CJC-1295 with DAC
Long-acting GHRH analog with Drug Affinity Complex for sustained GH release.
🔬 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 Dose | 1000-2000 mcg/week |
| Frequency | 1-2× weekly |
| Half-Life | 5.8-8.1 days |
| Common Vial Sizes | 2 mg, 5 mg |
🧪 Reconstitution Example
⚠️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.
⚡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.
