How long does it take to see results from this stack?

The GH secretagogue component (CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin) typically produces noticeable effects within 2–4 weeks — improved sleep quality, better recovery, and subtle changes in body composition. Epitalon’s effects on telomere length and cellular aging are gradual and not immediately perceptible; telomere benefits accumulate over multiple cycles across months to years. Most users report the combined subjective benefits (sleep, skin quality, energy, recovery) within 4–8 weeks of running the full stack.

Is Epitalon the same as Epithalon?

Yes. Epitalon, Epithalon, and AEDG peptide all refer to the same compound — the synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. The different names arise from transliteration variations between Russian and English scientific literature. All refer to the same molecule with identical mechanisms and dosing.

Can I run CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin without Epitalon?

Absolutely. CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin is the most popular GH secretagogue stack on its own and is effective for GH optimization, improved sleep, fat loss, and recovery without Epitalon. Adding Epitalon provides the additional telomere/cellular aging pathway but is not required for the GH benefits. Many users start with CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin alone and add Epitalon in short bursts later.

Why is Epitalon only used in short 10–20 day bursts?

Epitalon is cycled in short bursts based on the original Khavinson research protocols, which used 10–20 day treatment courses repeated 2–3 times per year. The rationale is that telomerase activation does not need to be continuous — short-term activation is sufficient to extend telomeres, and the effects persist after the course ends. Continuous use has not been studied and could theoretically carry risks related to sustained telomerase activation, including potential cancer concerns.

Should I use CJC-1295 with or without DAC?

For this longevity stack, CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Mod GRF 1-29) is recommended. The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version creates sustained, non-pulsatile GH elevation which does not mimic natural physiology. CJC-1295 without DAC paired with Ipamorelin produces a more natural pulsatile GH release pattern, which is preferred for long-term health optimization and carries a lower risk of side effects like water retention and insulin resistance.

Is this stack safe for long-term use?

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin has an established track record in the community with cycling (8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off). Epitalon has limited human clinical data, primarily from Russian studies by Khavinson’s group. The main theoretical concern is that telomerase activation could theoretically immortalize pre-cancerous cells. For this reason, cancer screening before starting and periodic health monitoring during use is prudent. Neither peptide is FDA-approved for human use.

Can I take this stack with other peptides?

Yes, but consider the total protocol complexity. Common additions include BPC-157 for gut or injury support, and Thymosin Alpha-1 for immune optimization. Avoid stacking with other GH secretagogues (GHRP-6, Hexarelin, MK-677) as this creates redundant GH stimulation and increases side effect risk. If adding peptides, introduce one at a time to monitor individual response.

What blood work should I get before and during this stack?

Before starting: IGF-1, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c, comprehensive metabolic panel, and a CBC. During the cycle (4–6 weeks in): repeat IGF-1 to confirm GH response, and fasting glucose/insulin to monitor metabolic effects. Annually: consider telomere length testing (available from specialty labs) to track Epitalon’s effects over time, though this testing is expensive and results vary between providers.

What is the minimum age to consider this stack?

This stack is designed for adults experiencing age-related decline in GH levels and beginning to show signs of aging. GH secretagogues are generally most relevant for individuals over 30–35, when natural GH production begins declining meaningfully. Epitalon’s telomere benefits are most relevant as telomere attrition accumulates with age. Using this stack in younger individuals with healthy GH levels and long telomeres provides minimal benefit and unnecessary risk.

Epitalon + CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Stack Guide

Q: What is the Epitalon + CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin longevity stack?

This is a three-peptide anti-aging stack that targets two distinct aging pathways simultaneously. Epitalon (also called Epithalon or AEDG peptide) activates telomerase to maintain telomere length — a key marker of cellular aging. CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin work together as a GH secretagogue combination to restore growth hormone levels that naturally decline with age. The result is a multi-pathway approach to longevity: cellular-level anti-aging through telomere maintenance plus hormonal anti-aging through GH optimization.

The Longevity Stack — a multi-pathway anti-aging protocol combining Epitalon’s telomerase activation with CJC-1295/Ipamorelin GH optimization. Complete dosing protocols, timing, cycling, and safety.

Compiled by PeptideWiki Editorial Team

Stack Overview

The Epitalon + CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin longevity stack is an advanced anti-aging protocol that targets two fundamental mechanisms of aging simultaneously. Epitalon activates telomerase to maintain telomere length — one of the most studied biomarkers of cellular aging. CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin work together as a GH secretagogue pair to restore growth hormone levels that naturally decline approximately 14% per decade after age 30.

