mod” or “Modified” refers to four amino acid substitutions that make it more stable and longer-lasting than natural GHRH.

CJC-1295 works differently than ipamorelin. Instead of binding the ghrelin receptor, it binds the GHRH receptor on your pituitary gland. This stimulates both the production of new growth hormone AND its release.

DAC vs No DAC

This distinction matters a lot for how you use these peptides.

The no-DAC version is preferred for this stack because its short half-life allows for pulsatile GH release that mimics your body’s natural rhythm. The DAC version keeps GH elevated constantly, which is less natural and may cause more side effects over time.

For this blend, I use Everest Peptides’ ipamorelin + CJC-1295 (no DAC) blend. It’s 5mg of each peptide per vial for $69.99, and every batch is third-party tested by Freedom Diagnostics with COAs posted right on the product page. Their customer support is the best I’ve dealt with in the peptide space, and they consistently have the lowest prices. Code BRAINFLOW saves you 10%, bringing it down to about $63. You can also save another 10% by using Pay by Bank through Plaid at checkout, stacking with the code for up to 20% off.

Why They Work Better Together

The real value of this combination is that ipamorelin and CJC-1295 work through completely different receptor pathways on the same cells.

Think of it like this: ipamorelin (a GHRP) hits the ghrelin receptor, telling your pituitary to release stored GH. CJC-1295 (a GHRH analog) hits the GHRH receptor, telling your pituitary to make more GH AND release it. Both receptors sit on the same somatotroph cells in your pituitary. When you activate both at once, the result is bigger than what you’d get from adding their individual effects together.

Research by Bowers et al. in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism showed that combined submaximal doses of GHRH and GHRP produced GH release greater than what you’d expect from simply adding their individual effects. A later study by Veldhuis et al. found combined infusion produced 2.0-2.7 fold greater GH secretion than either peptide alone.

There’s also a complementary mechanism at play. Ipamorelin suppresses somatostatin (the hormone that inhibits GH release). CJC-1295 doesn’t suppress somatostatin on its own. Together, you get more GH production (from CJC) with reduced inhibition (from ipamorelin). Bigger pulses, more natural pattern.

Related: Sermorelin Peptide Guide: Benefits, Dosing & Side Effects

Benefits (With Evidence Ratings)

Let’s be straight about what the research actually shows versus what’s based on theory or user reports.

Sleep Quality (Strong Evidence)

One of the best-supported benefits and usually the first thing people notice. Marshall et al. (1996) found that GHRH significantly increased slow-wave sleep (P < 0.01) and REM sleep (P < 0.05) in healthy men. Multiple studies since the 1990s have confirmed that GHRH increases both the duration and intensity of deep sleep.

Users consistently report this within the first week. Deeper sleep, more vivid dreams, waking up feeling more recovered.

One thing worth knowing: there’s a sex difference here. GHRH appears to improve sleep in men but may actually make it worse in some women. If you’re female and notice sleep getting worse instead of better, this could be why.

Body Composition (Mixed Evidence)

The mechanism is solid. Growth hormone stimulates lipolysis (fat breakdown) and supports lean mass. A 2006 study on CJC-1295 showed it significantly increased GH and IGF-1 levels for extended periods, and CJC-1295 produced an approximate 7.5-fold increase in GH pulse amplitude compared to placebo.

An animal study showed ipamorelin stimulated roughly 14% fat mass loss over 12 months in mice. And tesamorelin (a similar GHRH analog) is FDA-approved for reducing abdominal fat in HIV patients with lipodystrophy.

But here’s the reality check: peer-reviewed trials showing superior muscle or fat outcomes from this specific combination in healthy, resistance-trained adults are lacking. The hormonal changes are well-documented. The physique improvements are extrapolated from those changes and from user reports. Which is fine as long as you go in with realistic expectations.

Recovery and Healing (Contradictory Evidence)

This one’s complicated. Some studies are positive: Doessing et al. (2010) showed 14 days of GH increased collagen synthesis up to 6-fold, one study in 406 fracture patients showed significantly shorter healing time, and GH accelerated burn wound healing by 25%.

But other studies tell a different story. A 2013 study on HGH for rotator cuff repair showed no improvement and potentially detrimental effects. A 2012 study found GH does not stimulate early healing in rat tendons. And a 2024 in vitro study found growth hormone administered to tendon and ligament cells didn’t positively affect cellular proliferation and differentiation.

