CalcMyPeptide
Growth HormoneAlso known as: CJC-1295 DAC, Modified GRF(1-29) with DAC

CJC-1295 with DAC

CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a robustly modified Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) analog engineered to overcome the exceptionally short half-lives of traditional secretagogues. By utilizing a highly unique biochemical tether that binds to endogenous blood albumin, this peptide continuously elevates basal Growth Hormone and IGF-1 levels for over a week from a single injection. It is structurally designed to augment massive systemic recovery, joint health, and slow wave sleep architecture via persistent, elevated hormonal output.

Reviewed by CalcMyPeptide Editorial Team
Last updated: April 2026Evidence: Moderate1 peer-reviewed citation

Quick Stats

Half-Life5.8 - 8.1 days
Dose Range1000-2000 mcg/week
Frequency1-2× weekly
Vial Sizes2 mg, 5 mg
Bioavailability~100% (subcutaneous)
Year Developed2005

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula
C152H252N44O42S
Molecular Weight
3647.28 g/mol
CAS Number
PubChem ID
Developer
ConjuChem Biotechnologies

Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a synthetic analog of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH). The DAC modification binds to albumin in the bloodstream, extending the half-life from 30 minutes to 5.8-8.1 days. This creates sustained, elevated growth hormone release from pituitary somatotroph cells.

Unlike direct GH administration, CJC-1295 DAC preserves the natural pulsatile pattern of GH secretion (amplifying pulse amplitude rather than creating a flat, non-physiological elevation). This results in elevated IGF-1 levels for up to 6-14 days after a single injection. Clinical studies showed a 2-10× increase in GH concentrations and sustained IGF-1 elevation.

Source: PMID: 16352683

Background & History

CJC-1295 with DAC was developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies (Canada) in the early 2000s as a long-acting GHRH analog. The Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) technology covalently binds the peptide to endogenous albumin via a maleimide linker, dramatically extending half-life. A 2006 Phase II clinical trial (Walker et al., Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism) showed 2–10× GH elevation lasting 6–14 days post-injection, with sustained IGF-1 elevation — validating its once-weekly dosing potential.

Research Use Cases

  • GH optimization for body composition (muscle gain, fat loss)
  • Age-related GH decline (somatopause) management
  • Recovery enhancement via sustained IGF-1 elevation
  • Convenient once-weekly GH secretagogue protocol
  • Anti-aging and sleep quality improvement

Dosing Protocol

Typical Dose1000-2000 mcg/week
Frequency1-2× weekly
Half-Life5.8-8.1 days
Common Vial Sizes2 mg, 5 mg

Dosing Protocols

Standard Protocol

Dose
1,000 - 2,000 mcg (1-2 mg)
Frequency
once or twice weekly
Note: Lower dose (1mg) for general anti-aging; higher (2mg) for accelerated GH/IGF-1 elevation.

Body-Weight Dosing Reference

Estimated doses extrapolated from the published research range of 10002000 mcg/day (referenced to 70 kg / 154 lb). These are approximations — consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

WeightLowTargetHigh
120 lb(54 kg)771 mcg1157 mcg1543 mcg
140 lb(63 kg)900 mcg1350 mcg1800 mcg
160 lb(73 kg)1043 mcg1564 mcg2086 mcg
180 lb(82 kg)1171 mcg1757 mcg2343 mcg
200 lb(91 kg)1300 mcg1950 mcg2600 mcg
220 lb(100 kg)1429 mcg2143 mcg2857 mcg
250 lb(113 kg)1614 mcg2421 mcg3229 mcg

💉 For exact syringe units based on your vial concentration, use the CJC-1295 with DAC Reconstitution Calculator →

Administration

Route
Subcutaneous injection
Timing
Any time of day. Due to long half-life, timing is not critical. Evening preferred by many to align with natural GH rhythms.
Fasting Required?
No — food timing not critical

Expected Timeline

Week 1-2
IGF-1 begins rising. Improved sleep quality often noticed first.
Month 1-2
Recovery improvements, modest body composition shifts (increased lean mass, reduced fat).
Month 3+
Peak IGF-1 elevation and compounding body composition benefits.

