Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF) are two of the most commonly combined peptides in growth hormone research protocols. Each peptide stimulates GH release through a different mechanism, and when used together they produce a stronger, more sustained pulse than either one alone. This guide covers the dosing math, timing, and planning you need to run this stack correctly.
Why These Two Peptides Are Stacked Together
Understanding why this combination works requires knowing what each peptide does individually:
- Ipamorelin is a growth hormone secretagogue — it mimics ghrelin and signals the pituitary gland to release GH. It is considered the most selective GHRP (growth hormone releasing peptide) because it stimulates GH without significantly raising cortisol or prolactin levels
- CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) is a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog. It amplifies the GH pulse that ipamorelin initiates and extends its duration
Think of it this way: ipamorelin tells the pituitary to release GH, and CJC-1295 (no DAC) turns up the volume on that signal. Used alone, each peptide produces a moderate GH pulse. Used together, the combined pulse is significantly larger — research suggests the synergistic effect can be 2-3x greater than either peptide alone.
Individual Dose Ranges
Each peptide is dosed in micrograms (mcg) per injection. They are administered at the same time but drawn from separate vials:
| Peptide | Dose Per Injection | Most Common Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin | 100-300 mcg | 200 mcg | Higher end for body composition goals |
| CJC-1295 no DAC | 100-200 mcg | 100 mcg | Acts as amplifier; lower dose is usually sufficient |
The most widely used protocol is 200 mcg ipamorelin + 100 mcg CJC-1295 (no DAC) per injection. Some protocols use a 1:1 ratio at 100 mcg each, while more aggressive protocols push ipamorelin to 300 mcg. Start at the lower end and assess your response before increasing.
Reconstitution Math
Both peptides are typically sold in 5mg vials and reconstituted separately. Never mix two different peptides in the same vial.
Ipamorelin — 5mg Vial + 2.5mL Bacteriostatic Water
- Concentration: 5,000 mcg / 2.5 mL = 2,000 mcg per mL
- Per syringe unit: 2,000 / 100 = 20 mcg per unit
- For 100 mcg dose: 100 / 20 = 5 units
- For 200 mcg dose: 200 / 20 = 10 units
- For 300 mcg dose: 300 / 20 = 15 units
This concentration makes the most common doses land on clean syringe markings. At 200 mcg per injection, a single 5mg vial provides 25 doses.
CJC-1295 (no DAC) — 5mg Vial + 2.5mL Bacteriostatic Water
- Concentration: 5,000 mcg / 2.5 mL = 2,000 mcg per mL
- Per syringe unit: 2,000 / 100 = 20 mcg per unit
- For 100 mcg dose: 100 / 20 = 5 units
- For 200 mcg dose: 200 / 20 = 10 units
Using the same water volume for both peptides keeps the math consistent. At 100 mcg per injection, a single 5mg vial provides 50 doses.
Alternative: 5mg Vial + 2mL Bacteriostatic Water
If you prefer a slightly more concentrated solution:
- Concentration: 2,500 mcg per mL (25 mcg per unit)
- For 100 mcg: 4 units
- For 200 mcg: 8 units
- For 300 mcg: 12 units
This works well, but some of the doses land between major syringe tick marks. If you are using a 0.5mL or 0.3mL syringe with finer graduations, this is not an issue.
Syringe Unit Quick Reference
This table covers both peptides at common reconstitution volumes for a 5mg vial:
| Water Added | MCG per Unit | 100 mcg | 200 mcg | 300 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 50 mcg | 2 units | 4 units | 6 units |
| 2 mL | 25 mcg | 4 units | 8 units | 12 units |
| 2.5 mL | 20 mcg | 5 units | 10 units | 15 units |
| 5 mL | 10 mcg | 10 units | 20 units | 30 units |
Use our ipamorelin dosage calculator and CJC-1295 dose calculator to get exact syringe units for any vial size and water volume combination.
Timing Protocols
When you inject matters with this stack. Both peptides have short half-lives, and the goal is to create distinct GH pulses that mimic the body's natural pulsatile release pattern.