Don’t count on this combination as a primary healing tool. It may help recovery between training sessions, but the evidence for actual tissue repair is mixed at best.

What Users Actually Report

Beyond the clinical data, here’s what people commonly notice: better and deeper sleep (usually first week), improved recovery between workouts, gradual improvements in body composition over 2-3+ months, better skin quality, more energy, and vivid dreams early on.

One forum user in his 50s reported after 4-5 months: “Within a week or so I could see my abs clearly. Body composition changes are much easier to attain than test alone. Sleep is greatly improved, energy is up, sense of wellbeing heightened.”

Quality matters with these results though. If you’re using low-purity peptides from a random vendor, you might not get much of anything. Everest Peptides carries this blend at $69.99 for 5mg of each peptide, third-party tested by Freedom Diagnostics with the COA posted right on the product page. Best pricing I’ve found for a verified blend. Code BRAINFLOW saves 10%.

Related: Best Peptides for Men: What Actually Works

Complete Dosing Guide

Standard Doses

Most pre-mixed blends come in a 1:1 ratio, which is what you want. If you’re buying them separately, stick to equal amounts of each.

Weight-Based Adjustments

• Under 150 lbs: 100-150 mcg each
• 150-200 lbs: 200 mcg each (standard dose)
• 200-250 lbs: 250-300 mcg each
• Over 250 lbs: 300 mcg each

The Saturation Dose Concept

There’s a concept in peptide dosing called the “saturation dose.” This is the amount needed to fully occupy all available receptors, typically around 1 mcg per kg of bodyweight or roughly 100 mcg for most people.

Going higher has diminishing returns. At 100 mcg (1x saturation) you get 100% receptor saturation. At 200 mcg you only get about 27% additional benefit. At 300 mcg, only about 12% more beyond that. Doubling your dose doesn’t double your results. You hit a wall fast, which is why most protocols recommend using the saturation dose more frequently rather than pushing single doses higher.

When to Inject

Best option: Before bed (30-60 minutes prior). This aligns with your body’s natural GH peak during deep sleep. Your largest natural GH pulse happens around 1:00 AM during Stage 3/4 sleep. Injecting before bed amplifies that and works with the slow-wave sleep effects.

Second option: Morning, fasted. If you’re focused on fat loss, a fasted morning injection before cardio can increase fatty acid mobilization. GH promotes fat oxidation, and this timing takes advantage of that.

For 2x daily protocols: Morning (fasted) + before bed. Space them at least 6-8 hours apart.

Fasting Requirements (Don’t Skip This)

A lot of people mess up the fasting part and wonder why the peptides don’t seem to work. You need to inject in a fasted state for full effect. That means at least 2-3 hours after your last meal, and waiting 30-60 minutes after injection before eating. Avoid carbs and high-fat foods around injection time. Why? Glucose and insulin directly blunt GH release. A carb-heavy meal before or after injection can tank the GH pulse you’re trying to create.

Cycling

Most protocols follow a 5-on, 2-off weekly pattern (Monday through Friday, weekends off). This helps prevent receptor desensitization and keeps natural GH pulsatility intact.

For cycle length: 8 weeks on with 4 weeks off is conservative, 12 weeks on with 4 weeks off is standard, and 16 weeks on with 4-8 weeks off is the extended approach.

Good news: you don’t need PCT (Post Cycle Therapy). Unlike anabolic steroids, this combination doesn’t suppress your natural hormone production. It works with your body’s systems rather than replacing them.

Side Effects and Safety

Most side effects are mild and tend to resolve within the first 1-2 weeks. The common ones: injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling), temporary flushing or warmth, headaches early on, mild water retention or puffiness, some fatigue initially, and occasional tingling. Rotate injection sites and give your body a week or two to adjust.

Ipamorelin’s Clean Side Effect Profile

The claim that ipamorelin doesn’t raise cortisol or prolactin is backed up by the research. From the Raun et al. study: ipamorelin did not release ACTH or cortisol at levels significantly different from GHRH alone, even at doses more than 200 times higher than needed for GH release.

This is why ipamorelin is the preferred GHRP for most users. Strong GH release without the hormonal side effects or the ravenous hunger that GHRP-6 is known for.

Who Should NOT Use This Combination

Long-Term Safety

Most clinical trials on these peptides ran for 28-49 days. Long-term human safety data is limited. No serious adverse reactions were reported in the short-term trials, which is reassuring. But theoretical concerns exist about prolonged GH/IGF-1 elevation and cancer risk, cumulative effects on insulin sensitivity, and receptor desensitization over time. The 5-on/2-off protocol and cycling approach helps with some of these concerns, but anyone using these peptides long-term should know the safety data doesn’t extend much beyond a few months.

