Side-by-side · Research reference

CJC-1295 (no DAC)vsGlutathione

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

APhase 1HUMAN-REVIEWED15/51 cited

BHuman-MechanisticHUMAN-REVIEWED6/39 cited

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

Glutathione

Endogenous Tripeptide · Antioxidant

γ-Glu-Cys-GlyStructure

UbiquitousTissue distribution

GCL + GSBiosynthesisWang 2026 Aiana 2026

IV · Oral · Inhaled

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

Glutathione

Primary target

Pituitary GHRH receptorTeichman 2006

Intracellular redox systems, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase

Pathway

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

Synthesized via glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) → γ-glutamylcysteine → glutathione synthetase (GS) → GSH

Downstream effect

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

Reduction of reactive oxygen species, conjugation of electrophiles, maintenance of cellular thiol-disulfide balance, GPX4 activation for lipid peroxide reduction

Feedback intact?

Yes — short pulse preserves somatostatin negative feedbackIonescu 2006

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Origin

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

Endogenous tripeptide; predominantly synthesized in liver, exported to extracellular space and tissuesTerrell 2025 Hecht 2026

Antibody development

Not reported in short-term studies

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02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

Glutathione

Standard dose

100 mcg per injectionTeichman 2006

Often paired with ipamorelin in same syringe.

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Frequency

1–2× daily (pre-sleep ± morning)

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Lower / starter dose

50 mcg per dose

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Evidence basis

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

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

Animal mechanistic + human mechanistic

Duration

8–12 weeks on / 4 off (anecdotal)

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Reconstitution

Bacteriostatic water

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Timing

Pre-sleep + fasted preferred

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Half-life

~30 minIonescu 2006

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

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Endogenous synthesis

—

Hepatic synthesis ~10 g/day (basal rate)

Tissue-specific; demand-driven upregulation via Nrf2 signaling.

Exogenous oral

—

250–1000 mg/day

Bioavailability limited; gastric hydrolysis reduces systemic uptake.

IV supplementation

—

600–1200 mg (research protocols)

Used in clinical oxidative stress and hepatic detoxification studies.

Precursor strategy

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N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 600–1200 mg/day

Provides cysteine for endogenous GSH synthesis; bypasses GI degradation.

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

Glutathione

Injection site reaction

Erythema, mild pruritus

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Flushing / headache

Common transient effect

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Cortisol elevation

Minimal at standard doses

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Prolactin elevation

Minimal

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Glucose intolerance

Possible at high cumulative doses

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IGF-1 elevation

Dose-dependent; monitor with chronic use

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Cancer risk

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

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Pregnancy / OB

Avoid

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Oral supplementation

—

GI discomfort, bloating (mild, dose-dependent)

IV administration

—

Rare hypersensitivity, infusion site reaction

Inhalation

—

Bronchospasm risk in asthma (rare)

Tumor metabolism

—

Extracellular GSH catabolism supplies cysteine to tumors; theoretical concern in active malignancyHecht 2026

Absolute Contraindications

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

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

Glutathione

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Relative Contraindications

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

·Untreated diabetes
·Severe insulin resistance

Glutathione

·Active malignancy (theoretical cysteine supply risk)Hecht 2026
·Severe asthma (inhaled formulations)

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

Glutathione

1. Reconstitution

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

Capsule or liquid form, 250–1000 mg once daily. Take on empty stomach for improved absorption, though GI hydrolysis limits bioavailability. NAC precursor strategy often preferred.

2. Injection site

Subcutaneous, abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.

Clinical protocols: 600–1200 mg slow infusion over 30–60 minutes. Used for acute oxidative stress, hepatic detoxification support. Administered in medical settings.

3. Timing

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

Nebulized GSH (research protocols). Monitor for bronchospasm in reactive airway patients. Used experimentally for pulmonary oxidative stress.

4. Storage

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

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 600–1200 mg/day PO. Provides cysteine substrate for endogenous GSH synthesis. Bypasses gastric degradation, preferred for chronic supplementation.

5. Needle

29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.

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06Stack Synergy

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

Glutathione

— no documented stacks