CJC/IPA Protocol¶
Tags: CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, Protocol, Growth Hormone
Quick Summary
The CJC/IPA protocol combines CJC-1295 (DAC-modified GHRH analogue) with Ipamorelin (selective GHS) to optimize GH via complementary mechanisms: sustained baseline elevation plus short GH pulses.
Overview¶
The CJC/IPA protocol pairs a long-acting GHRH analogue with a selective GH secretagogue to target recovery, lean mass, and sleep quality; clinical combination trials are limited.
Key Benefits¶
- Dual-pathway GH optimization: sustained baseline elevation plus selective pulses
- Improved recovery and protein synthesis support for training
- Potential lean-mass preservation during calorie deficit and aging
Mechanism of Action¶
- CJC-1295 (DAC) extends circulation via albumin binding, prolonging GHRH receptor stimulation.
- Ipamorelin activates ghrelin receptors (GHSR1a) to induce GH release without notable ACTH/cortisol effects.
Research Indications¶
- Muscle growth and performance
- Recovery optimization after training
- Metabolic health and lean-mass preservation
- Moderate anti-aging support via IGF-1 optimization
Research Protocols¶
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| General health optimization | 200 mcg each (0.2 mL if 1 mg/mL) | Once daily | Subcutaneous |
| Performance enhancement | 250 mcg each (0.25 mL if 1 mg/mL) | Once daily | Subcutaneous |
| Recovery optimization | 300 mcg each (0.3 mL if 1 mg/mL) | Once daily | Subcutaneous |
| Conservative approach | 150 mcg each (0.15 mL if 1 mg/mL) | 5 days/week | Subcutaneous |
Timing: CJC-1295 has a 6–8 day half-life (sustained effects). Ipamorelin has a ~2-hour half-life for immediate GH pulses. Evening dosing (30–60 minutes before bed) aligns with circadian GH peaks and is commonly recommended.
Interactions¶
Compatible / Complementary
- BPC-157 — Compatible
Monitor
- MK-677 — Monitor combination
- Insulin — Monitor combination (GH affects insulin sensitivity)
- Thyroid medications — Requires timing adjustments
Avoid
- Synthetic HGH — Avoid combination
- Corticosteroids — Use caution
How to Reconstitute¶
- Blended vials: add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to create ~2 mg/mL (1 mg/mL each peptide).
- Separate vials: add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to each vial (1 mg/mL each).
- Blended dosing: draw 0.2–0.3 mL for a 200–300 mcg dose of each peptide in a single injection.
- Separate dosing: mix equal volumes in one syringe or inject at different sites.
- Inject 2–3 hours after last meal and 30–60 minutes before bed when practical.
- Rotate subcutaneous sites (abdomen, thigh, upper arm) to prevent tissue issues.
Quality Indicators¶
Positive Signs
- Standard labeling often lists total mg and per-peptide amounts (e.g., "10 mg total: 5 mg CJC-1295 + 5 mg Ipamorelin").
- Beginners: separate vials allow individual tolerance testing; experienced users may prefer blended formulations for convenience.
- Maintain approximately 1:1 ratio of peptides for complementary effects.
- Reconstitution should yield a clear solution without particles or precipitation.
- Request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing individual peptide purities for blends.
Warning Signs
- Cloudy solution, particulates, or missing COA
What to Expect¶
- Week 1–2: improved sleep depth and vivid dreams for some users
- Week 3–4: enhanced exercise recovery and reduced soreness
- Week 6–8: gradual body-composition improvements and skin quality changes
- Week 8–12: optimized benefits if protocol is effective; individual responses vary
- Post-cycle: some benefits may persist for several weeks due to improved recovery and sleep
Side Effects & Safety¶
- CRITICAL: test individual peptides separately before combining when possible
- No clinical trials validate combination benefits or long-term safety vs. individual peptides
- Use pharmaceutical-grade peptides with COA
- Monitor blood glucose in people with diabetes (GH affects insulin sensitivity)
- Start conservative (200 mcg each) to assess tolerance; discontinue if adverse reactions occur
- Maintain injection-site rotation and regular bloodwork (IGF-1 monitoring) for extended use
References¶
CJC-1295 Clinical Efficacy - Teichman et al. (2006)
- Human | 30-60 mcg/kg | 28-49 days | 2-10 fold GH increase, 1.5-3 fold IGF-1 increase
Randomized placebo-controlled study in healthy adults demonstrating sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation with 5.8-8.1 day half-life.
Ipamorelin Selectivity - Raun et al. (1998)
- Multiple species | Various doses | Selective GH release without ACTH/cortisol effects
Landmark study establishing Ipamorelin as first selective GHS with no effects on stress hormones even at high doses.
GH Pulsatility Preservation - Ionescu & Frohman (2006)
- Human | Continuous monitoring | 14 days | Maintained natural rhythm
Demonstrated CJC-1295 preserves pulsatile GH secretion while increasing basal levels.