CJC-1295 (no DAC): Benefits, Dosage & FDA Status
Modified Growth Hormone Releasing Factor 1-29
A growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog most commonly stacked with Ipamorelin to stimulate natural GH pulsatile release without disrupting the hypothalamic axis.
FDA Status
Not FDA-approved — Category 1 (compounding allowed)
Typical Dose
100–300 mcg before bed (subcutaneous)
Evidence Grade
BLimited clinical + robust preclinical evidence
Half-Life
~30 minutes (no-DAC)
Routes of Administration
subcutaneous
First Synthesized
2005
Clinics Indexed
156 providers have offered CJC-1295 (no DAC) in our tracked directory.
Mechanism of Action
Tetra-substituted GHRH(1–29) analog binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotropes to drive pulsatile GH release.
Key Reported Benefits
- ✓Growth hormone release
- ✓Fat loss
- ✓Improved sleep
- ✓Muscle recovery
Benefits listed reflect commonly reported effects from clinical trials and practitioner use. Individual response varies. Evidence-grade B indicates limited clinical + robust preclinical evidence.
Reported Side Effects
- •Injection-site reactions
- •Tingling/numbness
- •Vivid dreams
- •Water retention
Contraindications
- ⚠Active malignancy
- ⚠Diabetic retinopathy
- ⚠Pregnancy / breastfeeding
Commonly Stacked With
Ipamorelin
A selective growth hormone secretagogue that triggers GH release from the pituitary without significantly raising cortisol or prolactin. The safest GH peptide with the fewest side effects.
Tesamorelin
An FDA-approved GHRH analog that stimulates natural growth hormone production. Clinically proven to reduce visceral adipose tissue and increasingly used off-label for body recomposition.
Regulatory & Safety Context
FDA status: Not FDA-approved — Category 1 (compounding allowed)
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Peptide use outside of an FDA-approved indication should be discussed with a licensed medical professional. Source quality, cold-chain storage, and injection hygiene all materially affect safety outcomes.
See state-by-state legality: US peptide legality by state →
References
Selected primary literature on CJC-1295 (no DAC). Full PubMed records linked. Additional citations are available on request.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-30
Related Peptides
Ipamorelin
BA selective growth hormone secretagogue that triggers GH release from the pituitary without significantly raising cortisol or prolactin. The safest GH peptide with the fewest side effects.
Sermorelin
B+The original synthetic GHRH(1–29) and the most accessible GH-stimulating peptide for age-related hormone decline. Stimulates the body's own pulsatile GH release rather than replacing it.
MK-677
B+An orally active ghrelin-receptor agonist that drives 24-hour increases in GH and IGF-1. Technically a non-peptide small molecule but always grouped with GH peptides.
GHRP-2
BA potent synthetic ghrelin-mimetic GH secretagogue. Drives strong GH spikes but raises cortisol and prolactin more than newer alternatives like Ipamorelin.
Hexarelin
BThe strongest GH-releasing hexapeptide and one of the few peptides with documented direct cardiac benefits in animal models. Tachyphylaxis (diminished response over time) limits long-term use.
BPC-157
B+A 15-amino-acid peptide derived from gastric juice. The most popular recovery peptide with 100+ preclinical studies showing accelerated healing of tendons, ligaments, muscle, gut lining, and nerves.