Key Characteristics:

3-peptide stack — Epitalon (AEDG tetrapeptide) + CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) + Ipamorelin (GH secretagogue)
Primary goal — comprehensive anti-aging through telomere maintenance, GH optimization, improved sleep, recovery, and body composition
Dual-pathway approach — Epitalon addresses cellular aging (telomere attrition); CJC-1295/Ipamorelin addresses hormonal aging (GH decline)
Experience level — intermediate to advanced; users should have prior experience with GH secretagogues before adding Epitalon
Typical cycle — CJC-1295/Ipamorelin 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off; Epitalon 10–20 day bursts, 2–3 times per year
Administration — subcutaneous injection for all three peptides; Epitalon can also be administered intravenously in clinical settings

Use our Peptide Dosage Calculator to calculate exact doses for all three peptides based on your vial sizes and reconstitution volumes.

Important: Epitalon, CJC-1295, and Ipamorelin are not FDA-approved for human use. All are classified as research peptides. Epitalon has limited human clinical data, primarily from Russian studies. All dosing information in this guide is derived from published research and community protocols — not from large-scale human clinical trials. Consult a healthcare provider before using any research peptide.

Why This Stack Works

Aging is not a single process — it involves simultaneous deterioration across multiple biological systems. This stack addresses two of the most well-characterized aging mechanisms: telomere shortening at the cellular level and growth hormone decline at the hormonal level.

Epitalon: The Cellular Anti-Aging Agent

Telomerase activation: Epitalon activates telomerase, the enzyme that maintains and extends telomeres — the protective caps on chromosome ends that shorten with each cell division
Pineal gland regulation: stimulates melatonin production from the pineal gland, supporting circadian rhythm regulation, sleep quality, and antioxidant defense
Gene expression: research by Khavinson's group suggests Epitalon influences gene expression patterns associated with aging, potentially normalizing age-related changes in protein synthesis
Antioxidant activity: enhances antioxidant enzyme activity, reducing oxidative stress that accelerates cellular aging

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin: The Hormonal Anti-Aging Pair

Pulsatile GH release: CJC-1295 (a GHRH analog) amplifies natural GH-releasing hormone signaling while Ipamorelin (a ghrelin mimetic) triggers GH release from a complementary pathway — together producing robust, physiological GH pulses
IGF-1 elevation: increased GH stimulates hepatic IGF-1 production, supporting tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and cellular regeneration throughout the body
Sleep architecture: GH secretagogues administered before bed enhance deep sleep (slow-wave sleep), which is when the body performs most of its repair and regeneration
Body composition: optimized GH levels support lean muscle maintenance, fat metabolism, and the body composition profile associated with younger physiology

The Synergy

Epitalon works at the deepest level of cellular aging — maintaining telomere length so cells can continue dividing normally and avoid senescence. CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin restores the hormonal environment of a younger body, providing the GH and IGF-1 signals that drive tissue repair, collagen production, and metabolic function. Together, they address aging from the inside out: healthy cells (Epitalon) operating in an optimized hormonal environment (CJC-1295/Ipamorelin).

Evidence note: CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin have substantial clinical and community data supporting their GH secretagogue effects. Epitalon's telomerase research is primarily from Khavinson's group in Russia, with limited independent replication. The synergistic benefit of this specific three-peptide combination is supported by mechanistic reasoning and community experience rather than controlled trials of the combination.

Individual Peptide Breakdown

Each peptide in this stack has a dedicated dosage guide with complete individual protocols. Here is a summary of each peptide's role in this stack.

Epitalon (Epithalon / AEDG Peptide)

Type: Synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly)
Origin: Developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson based on epithalamin (pineal gland extract)
Role in stack: Telomerase activation, telomere maintenance, melatonin regulation
Route: Subcutaneous or intravenous injection
Frequency: Daily during 10–20 day burst cycles

Full Epitalon Dosage Guide →

CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29, without DAC)

Type: Modified growth hormone-releasing hormone analog (29 amino acids)
Origin: Synthetic analog of endogenous GHRH with improved stability
Role in stack: Amplifies GHRH signaling to increase GH pulse amplitude
Route: Subcutaneous injection
Frequency: Once daily (before bed)

Full CJC-1295 Dosage Guide →

Ipamorelin (GH Secretagogue)

Type: Synthetic pentapeptide ghrelin mimetic
Origin: Selective GH secretagogue with minimal effect on cortisol and prolactin
Role in stack: Triggers GH release via ghrelin receptor, complementing CJC-1295's GHRH pathway
Route: Subcutaneous injection
Frequency: Once daily (paired with CJC-1295 before bed)

Full Ipamorelin Dosage Guide →

Dosing Protocol

This stack involves two distinct schedules: a continuous CJC-1295/Ipamorelin cycle with Epitalon overlaid in short bursts. The GH secretagogues run for 8–12 weeks while Epitalon is administered in a 10–20 day window during that period.