Practical Guide: Reconstitution, Injection, Storage

Reconstitution

If you’re buying lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, you’ll need to reconstitute it with bacteriostatic water (BAC water). Do NOT use regular sterile water or tap water.

Standard reconstitution: 5mg blend vial + 2 mL BAC water = 2.5 mg/mL (250 mcg per 0.1 mL or “10 units” on an insulin syringe). For a 10mg blend vial + 2 mL BAC water = 5 mg/mL (500 mcg per 0.1 mL).

Proper technique: Let the vial reach room temperature first. Wipe the stopper with an alcohol swab. Draw BAC water into your syringe. Inject slowly down the inside wall of the vial (do NOT spray directly onto the powder). Gently swirl or roll the vial. DO NOT SHAKE. Shaking can damage the peptide structure. Wait until fully dissolved, then label with the reconstitution date.

Storage

Before reconstitution (powder form): Ideal is frozen at -20°C for long-term storage (can last 1-2+ years). Refrigerated at 2-8°C is also fine. Keep away from light, heat, and moisture.

After reconstitution (liquid form): Must be refrigerated at 2-8°C. Protect from light. Do NOT freeze reconstituted solution. Use within 28-30 days.

Injection Technique

Route: Subcutaneous (SubQ). No reason to inject intramuscularly. NEVER inject intravenously (deaths have occurred from IV peptide injection).

Sites: Abdomen (most common, at least 2 inches from navel), thighs, or upper arms. Rotate sites to prevent irritation.

Equipment: Insulin syringes, 29-31 gauge, 0.5-1 inch length.

Steps: Clean the vial stopper and injection site with alcohol. Draw air equal to your dose, inject into vial, invert vial, draw medication. Tap syringe to remove air bubbles. Pinch a fold of skin, insert needle at 45-90 degrees. Inject slowly, wait a few seconds before withdrawing. Use a new needle every time.

Quality matters here. I’ve had readers email me about peptides that didn’t dissolve properly or caused more injection site irritation than they should. Everest Peptides has been consistently clean on reconstitution in my experience. Every batch is tested by Freedom Diagnostics with the COA on the product page, and their customer support actually responds when you have questions. Code BRAINFLOW for 10% off.

Pre-Mixed Blend vs. Buying Separately

For most people, the pre-mixed blend is the way to go. One vial, one injection, simpler dosing with less room for error, and usually cheaper per dose. The only real downside is you can’t adjust the ratio if needed, and you can’t isolate which peptide is causing side effects if they occur. But the 1:1 ratio works well for the majority of users, so separate vials are only worth it if you specifically need more flexibility.

Related: GHK-Cu Peptide Complete Guide: Benefits, Dosage & What to Know

Comparison to HGH, MK-677, and Other Options

There are several ways to boost growth hormone. Here’s how this combination stacks up.

vs. Recombinant HGH: HGH is the most direct approach. You’re injecting the hormone itself rather than stimulating your body to produce more. More potent, more predictable. But it costs $80-120+ per week versus $10-15 per week for peptides. It suppresses your natural production. And it carries higher risk of water retention, joint pain, and carpal tunnel. Peptides work with your body’s natural systems and maintain normal pulsatile patterns. More modest results, but more modest risks and costs too.

vs. MK-677: MK-677’s biggest advantage is that it’s oral. No injections. It also has a 24-hour half-life, so once-daily dosing works. The major downside: hunger. Users describe it as extreme and something that can wreck a cut. Ipamorelin has minimal appetite effects by comparison, making it far easier to use during a calorie deficit. MK-677 also tends to cause more water retention and can affect blood glucose more than this blend.

vs. Sermorelin: Sermorelin was the original synthetic GHRH and was actually FDA-approved until it was withdrawn in 2008 for business reasons. CJC-1295 no DAC is an improved version with better bioavailability and more resistance to enzymatic breakdown. If you can get sermorelin through a doctor, it’s a legitimate option. But Mod GRF 1-29 is more commonly available and more stable.

What to Expect: Week-by-Week Timeline

Week 1-2: Improved sleep quality is usually the first thing people pick up on. Vivid dreams are common. You might notice some water retention or mild headaches as your body adjusts. These typically pass.

