Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| CJC-1295 (without DAC / Mod GRF 1-29) | SS-31 (Elamipretide) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 100-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection. | Research indicates 0.05-0.25 mg/kg daily via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or SC. |
| 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. | Morning dosing preferred. No food timing restrictions. |
| Cycle Duration | 12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks. | Clinical trials ranged from single dose to 48 weeks. Optimal cycle length not established. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | Emerging (Phase 2/3 trials) |
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.
SS-31 (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2, also known as elamipretide/Bendavia) is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that localizes to the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin via electrostatic interactions. This stabilizes cardiolipin against oxidative damage, preserving cristae integrity, reducing ROS production, and maintaining mitochondrial ATP production. SS-31 interacts with proteins in two functional groups: oxidative phosphorylation complexes and 2-oxoglutarate metabolic enzymes — all known cardiolipin binders. It restores mitochondrial function without acting as a direct antioxidant.
Research indicates 0.05-0.25 mg/kg daily via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or SC.
Morning dosing preferred. No food timing restrictions.
Clinical trials ranged from single dose to 48 weeks. Optimal cycle length not established.
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