Standard Protocol

Compound	Dose	Frequency	Route	Notes
Epitalon	5–10 mg/day	Daily (10–20 day burst)	SubQ	Run 2–3 bursts per year; can split into AM/PM doses
CJC-1295	100 mcg	Once daily (before bed)	SubQ (abdomen)	Fasted — no food for 2–3 hours before injection
Ipamorelin	100–200 mcg	Once daily (before bed)	SubQ (abdomen)	Injected at the same time as CJC-1295; fasted

Conservative Protocol (Lower Dose)

Compound	Dose	Frequency	Route	Notes
Epitalon	5 mg/day	Daily (10 day burst)	SubQ	Lower dose, shorter burst for first-time Epitalon users
CJC-1295	100 mcg	Once daily (before bed)	SubQ	Fasted; same protocol as standard
Ipamorelin	100 mcg	Once daily (before bed)	SubQ	Lower end of dosing range for conservative start

Protocol selection: Start with the conservative protocol if this is your first time using Epitalon or GH secretagogues. The standard protocol is appropriate for experienced users who have previously tolerated CJC-1295/Ipamorelin and want to add the Epitalon telomere component.

Calculate Your Doses

All three peptides are supplied as lyophilized powder and need reconstitution with bacteriostatic water. The dose you draw depends on the concentration after reconstitution.

Epitalon — 10 mg Vial

Vial size: 10 mg (10,000 mcg)
Bacteriostatic water: 2 mL
Concentration: 10,000 ÷ 2 = 5,000 mcg/mL (5 mg/mL)
5 mg dose = 1.0 mL = 100 units on insulin syringe
10 mg dose = use full vial across 2 injections (AM/PM)
Doses per vial: 2 doses at 5 mg or 1 day at 10 mg

CJC-1295 — 2 mg Vial

Vial size: 2 mg (2,000 mcg)
Bacteriostatic water: 2 mL
Concentration: 2,000 ÷ 2 = 1,000 mcg/mL
100 mcg dose = 0.1 mL = 10 units on insulin syringe
Doses per vial: 20 doses

Ipamorelin — 2 mg Vial

Vial size: 2 mg (2,000 mcg)
Bacteriostatic water: 2 mL
Concentration: 2,000 ÷ 2 = 1,000 mcg/mL
200 mcg dose = 0.2 mL = 20 units on insulin syringe
100 mcg dose = 0.1 mL = 10 units on insulin syringe
Doses per vial: 10–20 doses depending on dose

Skip the Math — Use Our Calculator

Enter your vial size, water volume, and desired dose for each peptide — get instant calculations with zero manual math.

Reconstitution Guide

All three peptides follow the same reconstitution process. Reconstitute each vial separately with bacteriostatic water.

Peptide	Vial Size	Bac Water	Concentration	Standard Dose Draw
Epitalon	10 mg	2 mL	5 mg/mL	100 units (1.0 mL) for 5 mg
CJC-1295	2 mg	2 mL	1,000 mcg/mL	10 units (0.1 mL) for 100 mcg
Ipamorelin	2 mg	2 mL	1,000 mcg/mL	20 units (0.2 mL) for 200 mcg

Wash Hands & Prepare Workspace

Wash hands thoroughly. Lay out supplies: peptide vials, bacteriostatic water, insulin syringes, and alcohol swabs on a clean surface.

Swab All Vial Stoppers

Remove plastic caps and swab the rubber stoppers of each peptide vial and the bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol pads. Let air-dry for 10–15 seconds.

Add Water to Peptide Vial

Draw the appropriate volume of bacteriostatic water. Insert needle into peptide vial and direct the stream down the inside glass wall — never squirt directly onto the powder. Release slowly.

Dissolve Gently

Let the vial sit for 1–2 minutes, then gently swirl or roll between palms until fully dissolved. Solution should be clear and colorless. Never shake.

Label & Refrigerate

Write the reconstitution date, peptide name, and concentration on each vial. Store refrigerated at 2–8°C. CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin: use within 28–30 days. Epitalon: use within the active burst cycle.

For a detailed visual walkthrough, see our Reconstitution Guide.

