CJC-1295 (with DAC)
Also known as: CJC-1295 DAC, CJC-1295 with DAC, DAC:GRF, Drug Affinity Complex GRF
Lower numbers = closer to natural. Higher numbers = more enhanced.
Why this rating?
CJC-1295 with DAC is a long-acting GHRH analogue: the drug affinity complex (DAC) binds to albumin, extending its half-life to an estimated 5.8-8.1 days and producing a sustained, days-long elevation of GH and IGF-1 from a single injection (Teichman et al. 2006 reported GH raised 2-10 fold for 6+ days and IGF-1 1.5-3 fold for 9-11 days). It stimulates the pituitary rather than replacing GH, and is WADA-prohibited (S2), confirming performance relevance. Rated 4 alongside the other GH secretagogues: a GH-axis stimulator, less transformative than exogenous HGH or IGF-1, but the long DAC action pushes GH exposure away from the natural pulsatile pattern.
Overview
A synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), developed by ConjuChem as a modified GRF(1-29)/sermorelin bearing a drug affinity complex (DAC). The DAC: a maleimidopropionyl-lysine group added at the C-terminus, bonds to albumin in the bloodstream, protecting the peptide from degradation and stretching its half-life to an estimated 6-8 days. A single dose can raise GH and IGF-1 for days. This long action is the key contrast with CJC-1295 "no DAC" (Modified GRF 1-29), whose ~30-minute half-life preserves natural pulses.
Important Warnings
- •Not FDA approved - the clinical programme was halted after a participant died (death attributed to unrelated coronary disease)
- •WADA prohibited (S2) - will cause a positive test
- •Long ~6-8 day half-life means effects (and any problems) persist for days after a dose
- •Contraindicated with active/history of cancer (sustained GH/IGF-1 drives cell growth)
- •Caution if diabetic/prediabetic (GH affects glucose metabolism)
- •Research-chemical quality varies - verify it is the DAC version and not mislabelled
Purpose & Use Cases
Sustained GH / IGF-1 Elevation
The albumin-bound DAC gives a days-long half-life, so a single injection raises GH and IGF-1 for an extended window rather than a short pulse (Teichman et al. 2006: GH 2-10 fold for 6+ days, IGF-1 1.5-3 fold for 9-11 days).
Convenience / Dosing Frequency
The long half-life is the whole selling point versus no-DAC GHRH analogues: far fewer injections for a continuous effect.
Body Composition & Recovery
Community use targets the usual GH-axis goals (improved recovery, tissue repair and body composition) via elevated endogenous GH/IGF-1.
Benefits
- Very long half-life (~6-8 days) from a single injection
- Sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation (Teichman 2006)
- Stimulates endogenous GH rather than replacing it
- Far fewer injections than no-DAC GHRH analogues
- Does not suppress the testosterone axis - no PCT required
Good to Know
DAC is the whole story: it binds albumin for a ~6-8 day half-life
The "drug affinity complex" is a maleimidopropionyl-lysine group that bonds to albumin in the blood, shielding the peptide from breakdown. That stretches the half-life to an estimated 5.8-8.1 days, so a single shot keeps GH and IGF-1 elevated for days, Teichman et al. (2006) reported GH raised 2-10 fold for 6+ days and IGF-1 1.5-3 fold for 9-11 days (with IGF-1 remaining above baseline for up to 28 days after multiple doses).
Sustained "bleed", not clean pulses - the key contrast with no-DAC
CJC-1295 with DAC produces a continuous, elevated GH baseline rather than the discrete pulses of short-acting GHRH. This is the exact opposite of "CJC-1295 no DAC" / Modified GRF 1-29 (~30-minute half-life), which preserves natural pulsatility. One study (Ionescu & Frohman 2006) did find that pulsatile GH secretion persists on top of the raised baseline, but the overall exposure is far more sustained.
The clinical programme was halted after a participant death
CJC-1295 with DAC reached phase II (for lipodystrophy / GH deficiency) but development was terminated as a precaution after a study participant died. The attending physician attributed the death to unrelated asymptomatic coronary artery disease with plaque rupture rather than the drug, but the programme was abandoned, so it never gained approval and long-term human safety data is thin.
