Synopsis
Compound overview
- Research only
- In clinical trials
- Approved outside US
- FDA-approved
What it is
CJC-1295 DAC is a synthetic analogue of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). The "DAC" — Drug Affinity Complex — modification lets it attach to albumin in the blood, greatly extending how long it lasts. It is sold only as a research chemical and is not approved anywhere.
What it does
Reported and promoted effects include:
- Raises growth hormone and IGF-1 levels
- Acts far longer than standard GHRH peptides
- Often studied alongside other secretagogues
- Promoted for recovery and body-composition research
How it works
CJC-1295 binds the GHRH receptor on the pituitary gland, prompting growth-hormone release. The DAC tag attaches it to blood albumin, stretching its half-life from minutes to several days.
Safety notes
Controlled human trials on the DAC version are very limited, so its safety profile is not well established. Commonly reported effects include water retention and injection-site reactions, and raising growth hormone over the long term carries its own risks. It is banned in sport.
Where to buy CJC-1295 DAC
Standard lyophilized vial — reconstitute and measure doses yourself. The conventional research format.
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Research tool
Reconstitution calculator
Concentration
2.50mg/mL
Draw volume
0.10mL
Insulin units
10IU
Doses/vial
20
Overview
CJC-1295 DAC is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that incorporates a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) to extend its biological half-life. The peptide was developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies (now Aeterna Zentaris) as a long-acting GHRH agonist designed to address the rapid degradation that limits the therapeutic utility of native GHRH.
Contents
- Overview
- Mechanism of Action
- GHRH Receptor Activation
- Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) Technology
- IGF-1 Axis Stimulation
- Research Summary
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics
- Growth Hormone Pulsatility
- Body Composition Studies
- Safety Profile
- Dosing in Published Research
- Safety and Side Effects
- Current Research Status
- Frequently Asked Questions
Native GHRH (also called somatoliberin or growth hormone-releasing factor) has a plasma half-life of only 7-10 minutes due to rapid enzymatic cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV). CJC-1295 overcomes this limitation through two modifications: strategic amino acid substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 that confer DPP-IV resistance, and the conjugation of a maleimidopropionic acid (MPA) linker that covalently binds to serum albumin in vivo. This DAC technology extends the effective half-life to approximately 6-8 days.
The extended pharmacokinetic profile allows CJC-1295 DAC to maintain elevated growth hormone levels through sustained pulsatile release rather than a single acute spike, which more closely mimics the physiological pattern of GH secretion and reduces the side effects associated with supraphysiological GH peaks.
Mechanism of Action
CJC-1295 DAC acts as a selective agonist of the GHRH receptor (GHRHR), a G-protein coupled receptor expressed primarily on somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland.
GHRH Receptor Activation
Upon binding to the GHRHR, CJC-1295 activates the Gs-adenylyl cyclase-cAMP-PKA signaling cascade. This leads to calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels, which triggers the exocytosis of stored growth hormone from secretory granules. Importantly, CJC-1295 amplifies the natural pulsatile pattern of GH release rather than overriding it, as the response remains subject to somatostatin-mediated negative feedback.
Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) Technology
The DAC moiety is a reactive chemical group that forms a covalent bond with albumin after subcutaneous injection. Once bound to albumin, the peptide-albumin complex is protected from renal filtration and enzymatic degradation. This bioconjugation occurs spontaneously within minutes of injection. The albumin-bound form retains full agonist activity at the GHRHR while circulating with a half-life comparable to that of albumin itself.
IGF-1 Axis Stimulation
The sustained elevation of GH secretion promoted by CJC-1295 DAC leads to downstream increases in hepatic production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Elevated IGF-1 mediates many of the anabolic and metabolic effects attributed to growth hormone, including protein synthesis, lipolysis, and tissue repair.
Research Summary
Clinical Pharmacokinetics
A pivotal Phase I/II study by Teichman et al. (2006), published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, examined the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of CJC-1295 DAC in healthy adults. Single subcutaneous doses of 30, 60, or 125 mcg/kg produced dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-1 levels. Mean IGF-1 levels remained elevated for 6-14 days following a single injection, with a 1.5 to 3-fold increase above baseline. The estimated half-life was 5.8-8.1 days.
Growth Hormone Pulsatility
Ionescu and Bhatt (2006), in research presented at the Endocrine Society meeting and subsequently published, demonstrated that CJC-1295 DAC preserved the pulsatile nature of GH secretion while increasing the amplitude of GH pulses by approximately 2-10 fold. This pulsatile augmentation is considered preferable to continuous GH elevation, which can desensitize growth hormone receptors.
Body Composition Studies
In a 2008 Phase II trial conducted by ConjuChem and reported in Growth Hormone & IGF Research, weekly subcutaneous injections of CJC-1295 DAC in GH-deficient adults for 12 weeks produced significant increases in lean body mass and reductions in trunk fat compared to placebo. IGF-1 levels were sustainably elevated within the normal physiological range throughout the treatment period.
Safety Profile
Across multiple clinical trials, CJC-1295 DAC was generally well-tolerated. The most commonly reported adverse effects included injection site reactions, transient flushing, and headache. Importantly, glucose homeostasis was largely preserved, with no significant changes in fasting glucose or HbA1c levels, a notable advantage over direct GH administration.
Dosing in Published Research
About this section
The information below reports dosing only as it appears in published clinical or preclinical research and official regulatory documents. It is provided as published-literature reference material. It is not dosing guidance, not medical advice, and not a recommendation to use or self-administer this compound.
