CJC-1295 (with DAC)
Growth Hormone Secretagogue (GHRH Analog)researchAlso known as: CJC-1295 DAC, Drug Affinity Complex CJC-1295, DAC:GRF
A long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog with a Drug Affinity Complex that extends its half-life to 6-8 days, producing sustained elevated growth hormone and IGF-1 levels.
Overview
CJC-1295 with DAC is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) consisting of 30 amino acids with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) covalently attached. The DAC binds to albumin in the bloodstream, dramatically extending the peptide's half-life from minutes to 6-8 days. This allows for once or twice weekly dosing while maintaining persistently elevated growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels. Unlike GHRH analogs without DAC, this version creates a sustained GH elevation rather than mimicking natural pulsatile release, which has both advantages (convenience, consistent levels) and disadvantages (potential blunting of natural GH pulsatility, more side effects). It was originally developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies and studied in clinical trials before the company ceased operations.
Mechanism of Action
CJC-1295 with DAC works by: (1) Binding to GHRH receptors on the anterior pituitary gland to stimulate growth hormone synthesis and secretion; (2) The DAC moiety binds to serum albumin via reactive chemistry, creating a long-circulating depot that continuously stimulates GH release; (3) Elevates IGF-1 levels through sustained GH stimulation of hepatic IGF-1 production; (4) Unlike natural GHRH, maintains a persistently elevated baseline GH level rather than pulsatile release; (5) Does not significantly affect other pituitary hormones (ACTH, LH, FSH, TSH, prolactin).
Molecular Weight
~3647.28 g/mol (peptide) + DAC
Sequence
Tyr-D-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Gln-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Ala-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Leu-Ser-Arg-Lys(DAC)-NH2
Dosage Protocols
Dose Range
1mg – 2mg
Frequency
Once or twice per week
Route
subcutaneous
Cycle Length
8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
Due to the long half-life, once or twice weekly dosing is sufficient. Inject in the evening to complement natural GH release during sleep.
Source: Clinical trial protocols and community guidelines
🧮 Personalized Dosage Calculator
💰 Estimated Pricing
Typical Supply
2mg vial
Last Updated
2026-02
Long-acting GHRH analog with Drug Affinity Complex. Research: $35-60/vial. Telehealth programs: $150-300/mo.
⚠️ Prices are estimates based on publicly available data and may vary significantly by vendor, location, and prescription status. This is not medical or financial advice.
Side Effects
| Effect | Severity |
|---|---|
| Water retention | mild |
| Injection site reactions | mild |
| Numbness/tingling in extremities | mild |
| Headache | mild |
| Fatigue | mild |
| Elevated fasting glucose | moderate |
| Joint pain | mild |
Pros & Cons
Convenient dosing — only 1-2 injections per week due to extended half-life
Sustained, consistent elevation of GH and IGF-1 levels
Clinical trial data showing dose-dependent IGF-1 increases
Stimulates endogenous GH production rather than replacing it
Sustained GH elevation is non-physiological — natural GH is pulsatile, not continuous
More side effects (water retention, numbness) compared to non-DAC version due to constant GH elevation
Potential for receptor desensitization with prolonged use, requiring cycling
Development discontinued by original manufacturer; limited clinical data
Cannot fine-tune timing of GH pulses (e.g., pre-sleep) as with non-DAC version
Research Studies
🩸 Blood Work
IGF-1
Primary marker for GH axis activity — essential baseline
Fasting Blood Glucose
GH secretagogues can impair insulin sensitivity
Fasting Insulin
Monitor insulin resistance from elevated GH
HbA1c
Long-term glucose marker — GH affects glucose metabolism
Thyroid Panel (TSH, T3, T4)
GH can affect thyroid hormone conversion
Cortisol
GH axis interacts with cortisol regulation
Long-acting GHRH analog with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) for extended half-life (~8 days). Causes sustained GH elevation — more likely to affect insulin sensitivity than pulsatile options.
Legal Status
Not FDA-approved. Available as a research chemical. Banned by WADA. Was in clinical trials (Phase 2) before development was discontinued.
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A 15-amino acid synthetic peptide derived from human gastric juice that promotes healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles, gut lining, and other tissues through multiple regenerative pathways.
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