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CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin Combination Protocol
Also known as: CJC/Ipa, CJC-1295 DAC + Ipamorelin, CJC + Ipa Combo, Growth Hormone Peptide Combo
Confidence
Updated 2026-03-18
CJC-1295 combined with Ipamorelin is the most widely prescribed growth hormone secretagogue protocol in peptide therapy clinics. The combination leverages synergistic mechanisms — CJC-1295 (a GHRH analog) and Ipamorelin (a GHRP/ghrelin mimetic) stimulate GH release through complementary pathways, producing a greater GH response than either peptide alone. This combination has become the de facto standard for GH optimization in the peptide therapy space.
Class
GH Secretagogue Combination
Routes
Subcutaneous
Half-Life
CJC-1295 DAC: ~6–8 days | CJC-1295 no DAC (Mod GRF 1-29): ~30 minutes | Ipamorelin: ~2 hours
CJC-1295 binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating GH synthesis and release via the cAMP/PKA pathway. Ipamorelin binds the GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) on the same cells, stimulating GH release via the IP3/DAG pathway. These two distinct signaling cascades converge synergistically — combined stimulation produces 2–3x greater GH release than either alone. CJC-1295 provides sustained GHRH-like signaling (especially DAC version with ~8-day half-life), while Ipamorelin provides acute GH pulses with minimal side effects.
Half-Life
CJC-1295 DAC: ~6–8 days | CJC-1295 no DAC (Mod GRF 1-29): ~30 minutes | Ipamorelin: ~2 hours
Bioavailability
Subcutaneous: Both peptides are well-absorbed subcutaneously. Combined administration does not appear to affect individual bioavailability.
No FDA-approved indications. Clinical use (via compounding): GH optimization in adults, anti-aging, body composition improvement, sleep quality enhancement, recovery from injury/surgery, sarcopenia prevention.
Individual peptide data is moderate — CJC-1295 has Phase II trial data showing sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation; Ipamorelin has Phase II data for post-surgical ileus. The combination protocol itself has NOT been studied in formal clinical trials. Evidence is based on: (1) pharmacological rationale for synergy, (2) individual peptide data, (3) extensive clinical experience from peptide therapy practitioners, and (4) patient-reported outcomes. This is one of the most commonly prescribed peptide protocols despite limited formal RCT data for the combination.
Human Studies
10
Animal Studies
20
Generally well-tolerated. Common: injection site reactions, water retention, numbness/tingling (transient), headache. Uncommon: cortisol elevation (minimal with ipamorelin vs. other GHRPs). Chronic use: potential insulin resistance from sustained IGF-1 elevation, theoretical cancer risk with long-term GH/IGF-1 elevation. No serious adverse events reported in clinical peptide therapy practice.
Category 1 — legally compoundable under FDA 503B framework. Available through licensed compounding pharmacies with prescription. The most commonly prescribed peptide combination in the US peptide therapy market. Regulatory status may change with evolving FDA guidance on compounded peptides.
Drug Interactions: Caution with corticosteroids (may blunt GH response). Diabetes medications (GH can worsen insulin resistance). Thyroid medications (GH affects T4-to-T3 conversion). Monitoring: IGF-1 levels (target upper-normal range), fasting glucose/insulin, body composition. Some practitioners monitor GH stimulation tests. Research Gaps: No RCTs of the combination. Optimal ratio and dosing. Long-term safety of chronic GH elevation. Cancer screening considerations.
Subcutaneous (clinical protocol)
Common Range
CJC-1295: 100–300 mcg + Ipamorelin: 100–300 mcg per injection (often combined in a single syringe or pre-mixed vial)
Timing
Before bedtime (to amplify natural nocturnal GH pulse) or morning fasted
Frequency
5–7 nights per week
Cycling
12–16 weeks on, 4–8 weeks off (common cycling protocol)
Reconstitution
Available as individual vials (reconstitute each with bacteriostatic water) or pre-mixed combination vials from compounding pharmacies
Storage
Refrigerated after reconstitution. Stable for ~4 weeks refrigerated.
Important Note
Category 1 compoundable — requires prescription. Most common peptide therapy protocol in clinical practice. Best administered on an empty stomach for optimal GH release. Some clinics use pre-mixed vials for convenience.
Connect with a verified provider offering CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin therapy near you.
GH Secretagogue
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of GHRH(1-29) with modifications to extend its half-life. Available in two forms: with Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) for prolonged action, and without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29) for shorter, more pulsatile action. Frequently combined with ipamorelin for synergistic GH release.
GH Secretagogue
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin to stimulate GH release from the pituitary. It is considered one of the most selective GH secretagogues, with minimal effect on cortisol, prolactin, and other hormones — making it a preferred choice in combination protocols with CJC-1295.
GHRH Analog
Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) consisting of the first 29 amino acids of the 44-amino acid GHRH sequence. Originally FDA-approved for diagnostic use in assessing growth hormone secretion, it has become a cornerstone of legitimate peptide therapy for growth hormone optimization due to its established safety profile and compounding eligibility.
GHRH Analog
Tesamorelin is a synthetic GHRH analog that is the only FDA-approved peptide therapy specifically for the reduction of excess abdominal fat. Originally approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, it has gained significant attention in the anti-aging and metabolic optimization space as a legal, well-characterized GH secretagogue.
GH Secretagogue (Ghrelin Mimetic)
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is an orally active, non-peptide ghrelin receptor (GHSR) agonist that stimulates growth hormone release. Unlike traditional GH secretagogue peptides, it is taken orally and has a long duration of action, making it one of the most widely discussed compounds in the longevity and bodybuilding communities. It is not FDA-approved for any indication.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any peptide therapy. PeptideSupplierMatch does not prescribe, sell, or distribute peptides.
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