Side-by-side · Research reference

AdamaxvsCJC-1295 (no DAC)

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AAnimal-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED20/47 cited

BPhase 1HUMAN-REVIEWED15/51 cited

Adamax

ACTH(4-10) Analogue · Russian Nootropic

1.4×BDNF protein ↑Dolotov 2006

3×BDNF mRNA (exon III)Dolotov 2006

1.6×trkB phosphorylationDolotov 2006

Intranasal · Research Use Only

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

Short-acting GHRH · No DAC variant

100 mcgPer doseTeichman 2006

~30 minHalf-lifeIonescu 2006

Phase 1Evidence levelTeichman 2006 Sigalos 2018

SQ · Pre-sleep · 1–2×/day

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Adamax

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

Primary target

Melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs) in hippocampus and cortex

Pituitary GHRH receptorTeichman 2006

Pathway

ACTH(4-10) fragment → MC-R binding → BDNF/trkB upregulation → neurotrophic signaling

GHRH-R → Gαs → cAMP → PKA → GH vesicle exocytosisTeichman 2006

Downstream effect

Increased hippocampal BDNF expression, trkB tyrosine phosphorylation, enhanced conditioned avoidance learning, circadian rhythm normalizationDolotov 2006 Arushanian 2008

Pulsatile GH release matching physiological pattern; subsequent IGF-1 elevationIonescu 2006

Feedback intact?

Non-endocrine — devoid of adrenal axis effectsvan 1978

Yes — short pulse preserves somatostatin negative feedbackIonescu 2006

Origin

ACTH(4-10) fragment with modified amino acid sequence at positions 8, 9, 10Teter 2001

Modified human GRF 1-29 with four substitutions (D-Ala²/Gln⁸/Ala¹⁵/Leu²⁷) for protease resistanceTeichman 2006

Antibody development

—

Not reported in short-term studies

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Adamax

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

Animal dose (rat)

50 mcg/kg body weightDolotov 2006

Single intranasal application; produced maximal BDNF response.

—

Route

IntranasalDolotov 2006 Smolnik 2000

—

Frequency

Single-dose or chronic administration protocols

Chronic dosing normalized circadian rhythms; single-dose produced acute BDNF elevation.

1–2× daily (pre-sleep ± morning)

Human dose (exploratory)

Not established — limited human data

ACTH(4-10) and analogs dosed 30–60 mcg intranasally in early human studies.

—

Evidence basis

Animal (rodent, rabbit) studies; minimal human RCT data

Phase 1 (CJC-1295 with DAC); analog dataTeichman 2006 Ionescu 2006

No-DAC variant is less studied directly; PK extrapolated from native GHRH.

Timing

Variable — chronic administration for circadian effects

Pre-sleep + fasted preferred

Standard dose

—

100 mcg per injectionTeichman 2006

Often paired with ipamorelin in same syringe.

Lower / starter dose

—

50 mcg per dose

Duration

—

8–12 weeks on / 4 off (anecdotal)

Reconstitution

—

Bacteriostatic water

Half-life

—

~30 minIonescu 2006

Short pulse vs CJC-1295-DAC (~8 days). Choose no-DAC for pulsatile, DAC for sustained.

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

Adamax

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

Cardiovascular effects

ACTH(4-10) fragments may have pressor and cardioaccelerator actions at high dosesGruber 1984

Effects attenuated by α/β-receptor antagonists; observed at 30–1000 nmol/kg IV in rats.

—

Natriuretic effect

ACTH(4-10) exhibited natriuretic activity at lower doses (7 nmol/kg)Gruber 1984

—

Behavioral suppression

Suppression of aggression, reduced orientation-cognition reactions in rabbitsTeter 2001

May reflect anxiolytic or stress-dampening profile.

—

Long-term safety

Unknown — chronic human safety data lacking

—

Injection site reaction

—

Erythema, mild pruritus

Flushing / headache

—

Common transient effect

Cortisol elevation

—

Minimal at standard doses

Prolactin elevation

—

Minimal

Glucose intolerance

—

Possible at high cumulative doses

IGF-1 elevation

—

Dose-dependent; monitor with chronic use

Cancer risk

—

Contraindicated in active malignancy (GH/IGF-1 axis)

Pregnancy / OB

—

Avoid

Absolute Contraindications

Adamax

·Pregnancy and lactation (precautionary; no data)
·Active cardiovascular instability (due to potential pressor effects)

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

·Active malignancy or cancer history
·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Disrupted hypothalamic-pituitary axis

Relative Contraindications

Adamax

·Hypertension (monitor BP if using higher doses)
·Renal impairment (natriuretic effects may alter electrolyte balance)

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

·Untreated diabetes
·Severe insulin resistance

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Adamax

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

1. Reconstitution (if lyophilised)

Add sterile water or bacteriostatic water to lyophilised vial per manufacturer guidance. Roll gently — do not shake. Ensure clarity before use.

Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to 2 mg vial → 1 mg/mL = 100 mcg per 0.1 mL. Roll gently.

2. Route

Intranasal administration is the primary route in animal and exploratory human studies. Delivered via nasal spray or dropper to ensure mucosal absorption.Dolotov 2006 Smolnik 2000

Subcutaneous, abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.

3. Timing

Variable. Single-dose protocols for acute cognitive tasks; chronic daily dosing for circadian rhythm normalization and sustained neuroprotection.

Pre-sleep preferred. Often combined with ipamorelin in the same syringe.

4. Storage

Lyophilised: room temperature, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within manufacturer-specified timeframe.

Lyophilised: room temp, protected from light. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within 30 days.

5. Needle

—

29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.

06Stack Synergy

Adamax

+ Semax

Moderate

View Semax →

Both Adamax and Semax are ACTH(4-10)-derived nootropics acting via melanocortin receptors and BDNF upregulation. Adamax has distinct amino acid modifications at positions 8-10, potentially offering complementary receptor binding profiles or metabolic stability. Stacking may amplify neurotrophic signaling and cognitive enhancement, though direct synergy studies are absent. Theoretical multi-pathway benefit.

Adamax: Research dose intranasal
Semax: 300–600 mcg intranasal
Frequency: Once daily, morning or pre-cognitive task
Primary benefit: Enhanced BDNF upregulation, cognitive performance, neuroprotection

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

+ Ipamorelin

Strong

View Ipamorelin →

CJC-1295 (no DAC) and ipamorelin are the canonical "GHRH + GHRP" dual-axis stack at physiological timing. Both peak within 30 min and clear within 2 hours, producing a sharp, high-amplitude GH pulse closely resembling natural physiology. Preferred over the CJC-1295-DAC + ipamorelin stack when pulsatility (vs sustained elevation) is the goal.

CJC-1295 (no DAC): 100 mcg SQ · pre-sleep
Ipamorelin: 200–300 mcg SQ · same injection
Primary benefit: Pulsatile GH stimulation, recovery, body composition

Teichman 2006 Raun 1998