CJC-1295 (no DAC) + Ipamorelin Stack

Overview

The CJC-1295 (no DAC) + Ipamorelin Stack is the most widely studied combination in the growth hormone secretagogue research space. It pairs a GHRH analog (CJC-1295 without the Drug Affinity Complex) with a selective ghrelin receptor agonist (Ipamorelin).

The stack's foundational principle is that endogenous growth hormone release is governed by two complementary upstream signals: GHRH from the hypothalamus, which initiates a pulse, and ghrelin from the stomach, which amplifies it. By engaging both arms simultaneously, researchers can achieve a more physiological, larger GH pulse than either compound elicits alone. CJC-1295 without DAC has a short half-life that mimics natural GHRH kinetics, which is why this version is preferred for pulsatile research designs over CJC-1295 with DAC.

Compounds in This Stack

• CJC-1295 (no DAC) — Tetrasubstituted GHRH analog with extended stability vs. native GHRH but short systemic half-life.
• Ipamorelin — Selective growth hormone secretagogue acting on the ghrelin receptor without significant cortisol or prolactin elevation.

Rationale

GHRH and ghrelin signaling synergize at the somatotroph level. CJC-1295 (no DAC) binds the GHRH receptor, increasing the readiness pool of GH and amplifying pulse amplitude. Ipamorelin acts on the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a), suppressing somatostatin tone and triggering release.

The combination produces a larger, more clean GH pulse than either agent alone. Crucially, Ipamorelin is among the most selective ghrelin receptor agonists, meaning it does not meaningfully elevate cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone — issues observed with older GHRPs like GHRP-6. This selectivity makes the stack a cleaner research tool for isolating GH effects.

Research Context

Combination studies in animal models and informal human research consistently describe a multiplicative effect on serum GH peak vs. monotherapy.

Typical Research Parameters

Researchers commonly study this stack with two to three administrations per day, timed away from meals to avoid blunting the GH pulse with circulating insulin or glucose. Pre-bedtime administration aligns with the natural overnight GH pulse. Observation windows are typically eight to sixteen weeks, with serum IGF-1 used as a downstream proxy marker for cumulative GH activity.

Considerations

Pulsatile GHRH/GHRP designs depend on intermittent receptor engagement; sustained exposure is associated with somatotroph desensitization, which is why short-acting CJC-1295 (no DAC) is preferred over the DAC variant for pulse-fidelity research. Co-administration with food, especially carbohydrate, typically blunts measurable pulse amplitude. The stack is research-only; clinical GH replacement protocols use approved recombinant products instead.

Related Stacks

• CJC-1295 DAC + Ipamorelin Stack
• [Sermorelin + GHRP-2 Stack](/wiki/sermorelin-ghrp-2-stack)
• MOD-GRF + Ipamorelin Stack
• Tesamorelin + Ipamorelin Stack
• Hexarelin + CJC-1295 Stack

Related Compounds

• CJC-1295
• Ipamorelin
• GHRH
• Growth Hormone
• IGF-1
• Sermorelin