CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin:
GH Secretagogue Protocol Guide
CJC-1295 (GHRH analogue) and Ipamorelin (GHRP) are the gold-standard combination for growth hormone secretagogue research. CJC-1295 extends and amplifies the GH pulse duration; Ipamorelin drives a clean, selective GH release without the cortisol and prolactin spikes associated with earlier GHRP compounds. Together they recapitulate a more youthful GH pulsatility profile.
GHRH + GHRP Synergy: The Mechanistic Basis
Growth hormone release is governed by two hypothalamic signals: GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone), which opens the GH pulse, and ghrelin/GHS-R agonists (GHRPs), which amplify pulse amplitude by acting on a separate receptor. Co-administering a GHRH analogue (CJC-1295) with a GHRP (Ipamorelin) produces GH release 2–10× greater than either compound alone — a well-established pharmacological synergy in both animal and human studies.
CJC-1295 (with Drug Affinity Complex, or DAC) has a half-life of approximately 8 days, versus ~30 minutes for native GHRH. This extended half-life allows weekly or twice-weekly dosing while maintaining elevated baseline GHRH receptor stimulation. Ipamorelin, with a 2-hour half-life, is dosed acutely to capture individual GH pulses.
Why Ipamorelin vs. Earlier GHRPs
GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 (earlier generation compounds) produce significant cortisol and prolactin elevations alongside GH release — a profile unsuitable for long-term research protocols investigating GH's anabolic and regenerative effects without confounding stress hormone changes. Ipamorelin's selectivity for the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a) without activating ACTH/cortisol pathways makes it the preferred GHRP in modern research designs.
Research Protocol Design
Standard Protocol (CJC-1295 with DAC)
- CJC-1295 DAC: 2 mg subcutaneous, once or twice weekly
- Ipamorelin: 100–200 mcg subcutaneous, 2–3× daily (before sleep, morning fasted, and optionally post-workout)
- Duration: 12–16 weeks
- Cycle: 12 weeks on, 4–8 weeks off to allow GH axis normalisation
Timing Rationale
GH secretion has a prominent natural pulse at sleep onset, particularly during slow-wave sleep (SWS). Administering Ipamorelin 30–60 minutes before sleep amplifies this natural pulse, which is the mechanistic basis for the "pre-sleep injection" timing seen in most research protocols. Morning fasted administration capitalises on a secondary natural GH pulse; post-exercise dosing captures exercise-induced GH amplification.
Fasting is important: insulin and glucose suppress GH release via somatostatin. Administration in a fed state, particularly after carbohydrate ingestion, significantly blunts the GH response in both animal and human studies.
Reconstitution Reference
- CJC-1295 2mg vial + 2mL bac water: 1000 mcg/mL → 2mg dose = 2mL
- Ipamorelin 2mg vial + 2mL bac water: 1000 mcg/mL → 100 mcg dose = 0.1mL = 10 units (U-100 syringe)
Extension: Body Composition Stack
The intermediate Body Composition Stack adds AOD-9604 (GH fragment 176-191 for targeted lipolysis) and MOTS-c (mitochondrial peptide for NAD+ and insulin sensitivity). This three-way combination targets GH axis stimulation (CJC/Ipamorelin), adipose-specific fat mobilisation (AOD-9604), and mitochondrial biogenesis (MOTS-c) for comprehensive metabolic research coverage.