CJC-1295 DAC
CJC-1295 with DAC · DAC:GRF · Drug Affinity Complex GRF
Sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation for ~6+ days per dose (early-phase data)
Overview
CJC-1295 DAC is a synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) built on the modified GRF(1-29) sequence and fitted with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) — a maleimidopropionic acid group that bonds covalently to circulating albumin. This albumin tether shields the peptide from rapid enzymatic clearance and extends its functional half-life from minutes to roughly a week, allowing once- or twice-weekly dosing rather than daily injection.
Mechanistically the molecule stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone in a pattern that still respects the body's pulsatile feedback, while the long half-life raises the baseline 'tone' of GH and IGF-1 between pulses. Early-phase human pharmacology reported dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-1 lasting several days after a single injection. Because the elevation is prolonged rather than pulsatile, CJC-1295 DAC is often discussed alongside a short-acting ghrelin agonist (such as ipamorelin) that supplies the sharp release peaks.
CJC-1295 DAC is not an approved medicine. The figures and schedules here are drawn from early pharmacology reports and widely-circulated community protocols and are provided strictly as a research reference, not as medical guidance or a recommendation for human use.
Key parameters
- Dose range
- ~1–2 mg weekly (community)
- Frequency
- 1–2× weekly
- Half-life
- ~6–8 days (DAC albumin binding)
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- Vial sizes
- 2 mg · 5 mg
- Regulatory status
- Not approved; research use only.
Mechanism of action
GHRH receptor agonism (pituitary somatotrophs)
Binds the GHRH receptor on anterior-pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating synthesis and release of endogenous growth hormone while preserving negative-feedback control.
Albumin binding via DAC (half-life extension)
The Drug Affinity Complex forms a covalent bond with serum albumin, protecting the peptide from DPP-4 and renal clearance and stretching its action to roughly six to eight days.
Elevated IGF-1 via hepatic GH signaling
Sustained GH exposure drives the liver to produce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), the principal downstream mediator of GH's anabolic and recovery effects.
Raised inter-pulse GH 'bleed'
Unlike short-acting GHRH analogs, the long half-life lifts circulating GH between natural pulses, which is the basis for both its convenience and concern over blunted pulsatility.
Dosing protocol & phases
| Phase | Weeks | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (community) | Ongoing | 1–2 mg per week | Often split into two ~0.5–1 mg injections to smooth exposure; community-derived, not clinically established. |
| Conservative entry | Weeks 1–4 | ~1 mg once weekly | Lower starting point sometimes used to gauge water-retention and tolerability. |
Reconstitution guide
For educational and research reference only. Not intended for human consumption, not medical advice. Compounds discussed are sold and used for laboratory research purposes only.
5 mg vial + 3 mL bacteriostatic water
Concentration1,666.7 mcg/mL · 1.667 mg/mL
| Target dose | Draw volume | U-100 units |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 mcg | 0.6 mL | 60 |
| 1,500 mcg | 0.9 mL | 90 |
| 2,000 mcg | 1.2 mL | 120 |
Keeps a 1 mg dose at a readable ~60-unit draw and a 2 mg dose within a 100-unit syringe.
2 mg vial + 2 mL bacteriostatic water
Concentration1,000 mcg/mL · 1 mg/mL
| Target dose | Draw volume | U-100 units |
|---|---|---|
| 500 mcg | 0.5 mL | 50 |
| 1,000 mcg | 1 mL | 100 |
One-to-one mix where each 1 mg dose is a simple 1.0 mL (100-unit) draw.
Reconstitution calculator
Pre-filled with CJC-1295 DAC's vial sizes. Adjust the water volume and target dose to see the exact draw, with warnings for doses that are hard to measure or won't fit a syringe.
At 666.7 micrograms per millilitre, a 1,000 microgram dose is 1.5 millilitres, or 150 units on a U-100 syringe, giving 2 doses per vial.
This draw is 150 units, which won't fit in a 50-unit syringe. Use more bacteriostatic water (lower concentration) or split the dose.
Supplies needed
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Recommended supply
CJC-1295 DAC — research vial
From our verified partner Dynotides, with a third-party certificate of analysis per batch.
Injection supplies
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Bacteriostatic water
Diluent for reconstituting lyophilized vials.
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Insulin syringes (U-100)
0.3–0.5 mL, 29–31 G for accurate small draws.
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Alcohol prep pads
Sterile swabs for the vial stopper and site.
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Sharps container
Safe disposal of used needles.
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Storage fridge
Keeps reconstituted vials at 2–8 °C.