Week 2-4: Better recovery between workouts. More energy and a general sense of feeling “on.” Sleep benefits continue. Early side effects typically resolve by this point.

Week 4-8: Body composition changes start becoming visible if your diet and training are dialed in. Skin quality improvements. Fat loss becoming noticeable. Better workout performance and endurance.

Week 8-12+: Cumulative benefits continue building. Peak effects are typically reached around 3-6 months of consistent use. Body composition changes become more pronounced.

Reality check: this isn’t a magic bullet. You still need proper diet and training to see body composition changes. What the peptides do is make your efforts pay off more and your recovery go faster. Just make sure you’re using quality product. I use Everest Peptides for this blend and have for a while. Code BRAINFLOW for 10% off.

Where to Buy Ipamorelin CJC-1295 Blend

Product quality matters a lot with peptides. Research has found that 30% of online peptides contain incorrect amino acid sequences, and 65% exceed endotoxin safety limits. A product can have 95% chemical purity and still harbor dangerous contamination. I’ve tried multiple sources over the years, and there’s a reason I keep coming back to the same one.

Everest Peptides is my go-to and has been for a while. Their ipamorelin + CJC-1295 no DAC blend comes with 5mg of each peptide per vial for $69.99, the exact 1:1 ratio you want. With code BRAINFLOW knocking 10% off, you’re looking at about $63. One vial lasts about 3-4 weeks at standard dosing (200mcg each per day).

Why I keep going back to them:

• Third-party tested by Freedom Diagnostics: Independent US lab verification on every batch. The COA with purity percentages, molecular weight confirmation, and testing methodology is posted right on the product page. You can verify what you’re buying before checkout.
• Best prices in the market: $69.99 for a 5mg + 5mg blend vial is already competitive. Code BRAINFLOW drops that to about $63. And if you use Pay by Bank through Plaid at checkout, you save another 10% on top of the code. That’s up to 20% off for a Freedom Diagnostics-verified product.
• Best customer support I’ve dealt with: This is where Everest separates from the pack. They actually respond quickly, answer product questions, and handle issues without making you jump through hoops. Most peptide vendors treat customer service as an afterthought. Everest doesn’t.
• Consistent quality: I’ve ordered from them multiple times and haven’t had a single issue with potency or reconstitution. Clean dissolve every time, no cloudiness, no irritation.

What to Look For in Any Peptide Source

If you go with a different vendor, check for these: third-party COA from an independent lab (not just the manufacturer), HPLC purity of 98% or higher, mass spectrometry confirming correct molecular identity, endotoxin testing below 0.25 EU/mL, and batch-specific testing that matches your vial’s lot number.

Red flags: no COA available, purity below 95%, prices way below market, cryptocurrency-only payment, no verifiable reviews, or Gmail addresses instead of company email domains.

Legal and Regulatory Status

USA: These peptides are NOT FDA-approved for human use, bodybuilding, or anti-aging. They’re available as “research chemicals” for laboratory use only. Doctors can prescribe them off-label through compounding pharmacies, but the regulatory picture shifted in late 2024.

In September 2024, the FDA removed both ipamorelin and CJC-1295 from Category 2 (substances under evaluation for compounding) after the nominators withdrew their nominations. They haven’t been added to Category 1 (approved for compounding) either. The Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) recommended against including them in the 503A Bulks Regulation. This means compounding pharmacies can’t currently compound these peptides, and their regulatory future is uncertain. If you were getting these through a compounding pharmacy, that access may have changed.

Research peptide vendors still carry them for laboratory use. The gray market research peptides aren’t technically legal for human consumption.

Sports: Both ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are prohibited at all times under WADA rules (S2: Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors). If you compete in tested events, these are off-limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CJC-1295 Ipamorelin?

A combination of two peptides that work together to stimulate natural growth hormone production. Ipamorelin triggers GH release through the ghrelin receptor while CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) stimulates GH production through the GHRH receptor. Together they produce 2-3x more GH than either alone.

What is the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and without DAC?

The version with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) has a half-life of 5-8 days and creates sustained GH elevation. The version without DAC (also called Mod GRF 1-29) has a half-life of about 30 minutes and creates pulsatile GH release that mimics your body’s natural rhythm. The no-DAC version is preferred for this stack because it’s more physiological.

Is Mod GRF 1-29 the same as CJC-1295 no DAC?

