Side-by-side · Research reference

CJC-1295 (no DAC)vsMT-1

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

BFDA-ApprovedHUMAN-REVIEWED9/51 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

MT-1

α-MSH Analogue · FDA-Approved

16 mgImplant dose

13 AAPeptide lengthChawathe 2026

2019FDA approval

SQ Implant · 60-Day Release

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

MT-1

Primary target

Pituitary GHRH receptorTeichman 2006

Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytesLangan 2010

Pathway

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

α-MSH analogue → MC1R activation → cAMP elevation → MITF transcription → eumelanin synthesis

Downstream effect

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

Increased melanogenesis, photoprotection, reduced UV sensitivityLangan 2010

Feedback intact?

Yes — short pulse preserves somatostatin negative feedbackIonescu 2006

Yes — exogenous MC1R agonism does not suppress endogenous α-MSH production

Origin

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

Synthetic 13-AA peptidomimetic with norleucine (position 4) and D-phenylalanine (position 7) substitutions for metabolic stabilityChawathe 2026

Antibody development

Not reported in short-term studies

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

MT-1

Standard dose

100 mcg per injectionTeichman 2006

Often paired with ipamorelin in same syringe.

16 mg subcutaneous implant

FDA-approved formulation (Scenesse).

Frequency

1–2× daily (pre-sleep ± morning)

Every 60 days

Sustained release implant — no daily administration required.

Lower / starter dose

50 mcg per dose

—

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.

Phase 3 RCT / FDA-approved orphan drug

Duration

8–12 weeks on / 4 off (anecdotal)

Seasonal use (spring–autumn typical)

Aligned with peak UV exposure months.

Reconstitution

Bacteriostatic water

—

Timing

Pre-sleep + fasted preferred

—

Half-life

~30 minIonescu 2006

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

—

Indication

—

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)

Narrow FDA approval — not licensed for cosmetic tanning.

Route

—

Subcutaneous implant — upper arm or abdomen

Stability

—

Norleucine/D-Phe substitutions enhance peptidase resistance

Modified structure vs endogenous α-MSH (Met⁴, L-Phe⁷).

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

MT-1

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

—

Nausea

—

Common (>10%) — mild, transient

Implant site reaction

—

Erythema, bruising, tenderness at insertion site

Hyperpigmentation

—

Generalised tanning (therapeutic effect), darkening of freckles/neviLangan 2010 Habbema 2017

Expected melanogenic response — complicates pigmented lesion surveillance.

Melanocytic changes

—

Rapid pigmentation of existing nevi; new melanocytic lesions reported with unregulated useHabbema 2017

Requires dermatologic monitoring; theoretical melanoma concern with chronic stimulation.

Headache

—

Occasional (MC1R-independent melanocortin effects)

Photosensitivity (paradoxical)

—

Rare phototoxic reactions despite melanin increase

Contamination risk (unregulated)

—

Impurity, infection, blood-borne virus transmission from illicit melanotan productsLangan 2010 Habbema 2017

Applies to internet/gym-sourced 'melanotan' — not FDA-approved Scenesse.

Absolute Contraindications

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

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

MT-1

·Hypersensitivity to afamelanotide or excipients
·Hepatic impairment (no safety data)
·Renal impairment (no safety data)

Relative Contraindications

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

·Untreated diabetes
·Severe insulin resistance

MT-1

·History of melanoma or atypical nevi (melanocortin receptor stimulation concern)Habbema 2017
·Pregnancy/lactation (insufficient data)
·Photosensitive dermatoses (other than EPP)

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

MT-1

1. Reconstitution

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

Performed by trained healthcare provider. Sterile technique. Small incision in upper arm (triceps) or lower abdomen using trocar. 16 mg rod (4 mm × 1.5 cm) inserted subcutaneously.

2. Injection site

Subcutaneous, abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.

Pressure applied post-insertion. Sterile dressing × 24 hrs. Avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hrs to prevent extrusion.

3. Timing

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

Slow biodegradable polymer matrix releases afamelanotide over 60 days, maintaining therapeutic plasma levels without daily dosing.

4. Storage

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

New implant every 60 days during high UV season (spring–autumn in temperate climates). Rotate implant sites to avoid scarring.

5. Needle

29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.

Baseline and periodic dermatologic exams to document pigmented lesions. Patient education on self-examination for new/changing nevi.

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

MT-1

— no documented stacks