Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| CJC-1295 (without DAC / Mod GRF 1-29) | Melanotan II | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 100-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection. | Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection during loading, reducing to 250 mcg 2-3 times weekly for maintenance. |
| Timing | Best administered at bedtime (primary), upon waking, and/or post-workout. Always on empty stomach — wait 2+ hours after last meal. Avoid carbohydrates 30+ minutes after injection. | Administer 4-6 hours before UV exposure for optimal tanning synergy. Can be taken at any time of day. |
| Cycle Duration | 12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks. | Loading phase 1-2 weeks, then maintenance as long as desired. Pigmentation fades gradually upon discontinuation. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | moderate_human |
Mod GRF 1-29 (Modified Growth Hormone Releasing Factor, amino acids 1-29) is a truncated and modified GHRH analog that binds to GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotrophs, activating cAMP via Gs protein/adenylate cyclase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Without the DAC moiety, it has a short half-life of approximately 30 minutes, producing acute GH pulses that more closely mimic natural pulsatile GH secretion. It also stimulates pituitary gene transcription of GH mRNA, preserving endogenous pituitary reserve.
Research indicates 100-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.
Best administered at bedtime (primary), upon waking, and/or post-workout. Always on empty stomach — wait 2+ hours after last meal. Avoid carbohydrates 30+ minutes after injection.
12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks.
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) that non-selectively agonizes melanocortin receptors MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC5. MC1R activation stimulates eumelanin synthesis through tyrosinase upregulation, producing tanning. MC3R activation in the CNS increases libido and produces erectile responses. MC4R activation suppresses appetite. The cyclic structure provides enhanced in vivo stability (half-life 1-2 hours) and increased blood-brain barrier permeability compared to linear alpha-MSH.
Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection during loading, reducing to 250 mcg 2-3 times weekly for maintenance.
Administer 4-6 hours before UV exposure for optimal tanning synergy. Can be taken at any time of day.
Loading phase 1-2 weeks, then maintenance as long as desired. Pigmentation fades gradually upon discontinuation.
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