Who Is It For?

Anti-Aging / Longevity

Moderate

Sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation without daily injections — favorable for long-term protocols.

Body Composition

Moderate

Lean mass support and fat reduction with weekly dosing convenience.

Reconstitution Example

Vial
2 mg
Water
2 mL
Concentration
1 mg/mL
Per Unit (100u syringe)
10 mcg
Dose of 1000 mcg = 100 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe

Safety & Considerations

Research peptide — not FDA-approved. May cause water retention, numbness/tingling in extremities, and headache. Should not be used by individuals with active cancer due to GH/IGF-1 elevation. Growth hormone secretagogues may affect blood glucose levels.

Regulatory & Legal Status

FDA Status (US)
Research Only
WADA Status (2026)
Prohibited (S2)

Competitive athletes subject to anti-doping controls should not use CJC-1295 with DAC.

Classification

Research Chemical

US Compounding: Not eligible / not available

⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulatory updates. Always verify with official FDA, WADA, and jurisdiction-specific sources before use.

Interactions & Contraindications

GH secretagogues elevate blood glucose — monitor in pre-diabetic or insulin-resistant individuals. May cause carpal tunnel syndrome at high IGF-1 levels. Contraindicated with active cancer. Thyroid hormones affect GH sensitivity; ensure thyroid function is optimized.

Synergies & Common Stacks

GHRH + GHRP synergy: CJC-1295 DAC provides sustained background GH elevation; Ipamorelin adds clean discrete pulses. Together they produce more GH than either alone without cortisol/prolactin elevation.

Both drive GH/IGF-1 elevation via different mechanisms (GHRH vs ghrelin pathway). Stacking amplifies total GH output but requires careful monitoring for IGF-1 excess.

CJC-1295 with DAC vs. CJC-1295 (No DAC)

AttributeCJC-1295 with DACCJC-1295 (No DAC)
DAC ModificationDrug Affinity Complex (DAC) attachedNo DAC — plain modified GHRH
Half-Life5.8–8.1 days (once or twice weekly)~30 minutes (1–3× daily required)
GH PatternSustained non-pulsatile bleedSharp, natural-mimicking pulses
StackingTypically used solo or with GHRPBest paired with Ipamorelin (gold standard)
ConvenienceMaximum — 1–2×/week dosingRequires 1–3 daily injections
IGF-1 ConcernsHigher IGF-1 elevation (sustained)More physiological IGF-1 profile

Verdict: CJC-1295 DAC wins for convenience (twice-weekly dosing); CJC-1295 No DAC wins for physiological GH pulse preservation. The No DAC + Ipamorelin stack is preferred by most protocols for mimicking natural GH rhythms and avoiding chronically elevated IGF-1.

Dosing Quick Reference

CJC-1295 with DAC— Dosing Guide
Dose Range
1000-2000 mcg/week
Half-Life
5.8-8.1 days
Frequency
1-2× weekly
Route
Subcutaneous
2 mg vial5 mg vial
💧 2 mL BAC water📐 1 mg/mL concentration💉 10 mcg/unit (100u syringe)
Growth Hormonecalcmypeptide.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and without DAC?
CJC-1295 with DAC has a half-life of 5.8-8.1 days (dosed 1-2× weekly), while CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) has a 30-minute half-life (dosed 1-3× daily). The DAC version provides sustained GH elevation; the non-DAC version creates sharper, more natural GH pulses.
How do I dose CJC-1295 DAC?
Standard dose: 1,000-2,000 mcg (1-2 mg) once or twice weekly via subcutaneous injection. For a 2 mg vial with 2 mL BAC water, each 10 units on a 100-unit syringe delivers 100 mcg.
When should I inject CJC-1295 DAC?
CJC-1295 DAC can be injected at any time due to its long half-life. Many users prefer evening injection to align with natural nighttime GH pulses, but timing is less critical than with the non-DAC version.

References

  1. Ionescu & Frohman "CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone analog".” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2006). PMID: 16822818

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