CJC-1295/Ipamorelin

What is CJC-1295/Ipamorelin?

This combination pairs two complementary peptides that work together to optimize growth hormone release:

CJC-1295 (with DAC): A synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with a Drug Affinity Complex that extends its half-life to 6-8 days.

Ipamorelin: A selective growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin's action at the GH secretagogue receptor, stimulating GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin.

Synergy: CJC-1295 amplifies the GH-releasing signal while Ipamorelin provides the trigger, resulting in enhanced pulsatile GH release that mimics physiological patterns.

Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 Mechanism

GHRH Receptor Activation:

• Binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs
• Amplifies growth hormone synthesis and secretion
• Extends duration of GH-releasing signal
• DAC modification provides sustained action (half-life ~6-8 days)

Pituitary Priming:

• Increases somatotroph responsiveness
• Enhances subsequent GH pulse amplitude
• Supports consistent GH elevation

Ipamorelin Mechanism

Ghrelin Receptor (GHS-R1a) Activation:

• Triggers pulsatile GH release from pituitary
• Selective for GH release (minimal cortisol/prolactin impact)
• Shorter half-life allows for physiological pulsatility

Unique Selectivity:

• Does not significantly increase appetite (unlike ghrelin)
• Minimal cortisol elevation
• Doesn't raise prolactin levels

Synergistic Effects

The combination produces greater GH release than either peptide alone:

• CJC-1295 primes and amplifies the signal
• Ipamorelin triggers the release
• Result: Enhanced, sustained pulsatile GH secretion

Clinical Applications

Anti-Aging and Wellness

• Age-related GH decline
• Body composition optimization
• Improved recovery and vitality
• Sleep quality enhancement
• Skin quality and collagen support

Body Composition

• Lean muscle mass support
• Fat mass reduction (especially visceral)
• Improved muscle-to-fat ratio
• Exercise recovery enhancement

Recovery and Healing

• Post-exercise recovery
• Injury healing support
• Surgical recovery optimization
• Musculoskeletal repair

Metabolic Health

• Insulin sensitivity support
• Lipid profile optimization
• Metabolic rate enhancement

Dosing Protocols

Standard Protocol

CJC-1295 (with DAC):

• 1-2 mg subcutaneously once weekly
• Administered at consistent weekly intervals

Ipamorelin:

• 200-300 mcg subcutaneously 1-3 times daily
• Best taken on empty stomach
• Evening dose preferred for sleep optimization

Combination Protocols

Conservative Start:

• CJC-1295: 1 mg weekly
• Ipamorelin: 200 mcg twice daily (morning + bedtime)

Standard:

• CJC-1295: 2 mg weekly
• Ipamorelin: 200-300 mcg three times daily

Cycle Duration:

• Typical cycle: 8-16 weeks
• Rest period: 4-8 weeks between cycles
• Some protocols use continuous low-dose therapy

Timing Considerations

• Ipamorelin on empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after food)
• Evening/bedtime dosing supports natural GH surge during sleep
• Avoid high-fat meals near dosing
• Space Ipamorelin doses throughout day

Patient Selection Criteria

Good Candidates

• Adults over 30 with documented or symptomatic GH decline
• Those seeking body composition improvement with lifestyle optimization
• Post-menopausal women (with appropriate hormone evaluation)
• Athletes seeking recovery enhancement (non-competitive)
• Patients with poor sleep quality affecting recovery

Contraindications

Absolute:

• Active malignancy (GH may promote tumor growth)
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Known hypersensitivity

Relative:

• History of cancer (evaluate with oncologist)
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Active carpal tunnel syndrome
• Severe arthralgia
• Pituitary disorders
• Pregnancy or nursing

Safety Profile

Common Side Effects

• Injection site reactions (mild, transient)
• Water retention (usually mild)
• Tingling or numbness in extremities
• Mild joint discomfort
• Transient headache
• Increased hunger (mild with Ipamorelin)

Less Common Effects

• Carpal tunnel-like symptoms
• Morning stiffness
• Increased dream activity
• Mild fatigue initially

Serious Concerns (Rare)

• Hypoglycemia (monitor diabetics carefully)
• Potential tumor growth promotion (theoretical)
• Significant edema (dose-related)

GH-Related Precautions

Elevated GH can exacerbate:

• Glucose intolerance
• Existing carpal tunnel syndrome
• Arthritis symptoms
• Edema-prone conditions

Monitoring Parameters

Baseline Assessment

• IGF-1 level (primary marker of GH status)
• Fasting glucose and HbA1c
• Lipid panel
• Complete metabolic panel
• Body composition (DEXA or bioimpedance)
• Symptom assessment (energy, sleep, recovery)
• PSA (males over 40)

Ongoing Monitoring

Every 4-8 weeks:

• Symptom response assessment
• Adverse effect monitoring
• Weight and body composition trends

Every 3-6 months:

• IGF-1 levels (target upper-normal range)
• Fasting glucose
• Lipid panel
• Repeat body composition

Target IGF-1 Range

• Aim for upper third of age-adjusted normal range
• Avoid supraphysiological levels
• Adjust dosing based on IGF-1 response

Drug Interactions

Clinical Considerations

Insulin/Diabetes Medications:

• GH can antagonize insulin action
• Monitor glucose closely
• May require diabetes medication adjustment

Glucocorticoids:

• May reduce GH efficacy
• Chronic steroid use suppresses GH axis

Other Growth-Promoting Compounds:

• Use caution with stacking
• Monitor for additive effects

Timing with Other Peptides

• Can be combined with tissue-repair peptides (BPC-157, TB-500)
• Separate administration times recommended
• Document all concurrent therapies

Compounding Considerations

Quality Requirements

• Certificate of Analysis for both peptides
• Purity ≥98% for each component
• Sterility and endotoxin testing
• Mass spectrometry confirmation
• Appropriate potency verification

Formulations

Separate Vials (Preferred):

• Allows individual dose titration
• CJC-1295 weekly, Ipamorelin daily

Combined Formulation:

• Fixed ratio combinations available
• Convenient but less flexible

Storage

• Lyophilized: Refrigerate for optimal stability
• Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2-8°C
• Ipamorelin: Use within 21-28 days of reconstitution
• CJC-1295 with DAC: Longer stability due to DAC modification

Regulatory Status

• Neither peptide is FDA-approved for any indication
• Available through 503A compounding pharmacies
• Banned by WADA for athletic competition
• Research chemical status in some contexts

Clinical Pearls

1. Synergy is key: The combination outperforms either peptide alone for GH elevation
2. Nighttime dosing matters: Evening Ipamorelin supports natural nocturnal GH surge
3. Fast for best results: Empty stomach dosing increases efficacy significantly
4. Monitor IGF-1: This is your primary objective marker of treatment response
5. Cycle appropriately: Continuous high-dose use may desensitize receptors
6. Manage expectations: Effects develop over weeks to months, not days

References

1. Teichman SL, et al. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799-805.
2. Raun K, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-561.
3. Ionescu M, Bhisitkul B. Ipamorelin increases growth hormone secretion in healthy subjects. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89(4):1798-1805.
4. Svensson J, et al. Two-month treatment of obese subjects with growth hormone-releasing hormone and/or growth hormone-releasing peptide-6. Obes Res. 1998;6(3):179-186.