Protocol 1: Before Bed Only (Beginner)
- Frequency: 1x per day
- Timing: 30-60 minutes before sleep, on an empty stomach
- Dose: 200 mcg ipamorelin + 100 mcg CJC-1295
- Why it works: The largest natural GH pulse occurs during deep sleep. Injecting before bed amplifies this natural peak
Protocol 2: Morning + Before Bed (Intermediate)
- Frequency: 2x per day
- Timing: Morning (fasted, before breakfast) and 30-60 minutes before sleep
- Dose: 200 mcg ipamorelin + 100 mcg CJC-1295 at each injection
- Why it works: Two distinct GH pulses per day, spaced far enough apart to avoid desensitization
Protocol 3: Three Times Daily (Advanced)
- Frequency: 3x per day
- Timing: Morning (fasted), post-workout or mid-afternoon, and before bed
- Dose: 100-200 mcg ipamorelin + 100 mcg CJC-1295 at each injection
- Why it works: Maximizes GH pulses across the day. Used in aggressive body composition or recovery protocols
How Long to Run the Protocol
Unlike some peptides with fixed protocol lengths, ipamorelin and CJC-1295 cycles are typically run for longer durations because they work by stimulating your own GH production rather than replacing it:
| Protocol Length | Use Case | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | Standard cycle | Most common recommendation for a first run |
| 12-16 weeks | Extended protocol | Allows more time for body composition changes |
| 16+ weeks | Long-term use | Some protocols run continuously with periodic breaks |
Most protocols recommend running the stack for at least 8 weeks before evaluating results, as GH-mediated changes in sleep quality, recovery, skin, and body composition develop gradually. A 12-week cycle is the most common recommendation.
Vial Planning for a Full Cycle
Plan your vial purchases before starting so you do not run out mid-cycle. This table assumes a 5mg vial for each peptide:
Protocol: 200 mcg Ipamorelin + 100 mcg CJC-1295, 2x Daily
| Peptide | Per Injection | Daily Use | 8-Week Total | 12-Week Total | 5mg Vials Needed (8 / 12 wk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin | 200 mcg | 400 mcg | 22.4 mg | 33.6 mg | 5 / 7 |
| CJC-1295 no DAC | 100 mcg | 200 mcg | 11.2 mg | 16.8 mg | 3 / 4 |
Protocol: 200 mcg Ipamorelin + 100 mcg CJC-1295, 1x Daily (Before Bed)
| Peptide | Per Injection | Daily Use | 8-Week Total | 12-Week Total | 5mg Vials Needed (8 / 12 wk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin | 200 mcg | 200 mcg | 11.2 mg | 16.8 mg | 3 / 4 |
| CJC-1295 no DAC | 100 mcg | 100 mcg | 5.6 mg | 8.4 mg | 2 / 2 |
Remember that reconstituted vials should be used within 3-4 weeks. If you are only injecting once daily, reconstitute one vial at a time rather than opening multiple vials that may expire before you finish them.
Common Mistakes With This Stack
These are the errors that come up most frequently in ipamorelin and CJC-1295 dosing protocols:
1. Eating Too Close to Injection
This is the most common mistake. Elevated blood sugar and insulin directly suppress GH release. Injecting within an hour of a meal — especially one containing carbohydrates — significantly reduces the GH pulse. Fast for at least 2 hours before and wait 20-30 minutes after injecting before eating.
2. Confusing CJC-1295 With DAC and Without DAC
These are different compounds with different dosing schedules. CJC-1295 with DAC has a much longer half-life and is injected 1-2 times per week, not multiple times daily. If you are using the DAC version with a pulsatile ipamorelin protocol, you are combining two different approaches and the timing logic does not apply the same way. This guide is specifically for the no-DAC version (Mod GRF 1-29).
3. Mixing Both Peptides in the Same Vial
Do not reconstitute ipamorelin and CJC-1295 in the same vial. Each peptide should be in its own vial with its own bacteriostatic water. You can draw from both vials into the same syringe for a single injection if preferred, but the reconstituted stock solutions must be kept separate.
4. Injecting Too Many Times Too Close Together
GH secretagogues work by triggering a pulse from the pituitary. If you inject again before the pituitary has had time to replenish its GH stores, the second pulse will be blunted. Space injections at least 3 hours apart. Two or three times daily with proper spacing is sufficient — more frequent dosing does not produce proportionally better results.
5. Expecting Immediate Results
This stack does not produce overnight changes. Improved sleep quality is often the first noticeable effect within the first 1-2 weeks. Body composition changes, skin improvements, and recovery benefits typically take 6-8 weeks to become apparent. Run the protocol for the full planned duration before evaluating whether it is working.
6. Using the Wrong Syringe Scale
Always use U-100 insulin syringes. At low unit counts (under 10 units), consider using a 0.3 mL (30 unit) syringe for better precision. See our guide on reading insulin syringes for peptides if you are unfamiliar with unit markings.
Drawing From Two Vials Into One Syringe
Since both peptides are injected at the same time, you can combine them into a single injection to reduce the number of needle sticks:
- Draw the ipamorelin dose first (e.g., 10 units for 200 mcg at 20 mcg/unit)
- Without changing the needle, insert into the CJC-1295 vial and draw the additional amount (e.g., 5 more units for 100 mcg at 20 mcg/unit)
- Total on the syringe: 15 units. Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen or thigh
This technique requires careful attention — note your first draw amount before adding the second. If you are unsure, use two separate syringes until you are comfortable with the process.
Get your exact syringe units for any dose and vial combination with our ipamorelin dosage calculator and CJC-1295 dose calculator.