IGF-1 DES vs CJC-1295

Head-to-head comparison of IGF-1 DES (Des(1-3) Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) and CJC-1295 (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analog) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.

Research Score

PropertyIGF-1 DESCJC-1295
CategoryGrowth HormonePerformance
Full NameDes(1-3) Insulin-like Growth Factor 1Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analog
Molecular Weight7365 Da3,367.97 Da
Half-Life~20-30 minutes~6-8 days (DAC)
Amino Acids6730
Typical Dose1-2 mg/week
RouteSC
Purity>98%
Studies Count65167
Research StatusActive ResearchClinical Trials

IGF-1 DES Benefits

  • Highly potent localized muscle growth, enhanced protein synthesis, satellite cell proliferation, does not bind to IGFBPs, rapid onset

CJC-1295 Benefits

  • Sustained GH release over days
  • Improved body composition
  • Enhanced deep sleep quality
  • Accelerated recovery from training
  • Increased protein synthesis

IGF-1 DES Dosing

50-150 mcg per injection site bilaterally post-workout. 4-6 week cycles due to potency. Multiple daily injections in research.

CJC-1295 Dosing

Without DAC: 100-200 mcg SC 2-3 times daily|With DAC: 1-2 mg SC once or twice weekly|Combined with Ipamorelin: 100 mcg each, 2-3x daily

IGF-1 DES Side Effects

  • Hypoglycemia (dose-dependent), localized swelling, shorter duration limits systemic exposure compared to IGF-1 LR3.

CJC-1295 Side Effects

  • Common (Mild): Water retention, tingling/numbness, flushing
  • Moderate: Joint stiffness, carpal tunnel-like symptoms
  • Rare: Elevated blood sugar (transient)

Research Overview

IGF-1 DES

Missing first three amino acids (Gly-Pro-Glu) eliminates IGFBP binding, resulting in 100% bioavailable IGF-1R stimulation. Activates PI3K/Akt/mTOR for protein synthesis and satellite cell proliferation.

CJC-1295

CJC-1295 has good pre-clinical and early clinical data. The DAC variant shows sustained GH elevation for days. Often combined with GHRPs for synergistic GH release.

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Common Stacking Partners

IGF-1 DES stacks with:

PEG-MGFIGF-1 LR3CJC-1295

CJC-1295 stacks with:

IpamorelinGHRP-6BPC-157
growth-factorIGF-1-analogmuscle-growthanaboliclocalized-growthGH SecretagoguePerformanceRecoveryAnti-aging