CJC-1295 with DAC is a long-acting synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone. It is not an approved medicine and has no labeled dose. In early clinical studies conducted by its developer, ConjuChem, a single subcutaneous dose of about 60 micrograms per kilogram of body weight produced a multi-fold rise in growth hormone that persisted for several days. The compound progressed through Phase 1 and Phase 2 testing but was never submitted for FDA approval. These figures describe what was administered in those specific studies.
Research doses, not a protocol
The figure above comes from early-phase clinical studies, not an established or recommended regimen. CJC-1295 was never approved, its long-term safety is not characterized, and material sold for research use is not a regulated drug product.
Safety and Side Effects
CJC-1295 with DAC has not been characterized by adequate human safety trials. As a growth hormone secretagogue it raises growth hormone and IGF-1, and its expected adverse effects mirror those of growth hormone excess: fluid retention and edema, joint pain and carpal-tunnel-type symptoms, numbness or tingling, headache, and reduced insulin sensitivity with the potential for elevated blood glucose. Because the drug affinity complex (DAC) modification extends the half-life to roughly a week, the elevation of growth hormone and IGF-1 is sustained rather than pulsatile, removing the natural troughs of physiological secretion. That sustained elevation is a theoretical concern for the same reasons chronic growth hormone excess, as in acromegaly, is harmful, including cardiovascular strain and an influence on cell proliferation. Injection-site reactions and flushing are also reported. The compound is unapproved and unregulated, and product identity and purity cannot be assumed.
Current Research Status
CJC-1295 with DAC reached only early-stage clinical investigation and was not advanced to approval; it is not approved by the FDA or any major regulatory agency for any use. It is prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency as a growth hormone secretagogue. It is sold only as a research chemical and should be regarded as investigational, with its human efficacy and long-term safety unestablished.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CJC-1295 DAC?
CJC-1295 DAC is a synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) modification lets it bind to albumin in the blood, greatly extending how long it lasts. It is sold only as a research chemical and is not approved anywhere.
How does CJC-1295 DAC work?
CJC-1295 DAC acts as an agonist at the GHRH receptor on pituitary cells, activating the cAMP signalling cascade that drives growth hormone release. The DAC modification keeps it in circulation far longer than standard GHRH peptides, raising growth hormone and IGF-1 over an extended period.
Is CJC-1295 DAC FDA-approved?
No. CJC-1295 with DAC reached only early-stage clinical investigation and was not advanced to approval. It is not approved by the FDA or any major regulatory agency and is prohibited in sport by WADA.
What does the research say about CJC-1295 DAC?
A pivotal Phase I/II study by Teichman and colleagues (2006) examined the pharmacokinetics of CJC-1295 DAC in healthy adults, showing that single subcutaneous doses produced dose-dependent, sustained increases in growth hormone and IGF-1. Development did not progress beyond early study.
What are the safety concerns with CJC-1295 DAC?
CJC-1295 with DAC has not been characterized by adequate human safety trials. Because it raises growth hormone and IGF-1 in a sustained way, its expected adverse effects mirror those of growth hormone excess, including fluid retention, edema and joint pain.
Research Handling & Storage
Reconstitution (General Guidelines)
Lyophilized peptides are typically reconstituted using bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol). Standard reconstitution protocol:
- Remove the vial from storage and allow it to reach room temperature (20–25°C / 68–77°F) before opening. This typically takes 15–20 minutes.
- Clean the vial stopper with an alcohol prep pad and allow to air dry.
- Using a sterile syringe, slowly inject bacteriostatic water along the inside wall of the vial. Do not spray directly onto the lyophilized powder.
- Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved. Do not shake vigorously as this may damage the peptide structure.
- The reconstituted solution should be clear and colorless. Discard if cloudy, discolored, or if particulate matter is visible.
- Label the vial with the reconstitution date, concentration, and your initials.
Common reconstitution volumes in research: 1ml or 2ml of bacteriostatic water per vial, depending on the desired concentration. For example, adding 2ml to a 5mg vial yields a concentration of 2.5mg/ml (2,500mcg/ml).
Storage
- Lyophilized (unreconstituted): Store at -20°C (-4°F) for long-term storage (stable 24+ months), or 2–8°C (36–46°F) refrigerated for short-term storage up to 6 months. Keep desiccated and protected from light.
- Reconstituted: Store at 2–8°C (36–46°F) refrigerated. Use within 4–6 weeks of reconstitution. Do not freeze reconstituted solutions as this may cause degradation.
- Shipping: Lyophilized peptides are generally stable at ambient temperature during transit for several days. Reconstituted solutions should be shipped on ice packs.
Handling Precautions
- Handle with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including nitrile gloves, lab coat, and eye protection.
- Use aseptic/sterile technique when reconstituting and transferring solutions to prevent contamination.
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles which may denature the compound and reduce potency.
- Keep detailed laboratory records including reconstitution dates, lot numbers, concentrations, and storage conditions.
- Dispose of unused material and sharps in accordance with local regulations and institutional biosafety guidelines.
Stability & Shelf Life
Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides are highly stable when stored correctly. At -20°C (-4°F), most peptides retain >95% purity for 24 months or longer. Once reconstituted, the clock starts—proteins in solution are inherently less stable than in dry form. Factors that accelerate degradation include temperature fluctuations, exposure to light, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, bacterial contamination, and oxidation.
Purity & Quality Considerations
Research-grade compounds should be accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming purity, typically verified by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS). Look for purity levels of ≥98% for research applications. Third-party testing adds an additional layer of quality assurance. Always verify the source and documentation before using any research compound.
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