Side-by-side · Research reference
CJC-1295 (no DAC)vsSurvodutide
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
BPhase 3HUMAN-REVIEWED25/54 cited
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
Short-acting GHRH · No DAC variant
SQ · Pre-sleep · 1–2×/day
Survodutide
GLP-1/Glucagon Dual Agonist · Phase 3
SQ · Once Weekly
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
Survodutide
Primary target
Pituitary GHRH receptorTeichman 2006
GLP-1 receptor and glucagon receptor (GCGR)Yathindra 2026Zimmermann 2026
Pathway
GHRH-R → Gαs → cAMP → PKA → GH vesicle exocytosisTeichman 2006
Central: CVOs → hypothalamic appetite regulation. Peripheral: GLP-1R → incretin effect; GCGR → hepatic lipid metabolism, energy expenditureZimmermann 2026Long 2026
Downstream effect
Pulsatile GH release matching physiological pattern; subsequent IGF-1 elevationIonescu 2006
Decreased energy intake, increased energy expenditure, improved glucose homeostasis, hepatic fat reductionZimmermann 2026Yathindra 2026
Origin
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
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
Survodutide
Standard dose
100 mcg per injectionTeichman 2006
Often paired with ipamorelin in same syringe.
Not yet disclosed (Phase 3 ongoing)
SYNCHRONIZE Phase 3 program underway.Rubino 2026
Frequency
1–2× daily (pre-sleep ± morning)
Once weekly
Lower / starter dose
50 mcg per dose
—
Evidence basis
Phase 1 (CJC-1295 with DAC); analog dataTeichman 2006Ionescu 2006
No-DAC variant is less studied directly; PK extrapolated from native GHRH.
Phase 2 RCT (obesity) · Phase 3 ongoing
Duration
8–12 weeks on / 4 off (anecdotal)
—
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.
—
03Metabolic / Fat Loss Evidence
Parameter
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
Survodutide
Primary fat target
—
Total body weight, visceral adipose tissue
Weight loss mechanism
—
Dual action: decreased energy intake + increased energy expenditureZimmermann 2026
Phase 2 efficacy
—
Significant weight loss demonstrated
Specific percentage not disclosed in abstracts.
Metabolic markers
—
Improvements in ALT, AST, LDL levels; significant ALT reduction (MD -22.10 vs placebo)Yathindra 2026Abulehia 2026Andonie 2026
Network meta-analysis
—
Favorable efficacy profile vs other glucagon receptor agonists
Comparative efficacy
—
Network meta-analysis shows competitive efficacy in GRA class
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
Survodutide
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
—
GI symptoms
—
Diarrhea, nausea, fatigue — class effect of GLP-1 agonists
Safety profile
—
Network meta-analysis: comparable safety to other GRAs
Serious adverse events
—
Monitored in Phase 2/3; no unique safety signals reported
Detailed SAE data pending Phase 3 completion.
Injection site reactions
—
Expected with subcutaneous administration
Glucagon-related effects
—
Potential for tachycardia, increased blood pressure — theoretical glucagon effect
Absolute Contraindications
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
- ·Active malignancy or cancer history
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
- ·Disrupted hypothalamic-pituitary axis
Survodutide
- ·Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (class effect)
- ·Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
Relative Contraindications
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
- ·Untreated diabetes
- ·Severe insulin resistance
Survodutide
- ·Severe GI disease (inflammatory bowel disease, gastroparesis)
- ·History of pancreatitis
- ·Cardiovascular disease (monitor closely for glucagon effects)
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
Survodutide
1. Reconstitution
Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to 2 mg vial → 1 mg/mL = 100 mcg per 0.1 mL. Roll gently.
Specific reconstitution protocol not yet publicly disclosed. Follow manufacturer instructions upon approval.
2. Injection site
Subcutaneous, abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.
Subcutaneous — abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites weekly to minimize injection site reactions.
3. Timing
Pre-sleep preferred. Often combined with ipamorelin in the same syringe.
Once weekly, same day each week. Can be administered at any time of day, with or without meals.
4. Storage
Lyophilised: room temp, protected from light. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within 30 days.
Store refrigerated (2–8 °C) until use. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Specific reconstituted storage duration pending labeling.
5. Needle
29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.
Subcutaneous injection with appropriate gauge needle (typically 27–31G). Use sterile technique.
06Stack Synergy
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
+ Ipamorelin
StrongCJC-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
Survodutide
— no documented stacks