Yes. Mod GRF 1-29, Modified GRF (1-29), and CJC-1295 without DAC all refer to the same 29-amino acid GHRH analog with four amino acid modifications for stability. The different names cause confusion but it’s all the same peptide.

How do you take CJC-1295 Ipamorelin?

Subcutaneous injection, typically once daily before bed or twice daily (morning and evening). Inject on an empty stomach (at least 2-3 hours after eating) and wait 30-60 minutes before eating afterward. Most protocols use 5 days on, 2 days off.

What time is best to inject CJC-1295 Ipamorelin?

Before bed (30-60 minutes prior) is the most common recommendation. This lines up with your body’s natural GH peak during deep sleep. For fat loss focus, fasted morning injection before cardio is another option. For 2x daily protocols, morning and before bed with at least 6-8 hours between doses.

What are the side effects of CJC-1295 Ipamorelin?

Common side effects include injection site reactions, flushing, headaches, water retention, and occasional fatigue. Most are mild and resolve within 1-2 weeks. Ipamorelin is notable for NOT increasing cortisol, prolactin, or causing significant hunger, unlike other GH peptides like GHRP-6.

How long does it take for CJC-1295 Ipamorelin to work?

Sleep improvements often show up within the first week. Better recovery and energy typically follow in weeks 2-4. Visible body composition changes usually begin around weeks 4-8 with proper diet and training. Peak effects are reached at 3-6 months of consistent use.

Is CJC-1295 Ipamorelin FDA approved?

No. Neither peptide is FDA-approved for human use. In September 2024, the FDA removed both from Category 2 evaluation, and the PCAC recommended against including them for compounding. They’re available as research chemicals or (in some cases) through compounding pharmacies, though regulatory access through compounding has become uncertain. Tesamorelin is the only GHRH analog with FDA approval, and only for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Can women use CJC-1295 Ipamorelin?

Yes. Dosing is typically the same or slightly lower than for men. One consideration: research suggests GHRH may improve sleep in men but could make it worse in some women. If sleep quality drops instead of improving, this could be why. Otherwise, the combination works similarly for both sexes.

Do you need to cycle CJC-1295 Ipamorelin?

Yes, cycling is recommended to prevent receptor desensitization. Most protocols use 5 days on, 2 days off weekly. For longer cycles: 8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off is standard. You don’t need PCT since these peptides don’t suppress natural hormone production.

How much does ipamorelin CJC-1295 cost?

A pre-mixed blend vial (5mg + 5mg) typically runs $40-80 depending on the vendor. Everest Peptides has theirs at $69.99, and code BRAINFLOW saves 10% bringing it to about $63. Pay by Bank through Plaid saves another 10% on top. At standard dosing (200mcg each per day, 5 days/week), one vial lasts about 3-4 weeks. That works out to roughly $15-20 per week, making this one of the most affordable GH peptide options available.

The Bottom Line

Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 (no DAC) is the go-to GH secretagogue stack for good reason. It boosts growth hormone through dual receptor pathways, has the cleanest side effect profile of any GHRP option, and works with your body’s natural pulsatile rhythm rather than against it.

The strongest benefits are improved sleep quality, better recovery, and gradual body composition improvements over 3-6 months. The research on direct fat loss and muscle gain outcomes is less definitive, but the mechanism is sound and user reports are consistently positive.

This isn’t a replacement for proper diet and training. It’s a tool that makes your work pay off more. Set realistic expectations, commit to at least 3 months, and prioritize getting your peptides from vendors with real third-party testing.

For the blend, I recommend Everest Peptides. Third-party tested by Freedom Diagnostics, best pricing in the market, and the best customer support I’ve dealt with in the peptide space. Code BRAINFLOW saves 10%, and Pay by Bank through Plaid saves another 10% on top.

References

1. Raun K, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998. PMID: 9849822
2. Bowers CY, et al. On the actions of the growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide, GHRP. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1990. PMID: 2116446
3. Veldhuis JD, et al. Determinants of GHRH-GHRP synergy in men. Am J Physiol. 2009. PMID: 19567527
4. Teichman SL, et al. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006. PMID: 16352683
5. Marshall L, et al. Growth hormone-releasing hormone increases sleep and REM sleep in healthy young men. Neuroendocrinology. 1996. PMID: 8675573
6. Mayfield CK, et al. Injectable Peptide Therapy: A Primer for Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Physicians. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026.
7. Doessing S, et al. Growth hormone stimulates the collagen synthesis in human tendon and skeletal muscle. J Physiol. 2010.