Timing & Daily Schedule

Timing is critical for this stack. CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin must be injected fasted before bed to maximize the GH pulse. Epitalon has more flexible timing. Here is how a typical day looks during an Epitalon burst period:

Time	Epitalon	CJC-1295	Ipamorelin
Morning (8–9 AM)	5 mg SubQ (if splitting dose)	—	—
Last meal	—	Stop eating 2–3 hours before bed injection
Before bed (fasted)	5 mg SubQ (if splitting dose)	100 mcg SubQ	100–200 mcg SubQ

Timing Notes

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin: Always inject fasted before bed. Food — especially carbohydrates and fats — blunts the GH response. Wait at least 2–3 hours after your last meal.
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin together: These two can be drawn into the same syringe for a single injection, or injected separately in the same session. Both are compatible SubQ peptides.
Epitalon: Can be injected morning, evening, or split between both. Timing is flexible as the mechanism (telomerase activation) is not acutely timing-dependent like GH release. Some users prefer morning to separate it from the bedtime GH secretagogue injection.
Non-burst days: When Epitalon is not being run, the daily protocol simplifies to just CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin before bed.

Fasting window: The 2–3 hour fasting requirement before CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is about blood sugar and insulin levels, not stomach emptiness. A high-protein, low-carb meal 2 hours before injection is typically sufficient. A carb-heavy meal may require 3+ hours.

Cycling & Duration

This stack has two overlapping cycle structures: a longer CJC-1295/Ipamorelin cycle with short Epitalon bursts overlaid during the cycle.

Phase	Duration	Epitalon	CJC-1295	Ipamorelin
GH Secretagogue Cycle	Weeks 1–12	—	100 mcg/day	100–200 mcg/day
Epitalon Burst	10–20 days (within cycle)	5–10 mg/day	Continues	Continues
GH Break	4 weeks off	—	None	None
Repeat GH Cycle	8–12 weeks	—	Resume	Resume
Next Epitalon Burst	10–20 days (4–6 months later)	5–10 mg/day	Continues if in cycle	Continues if in cycle

Annual Epitalon Schedule

2–3 bursts per year: Run a 10–20 day Epitalon course every 4–6 months. Typical schedules: January and July, or January, May, and September.
Time bursts with GH cycles: For convenience, run Epitalon bursts during an active CJC-1295/Ipamorelin cycle rather than during off periods.
Consistency matters: Telomere maintenance is a long-term strategy. Sporadic single bursts are less effective than consistent 2–3 bursts per year over multiple years.

Why Cycle CJC-1295/Ipamorelin?

GH secretagogue receptors can desensitize with prolonged continuous use, reducing effectiveness. The 4-week break allows receptor sensitivity to reset. It also provides a period to assess baseline function without peptide support and reduces cumulative exposure to research compounds.

Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications

Safety profile: CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are among the best-characterized GH secretagogues with extensive community use data and some clinical research. Epitalon has a more limited evidence base, primarily from Russian studies by Khavinson's group. None of the three peptides is FDA-approved for human use and long-term safety has not been formally evaluated in large-scale trials.

Common Side Effects

Injection site redness, soreness, or minor swelling — the most common report across all three peptides
Water retention and mild bloating — from GH elevation, typically resolves within the first 2 weeks
Tingling or numbness in extremities — from GH elevation, usually transient
Increased hunger — Ipamorelin is a ghrelin mimetic, though appetite effects are milder than GHRP-6 or Hexarelin
Vivid dreams or changes in sleep patterns — from enhanced GH release during sleep and Epitalon's effect on melatonin
Mild headache — occasionally reported during Epitalon bursts, usually resolves within days

Contraindications

Active cancer or history of cancer: This is the primary concern with this stack. Telomerase activation (Epitalon) could theoretically immortalize pre-cancerous or cancerous cells by preventing telomere shortening that normally limits their replication. Elevated GH/IGF-1 can also promote growth of existing tumors. Do not use with active malignancies.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: No safety data exists for any of these peptides during pregnancy or nursing. Avoid entirely.
Diabetes or insulin resistance: GH elevation can impair insulin sensitivity and raise blood glucose. Monitor fasting glucose and HbA1c if you have metabolic concerns. Use with caution under medical supervision.
Active pituitary conditions: GH secretagogues act on the pituitary gland. Active pituitary tumors or conditions affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary axis are contraindications.

Stack-Specific Safety Notes

Telomerase and cancer risk: Telomerase is activated in approximately 85–90% of human cancers. While Epitalon's short-burst protocol minimizes sustained telomerase activation, the theoretical risk of supporting pre-existing but undetected cancers exists. Cancer screening before starting is prudent.
GH and IGF-1 monitoring: Elevated IGF-1 correlates with increased cancer risk in epidemiological studies. The goal is to restore youthful physiological levels, not supraphysiological elevation. Monitor IGF-1 levels during the cycle to ensure they remain in the upper-normal range.
No known negative interaction between peptides: Epitalon, CJC-1295, and Ipamorelin operate through completely different mechanisms. No interference or adverse interaction has been reported.

