CJC-1295 DACGrowth Hormone
Long-acting GHRH analog (Drug Affinity Complex) studied for sustained growth-hormone release.
- Status
- Research / not approved
- Developer
- ConjuChem Biotechnologies (DAC:GRF / CJC-1295)
- Receptors / target
- GHRH-receptor (GHRHR) agonist; the Lys30 maleimidopropionyl 'DAC' covalently binds circulating albumin, giving sustained pituitary GH stimulation and prolonged IGF-1 elevation
- FDA-approved?
- NO
- Prescription available?
- NO
- Studied for
- growth hormone / IGF-1 secretionbody compositionGHRH-receptor pharmacologysleep & recovery
Overview
CJC-1295 DAC (DAC:GRF) is the long-acting form of the CJC-1295 GHRH analog. It is the same tetrasubstituted [D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27] modified GRF(1-29) peptide as the short-acting no-DAC form, but with a C-terminal Lys30 maleimidopropionyl Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that covalently binds circulating albumin after injection. This albumin tether extends the half-life from ~30 minutes to roughly 6–8 days, so a single dose elevates GH and IGF-1 for many days. It was developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies; it is research-use-only and was never approved.
Mechanism
Like all GHRH analogs, CJC-1295 DAC binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs to stimulate the body's own growth-hormone release and downstream IGF-1. Its defining feature is the DAC: a maleimidopropionyl group on the C-terminal lysine forms a covalent bond with circulating serum albumin, creating a long-lived depot. The result is a sustained, steady elevation of GH/IGF-1 rather than the brief pulse of the no-DAC form — yet, notably, the pituitary's native pulsatile GH pattern is largely preserved even under this continuous stimulation.
Clinical evidence
Human evidence is limited to early-phase pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies of the DAC form. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults (Teichman et al., JCEM 2006), single subcutaneous doses raised mean GH 2- to 10-fold for ≥6 days and IGF-1 1.5- to 3-fold for 9–11 days, with repeated dosing keeping IGF-1 above baseline up to 28 days. A second human study (Ionescu & Frohman, 2006) showed continuous stimulation raised GH/IGF-1 mainly by elevating trough levels while preserving pulsatility, a 2009 proteomics study confirmed multi-day axis activation, and mouse work showed once-daily dosing normalized growth in GHRH-knockout animals. No trial demonstrates a clinical efficacy outcome (body composition, performance, or disease).
Safety profile
Human safety data are sparse and short-term. The early-phase trials reported no serious adverse reactions and described it as relatively well tolerated at lower doses; injection-site reactions, flushing, headache and water retention are the most commonly noted effects. The DAC form's sustained IGF-1 elevation raises the same theoretical concerns as other GH-axis agonists (glucose metabolism, fluid retention, tissue growth), and there are no long-term or large-population data. It is prohibited in sport (WADA S2) and not FDA-approved. Research use only — nothing here is therapeutic or dosing guidance.
- Per dose (acute)
A GH pulse follows dosing; unlike the short-acting no-DAC form, albumin binding sustains exposure for days (a steady GH/IGF-1 elevation).
- Days 6–11
In healthy-adult PK studies (Teichman, JCEM 2006), a single subcutaneous dose raised IGF-1 for ~9–11 days; repeated dosing kept IGF-1 above baseline up to ~28 days.
- Weeks 4–12
Body-composition changes are anecdotal and not established in controlled human trials.
Reported in published literature and user reports. Not a complete list, and not medical advice.
- Injection-site reactions (redness, itching, pain)
- Flushing and headache
- Water retention / edema, paresthesia
- Sustained IGF-1 elevation; possible glucose-metabolism effects
If severe or unexpected symptoms occur, contact a qualified medical professional. PEPTIDES·INDEX does not provide medical advice.
- No human contraindication data exist for this research compound; the following are grounded theoretical cautions, not established medical contraindications.
- Active or prior cancer is a theoretical concern given the sustained IGF-1 elevation and mitogenic GH/IGF-1 signaling.
- Diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, since prolonged GH-axis stimulation can affect glucose metabolism.
- CorticosteroidsMay blunt the GH response (class effect of GHRH/GHRP agents)
- Insulin or other glucose-lowering agentsSustained GH/IGF-1 elevation can alter glucose handling; net effect in humans is uncharacterized (research use only)
Compare
- vs CJC-1295 (No-DAC)
The short-acting no-DAC version (Modified GRF 1-29); a brief GH pulse vs this days-long elevation.
- vs Ipamorelin
A GHRP often paired with this GHRH analog for a combined GH stimulus.
FAQ
Why does CJC-1295 DAC last so much longer than the no-DAC form?
The Drug Affinity Complex is a maleimidopropionyl group on the C-terminal lysine that covalently binds circulating albumin after injection, creating a long-lived depot. This extends the half-life from about 30 minutes to roughly 6-8 days, so a single dose elevates GH and IGF-1 for many days.
Does any human trial show CJC-1295 DAC works for fat loss or muscle?
No. Human evidence is limited to early-phase pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies (Teichman et al., JCEM 2006) showing multi-day GH/IGF-1 elevation. No trial demonstrates a body-composition, performance, or disease outcome.
Is CJC-1295 DAC banned in sport?
Yes. As a GHRH analog / growth-hormone secretagogue it is prohibited at all times under WADA category S2.
How often is CJC-1295 DAC dosed compared with the no-DAC form?
Because albumin binding gives it a roughly 6-8 day half-life, the DAC form is dosed weekly (or at most a couple of times a week) rather than several times a day. The early human pharmacokinetic studies used single or weekly subcutaneous doses, in contrast to the multiple-times-daily schedule of short-acting mod GRF 1-29.
Were the famous CJC-1295 human PK studies done on the DAC form?
Yes. The healthy-adult pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies usually cited for CJC-1295, such as Teichman et al. (JCEM 2006), used the DAC version. Those data describe the long-acting albumin-binding peptide, not the short-acting no-DAC mod GRF 1-29.
Does CJC-1295 DAC raise IGF-1 the whole week between doses?
In the Teichman et al. (JCEM 2006) trial a single subcutaneous dose elevated IGF-1 for roughly 9-11 days, and repeated dosing kept IGF-1 above baseline for up to about 28 days. This sustained exposure is the defining behavioral difference from the brief pulse of the no-DAC form.
Similar compounds
Starting references for the library summary. These are not dosing instructions or medical advice.
For research-use educational context only. Not medical advice and not a recommendation to use any compound. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before any health decision.