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Comparison

CJC-1295 (no DAC) vs Sermorelin

CJC-1295 (no DAC) vs Sermorelin: modified vs unmodified GHRH analogs. Half-life, dosing frequency, real-world use.

The verdict

Both are GHRH analogs that restore natural GH pulses; the difference is in the molecule's stability. CJC-1295 (no DAC) is modified to be a bit more robust while still staying short-acting on purpose, and in practice it's almost always paired with Ipamorelin. Sermorelin is the unmodified original, slightly gentler and shorter-lived. For most modern protocols, CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin is the go-to combo. Sermorelin is the simpler, more old-school single option if you want minimal stacking.

№ 007
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
GH-axisEvidence: Limited

CJC-1295 (the 'no-DAC' version) is the partner peptide to Ipamorelin. Together they push a stronger natural GH pulse. Always paired, never run alone in this protocol.

Onset
65
Documentation
75
Side intensity
64
Popularity
70
№ 014
Sermorelin
GH-axisEvidence: Moderate

Sermorelin is the older, gentler cousin in the GH-axis family. Approved decades ago. Often used by anti-aging clinics for adults with declining GH output. Daily injection at bedtime.

Onset
65
Documentation
75
Side intensity
64
Popularity
50
Side-by-side
Field
Left
Right
Category
GH-axis
GH-axis
Half-life
~30 min (no DAC)
~10-20 minutes
Route
Subcutaneous
Subcutaneous
Schedule
1-3x daily, paired with Ipamorelin
Once daily, typically before bed
Cycle length
8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
12-24 weeks
Dose
100 mcg sub-q, 1-3x daily, paired 1:1 with Ipamorelin.
200-500 mcg sub-q nightly, on an empty stomach. Some protocols use 100-300 mcg twice daily.
FDA
Not FDA approved.
Approved as Geref (1997) for treatment of pediatric growth hormone deficiency. Discontinued by the manufacturer around 2008 for commercial reasons (the FDA's 2013 determination explicitly states it was not withdrawn for safety or effectiveness). Now compounded-only, not FDA-approved as a finished product.
WADA
Banned (S2)
Banned (S2)
Natty?
Not natty
Not natty
Prescribed
Some longevity clinics prescribe via compounding pharmacies, off-label.
Some longevity / anti-aging clinics prescribe via compounding pharmacies, off-label.
Top side effects
Head-rush; Brief facial flush; Hunger pulse
Head-rush at injection; Hunger pulse 30-60 min post-dose; Mild flushing

Which one should you pick?

Pick CJC-1295 (no DAC) if users stacking with ipamorelin (the canonical pair) or people wanting gh benefits while preserving the natural pulse rhythm.

Pick Sermorelin if beginners to gh-axis peptides or older adults with declining gh output.

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№ 007 CJC-1295 (no DAC) →
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№ 014 Sermorelin →