Stimulates your own GH - no PCT, but not benign
Like other GHRH analogues it raises endogenous GH (and downstream IGF-1) rather than replacing it, so it does not suppress the testosterone axis and needs no PCT. But sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation still means the usual GH-axis cautions apply: water retention, glucose effects, and a contraindication with active cancer.
Dosage Guidelines
| Experience Level | Dosage Range |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 500 – 1000 mcg/week |
| Intermediate | 1000 – 2000 mcg/week |
| Advanced | 2000 – 3000 mcg/week |
There is no approved human dose - CJC-1295 with DAC is an abandoned drug candidate, so these figures are community-derived (peptide-dosing guides and forum consensus), not clinical dosing, and should be treated as uncertain. They are broadly consistent with the ascending-dose ranges used in Teichman et al. 2006 (single doses of 30-60 mcg/kg, i.e. roughly 2-4.5mg for an average adult, dosed weekly/biweekly). The long DAC half-life means it does NOT need daily dosing (that is the point of DAC) and steady state is reached within a few weeks. Unlike no-DAC GHRH analogues, it is not tied to a fasted pre-meal injection window because the elevation is continuous. Some protocols cycle off for 4-6 weeks periodically to limit GHRH-receptor desensitization. Research-chemical quality and identity (DAC vs no-DAC) vary widely by source.
The ~6-8 day half-life is in humans, driven by the albumin-binding DAC (drug affinity complex).
Side Effects
Water Retention / Bloating
commonRelated to sustained elevated GH/IGF-1; more likely with continuous (DAC) elevation than short pulses.
Usually mild; ease dosing if bothersome.
Flushing / Warmth
commonTransient flushing or warmth after injection.
Usually settles quickly.
Headache / Dizziness
uncommonOccasional headaches or lightheadedness reported.
Stay hydrated; reduce dose if persistent.
Tingling / Numbness (carpal-tunnel-like)
uncommonSustained high GH/IGF-1 can produce carpal-tunnel-type symptoms and joint discomfort.
Reduce dose if persistent.
Sourcing / Purity Risk
commonAs an unapproved research chemical, purity and whether the vial truly contains the DAC version vary by source.
Use tested product with a certificate of analysis.
General Mitigation Strategies
Most effects stem from the sustained elevation of GH/IGF-1 rather than the peptide itself, and the continuous (non-pulsatile-baseline) action is exactly why water retention and carpal-tunnel-type symptoms can be more noticeable than with short-acting GHRH analogues. Keep doses conservative. As with any GH-axis agent, avoid with active cancer (GH/IGF-1 drive cell-growth pathways) and use caution if diabetic/prediabetic. The clinical programme itself was halted, so long-term human safety at these doses is not established.
Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)
Stimulates endogenous GH via the GHRH receptor; does not affect the HPT axis. No PCT required.
How It Works
CJC-1295 binds growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors (GHRHR) on pituitary somatotrophs, driving GH synthesis and secretion. It stimulates endogenous GH rather than replacing it. The DAC bioconjugation binds circulating albumin, which prevents rapid enzymatic/renal clearance and gives the ~6-8 day half-life. The practical consequence is a sustained ("bleed") elevation of GH baseline rather than clean, discrete GHRH-driven pulses; notably, one study (Ionescu & Frohman, 2006) reported that pulsatile GH secretion still persists during this continuous stimulation, layered on top of the raised baseline.
Fundamentals
Reference on the practices relevant to CJC-1295 (with DAC): how they are done and where they go wrong. Not a recommendation to use it.
Common Stacks
- CJC-1295 (DAC) + Ipamorelin - Classic GHRH + GHRP combo, though most who want daily pulsatility pair Ipamorelin with no-DAC Mod GRF instead
- Do not combine with Mod GRF 1-29 / no-DAC CJC-1295 - same receptor, redundant signal; pick one GHRH analogue
- Do NOT use alone - pairing with a GHRP (ghrelin-receptor agonist) amplifies GH release beyond either compound alone
Legal Status
Research chemical (USA). Not FDA-approved (an abandoned drug candidate). WADA prohibited (S2).
Legal status varies by country and changes over time. This is a general summary, not legal advice.
WADA Status
CJC-1295 (with DAC) is prohibited at all times under WADA S2 as a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue / GH secretagogue.