Regulatory status: Epitalon, CJC-1295, and Ipamorelin are not FDA-approved for human use. All are classified as research peptides. Regulations vary by jurisdiction — verify your local laws before purchasing.

Common Longevity Stack Mistakes

Avoid these common errors to get the most out of your Epitalon + CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin protocol:

Running Epitalon continuously instead of in short bursts

Epitalon is designed for 10–20 day courses, 2–3 times per year. Continuous use has not been studied, deviates from the original research protocols, and raises theoretical concerns about sustained telomerase activation. Short bursts are sufficient for telomere maintenance.

Not cycling CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin

Running GH secretagogues indefinitely without breaks can lead to desensitization of GH-releasing hormone receptors, diminishing returns, and increased risk of side effects like insulin resistance. Cycle 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off.

Injecting CJC-1295/Ipamorelin after eating

Food intake — particularly carbohydrates and fats — blunts the GH release stimulated by secretagogues. Inject on an empty stomach, ideally 2–3 hours after your last meal. Before bed while fasted is the optimal timing.

Using CJC-1295 with DAC instead of without DAC

CJC-1295 with DAC creates sustained, non-pulsatile GH elevation that does not mimic natural physiology. For long-term health optimization, CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) paired with Ipamorelin produces a more natural pulsatile GH release pattern with fewer side effects.

Expecting immediate visible anti-aging results

Longevity protocols work at the cellular level over months to years. Telomere extension is not perceptible day-to-day. GH optimization improves sleep and recovery within weeks, but meaningful anti-aging effects (skin quality, body composition, biomarker improvements) develop gradually over multiple cycles.

Skipping baseline blood work

Without baseline IGF-1, fasting glucose, insulin, and other markers, you cannot measure the stack’s effectiveness or catch adverse metabolic changes. Blood work before starting and 4–6 weeks into the cycle is essential for responsible use.

Stacking with additional GH secretagogues (GHRP-6, MK-677, Hexarelin)

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin already provides robust GH stimulation. Adding more secretagogues creates excessive, non-physiological GH elevation, increasing the risk of water retention, joint pain, insulin resistance, and carpal tunnel symptoms without proportional benefit.

Storing reconstituted Epitalon at room temperature

Epitalon is a short tetrapeptide that degrades quickly outside refrigeration. Reconstituted vials must be stored at 2–8°C and used within the active cycle. Lyophilized (unreconstituted) Epitalon should be stored frozen or refrigerated for maximum shelf life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

This is a multi-pathway longevity stack — Epitalon addresses cellular aging (telomeres) while CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin addresses hormonal aging (GH decline)
Epitalon dose: 5–10 mg/day SubQ in short 10–20 day bursts, 2–3 times per year
CJC-1295 dose: 100 mcg + Ipamorelin 100–200 mcg SubQ before bed on an empty stomach, daily
CJC-1295/Ipamorelin cycle: 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off to maintain receptor sensitivity
Use CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) for natural pulsatile GH release
Always inject CJC-1295/Ipamorelin fasted — food blunts the GH response
Avoid with active or suspected cancer — telomerase activation and GH elevation both carry theoretical risk for tumor growth
Get baseline and follow-up blood work — IGF-1, fasting glucose, insulin, and metabolic panel
Longevity is a long game — expect gradual benefits over months to years, not overnight transformation
None of these peptides is FDA-approved for human use. All are classified as research peptides.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Epitalon, CJC-1295, and Ipamorelin are not approved by the FDA for human use and are classified as research peptides. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any research peptide, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions, are taking medications, or are pregnant or nursing. See our Medical Disclaimer.

References

Khavinson VKh, et al. “Peptide Epitalon activates chromatin at the old age.” Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2003;24(5):329-333.
Khavinson VKh, et al. “Effect of Epithalon on the age-related changes in pineal gland and brain cortex function.” Bull Exp Biol Med. 2002;133(5):507-510.
Khavinson VKh, et al. “Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells.” Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003;135(6):590-592.
Ionescu M, Bhatt DL. “Modified GRF (1-29) and its analogs in growth hormone release.” J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799-805.
Raun K, et al. “Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue.” Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-561.
Anisimov VN, Khavinson VKh. “Peptide bioregulation of aging: results and prospects.” Biogerontology. 2010;11(2):139-149.
Nass R, et al. “Effects of an oral ghrelin mimetic on body composition and clinical outcomes in healthy older adults.” Ann Intern Med. 2008;149(9):601-611.