CJC-1295 (with DAC)

Human clinical Growth Hormone 2 sources

CJC-1295 with DAC is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) designed to increase the secretion of growth hormone and IGF-1. The addition of the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) allows the peptide to bind to blood albumin, significantly extending its half-life and providing a continuous release of growth hormone over several days.

01Dosing reference

Amount

1000-2000 mcg (1-2 mg) per week

Frequency

Once or twice weekly via SubQ injection

Cycle

8-12 weeks on, followed by a break

Reference figures, not a recommendationThese values reflect amounts described in the literature and vendor documentation this database indexes. Use the reconstitution calculator to convert them into syringe units.

02Mechanism of action

GHRH Receptor Binding

CJC-1295 binds to the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) receptors in the anterior pituitary gland.

Albumin Binding via DAC

The Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) covalently bonds to endogenous albumin in the bloodstream, protecting the peptide from rapid degradation.

Sustained GH and IGF-1 Release

This extended half-life leads to a prolonged, steady-state increase in both growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels without disrupting the natural pulsatile secretion.

03Human evidence

Significantly increased GH and IGF-1 levels in healthy adults.

Phase I clinical trials showed that a single injection of CJC-1295 increased mean plasma GH concentrations by 2- to 10-fold for 6 days or more and IGF-1 concentrations by 1.5- to 3-fold for 9-11 days.

Extended half-life demonstrated in human subjects.

Pharmacokinetic studies in humans revealed a half-life of 5.8 to 8.1 days, confirming the efficacy of the DAC technology in extending the peptide's duration of action.

04Preclinical evidence

Stimulated body weight gain and pituitary GH mRNA expression.

Animal models (rats) demonstrated that CJC-1295 effectively promoted growth and preserved normal pulsatile GH secretion.

Enhanced therapeutic index compared to native GHRH.

In vivo studies showed that the albumin-binding property prevented rapid enzymatic cleavage by DPP-IV, a common issue with native GHRH.

05What is known vs. unknown

Reasonably established

Dramatically extends the half-life of GHRH from minutes to several days.
Increases both GH and IGF-1 levels in a sustained manner.
Maintains the natural pulsatile release of growth hormone, unlike synthetic GH administration.
Often researched for its potential in anti-aging, muscle growth, and fat loss.

Unknowns & limits

Long-term safety of sustained, elevated GH/IGF-1 levels remains unproven.
Clinical development was halted, leaving a gap in large-scale Phase III human trial data.
Potential for pituitary exhaustion or desensitization with continuous stimulation is a theoretical concern.

06Safety & regulatory context

Regulatory statusCJC-1295 with DAC is an investigational peptide and is not FDA-approved for human use. It is strictly for research purposes. Common side effects reported in early trials include injection site reactions, flushing, headache, and transient water retention. Clinical development by ConjuChem was halted following an adverse event in a Phase II trial, though the direct causality remains debated. It is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in sports.

07Compared with CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29)

CJC-1295 (with DAC) vs. CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29)

Key difference

CJC-1295 with DAC has a half-life of roughly 8 days due to albumin binding, whereas CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) has a half-life of about 30 minutes.

When researchers discuss each

Researchers discuss the DAC version when a continuous, steady elevation of GH is desired with infrequent dosing (e.g., weekly). The non-DAC version is preferred when mimicking the natural, short-lived physiological spikes of GH is the goal, requiring multiple daily doses.

08Glossary

Drug Affinity Complex (DAC)

A chemical modification that allows a peptide to bind to albumin in the blood, protecting it from breakdown and extending its active duration.

GHRH (Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone)

A hormone produced in the hypothalamus that stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone.

IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)

A hormone produced primarily by the liver in response to growth hormone, responsible for many of the growth-promoting effects in the body.

09Knowledge check

Q1What is the primary function of the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) in CJC-1295?

Q2How does CJC-1295 with DAC affect the natural release pattern of growth hormone?

Q3Which factor in the dossier most directly limits confidence about the long-term safety of CJC-1295 with DAC in humans?

Q4According to the supplied comparison, in which research situation would investigators most likely choose CJC-1295 with DAC over the non‑DAC version (Modified GRF 1‑29)?

Q5Which statement about regulatory status and reported safety in the dossier is accurate?

10Sources

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Research and educational use onlyNothing on this site is medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation for human use. Compounds documented here are research chemicals. Consult a qualified clinician before making any health decision.