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Insulated travel case
Cooled, TSA-friendly case for travel.
Missed-dose guidance
Because of the multi-day half-life, a missed dose has limited acute impact. Community practice is to administer the missed dose when remembered if it is within a day or two of schedule, then resume the regular weekly (or twice-weekly) cadence; if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip it rather than doubling up. No approved-label guidance exists.
Side effects & safety
| Category | Effect | Trial incidence |
|---|---|---|
| Injection site | Redness, itching, or transient swellingAmong the most commonly reported effects for GHRH analogs; usually mild. | — |
| Fluid balance | Water retention / mild edemaAssociated with sustained GH elevation; tends to ease as exposure stabilizes. | — |
| Musculoskeletal | Joint aches or carpal-tunnel-type tinglingClassic GH-excess symptom; more likely at higher cumulative exposure. | — |
| Neurological | Flushing or head-rush after injectionVasodilatory sensation reported with GHRH-class peptides. | — |
| Metabolic | Reduced insulin sensitivityGH is counter-regulatory to insulin, so prolonged elevation can nudge fasting glucose upward — most relevant at higher cumulative exposure. | — |
| General | Fatigue or lethargy | — |
Clinical trials & evidence
Teichman et al. ascending single-dose study
Phase 1Single dose with ~9–11 day follow-up · Healthy adults aged 21–61 (randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled)
Single subcutaneous doses of 1–30 mcg/kg produced dose-dependent mean GH rises of roughly 2- to 10-fold and sustained IGF-1 elevations of about 1.5- to 3-fold above baseline lasting 9–11 days.
Trial identifier needs verification
Teichman et al. repeat-dose arm
Phase 1Two to three weekly or biweekly doses · Healthy adults
Weekly or biweekly dosing maintained IGF-1 above baseline between injections, confirming the long duration of action, and was generally well tolerated with no serious adverse reactions.
Trial identifier needs verification
Storage & handling
- Lyophilized
- Store the lyophilized powder refrigerated at 2–8 °C, protected from light; brief room-temperature shipping excursions are generally tolerated.
- Reconstituted
- After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and use within ~4 weeks. Do not freeze.
Comparisons
| Vs. | Target | Half-life | Dosing | Efficacy | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 (no-DAC) | GHRH (both) | ~6–8 d vs ~30 min | 1–2 mg weekly vs ~100 mcg 1–3× daily | Sustained tone vs preserved pulsatility | Both research-only |
| Sermorelin | GHRH (both) | ~6–8 d vs ~10–20 min | Weekly vs daily | Far longer action; less physiological pulsatility | Research-only vs formerly approved (withdrawn) |
| Ipamorelin | GHRH vs ghrelin/GHS-R | ~6–8 d vs ~2 h | Weekly vs 1–3× daily | Complementary mechanisms — often discussed together | Both research-only |
Sources & references
- [1]Teichman SL et al. Prolonged stimulation of GH and IGF-I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GHRH, in healthy adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2006;91(3):799-805. ↗ source
- [2]Teichman SL et al. (PubMed record). J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2006. ↗ source
- [3]Ionescu M, Frohman LA. Pulsatile GH secretion induced by continuous infusion of a GHRH analog (CJC-1295) in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2006. ↗ source
Frequently asked questions
What does the 'DAC' actually do?
DAC stands for Drug Affinity Complex — a chemical group that covalently binds the peptide to albumin in the blood. That tether protects it from rapid breakdown and stretches its half-life from minutes (no-DAC) to roughly a week, which is why DAC versions are dosed weekly.
Why is CJC-1295 DAC often paired with ipamorelin?
CJC-1295 DAC raises the baseline GH/IGF-1 tone but blunts natural pulsatility because it is always present. A short-acting ghrelin agonist like ipamorelin adds the sharp release pulses, so the two are frequently discussed as complementary.
Is the prolonged GH elevation a downside?
Potentially. Endogenous GH is normally pulsatile, and a constant 'bleed' between pulses is one reason no-DAC analogs are sometimes preferred for a more physiological pattern. This is a key point of community debate rather than settled clinical fact.
Related protocols
CJC-1295 (no-DAC)
Mod GRF 1-29
Short-acting GHRH analog dosed for natural GH pulses
Ipamorelin
NNC 26-0161
Selective GH pulse with minimal cortisol or prolactin effect
Sermorelin
GRF 1-29
GHRH(1-29) — the shortest fully active GHRH fragment, dosed nightly to reinforce the natural GH pulse
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For educational and research reference only. Not intended for human consumption, not medical advice. Compounds discussed are sold and used for laboratory research purposes only.