Side-by-side · Research reference

CJC-1295 (no DAC)vsVIP

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-REVIEWED9/42 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

VIP

Neuropeptide · VPAC1/VPAC2 Agonist · Emergency Use Authorization (COVID-19 ARDS)

IntravenousPrimary routeBrown 2023

ARDSLead indicationUdupa 2025

Phase 3Development stage

IV infusion · Inhaled (investigational)Brown 2023 Boesing 2022

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

VIP

Primary target

Pituitary GHRH receptorTeichman 2006

VPAC1 and VPAC2 G-protein-coupled receptorsUdupa 2025

Pathway

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

VIP → VPAC1/VPAC2 activation → cAMP elevation → Pulmonary vasodilation + epithelial protection

Downstream effect

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

Anti-inflammatory cytokine modulation, alveolar-capillary membrane stabilization, pulmonary smooth muscle relaxation, reduced neutrophil infiltration

Feedback intact?

Yes — short pulse preserves somatostatin negative feedbackIonescu 2006

Yes — exogenous VIP acts as physiological agonist

Origin

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

Endogenous 28-amino-acid neuropeptide; synthetic analogue (aviptadil) identical to natural VIP

Antibody development

Not reported in short-term studies

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

VIP

Standard dose

100 mcg per injectionTeichman 2006

Often paired with ipamorelin in same syringe.

—

Frequency

1–2× daily (pre-sleep ± morning)

—

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 (TESICO)Brown 2023

816-patient randomized controlled trial in COVID-19 ARDS.

Duration

8–12 weeks on / 4 off (anecdotal)

—

Reconstitution

Bacteriostatic water

Lyophilized powder reconstituted with sterile diluent per protocol

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.

~2 minutes (plasma)

Rapid clearance necessitates continuous infusion.

Intravenous (ARDS protocol)

—

60–90 mcg/kg/day via continuous infusion

TESICO trial protocol for COVID-19 ARDS.

Infusion duration

—

12-hour continuous IV infusion dailyBrown 2023

Inhaled (investigational)

—

Variable dosing under clinical trial protocolsBoesing 2022

Delivered via nebulizer for direct pulmonary deposition.

Treatment duration

—

3–14 days (acute ARDS)

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

VIP

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

—

Hypotension

—

Transient vasodilation-related blood pressure drop

Tachycardia

—

Reflex tachycardia secondary to vasodilation

Infusion site reactions

—

Erythema, phlebitis (IV administration)

GI symptoms

—

Nausea, diarrhea (VIP is endogenous GI peptide)

Overall tolerability

—

Well-tolerated in Phase 3 trials; adverse event profile comparable to placebo

Absolute Contraindications

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

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

VIP

·Known hypersensitivity to aviptadil or formulation components

Relative Contraindications

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

·Untreated diabetes
·Severe insulin resistance

VIP

·Severe hypotension or shock states (monitor blood pressure)
·Pregnancy — insufficient safety data

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

CJC-1295 (no DAC)

VIP

1. Reconstitution

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

Reconstitute lyophilized aviptadil powder with sterile diluent per manufacturer protocol. Inspect solution for particulates — should be clear and colorless.

2. Injection site

Subcutaneous, abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.

Administer as continuous 12-hour intravenous infusion via central or peripheral line. Use infusion pump for precise dosing (60–90 mcg/kg/day divided over infusion duration).

3. Timing

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

Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygenation continuously during first infusion. Assess for hypotension and adjust infusion rate if needed.

4. Storage

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

Deliver via jet or mesh nebulizer per clinical trial protocol. Patient seated upright, normal tidal breathing for 10–15 minutes.

5. Needle

29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.

Store lyophilized powder at 2–8 °C, light-protected. Reconstituted solution: use immediately or within 24 hours if refrigerated.

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

VIP

— no documented stacks