Library / Peptides / Hormone Optimization / CJC-1295 DAC
Emerging evidence · Grade B

CJC-1295 DAC

CJC-1295 With DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)
Evidence
Emerging
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Frequency
Once or twice weekly (long half-life due to DAC)
Category
Hormone Optimization
TL;DR
CJC-1295 with DAC is the original formulation of CJC-1295 that includes a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) — a maleimidopropionic acid linker that covalently binds to serum albumin after injection. This extends its half-life to approximately 6-8 days, creating sustained (non-pulsatile) GH elevation.
Part 01 · How it works

Mechanism.

CJC-1295 with DAC is the original formulation of CJC-1295 that includes a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) — a maleimidopropionic acid linker that covalently binds to serum albumin after injection. This extends its half-life to approximately 6-8 days, creating sustained (non-pulsatile) GH elevation. It was developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies and studied in human clinical trials.

If Modified GRF 1-29 (no DAC) is like pressing a doorbell that rings briefly, CJC-1295 with DAC is like taping the doorbell button down — it keeps signaling continuously for days because it hitchhikes on a long-lived blood protein.

Mechanism · technical
CJC-1295 DAC binds the GHRH receptor identically to the no-DAC version, activating Gs-protein/cAMP/PKA signaling in pituitary somatotrophs. The critical difference is the DAC moiety, which forms a covalent bond with circulating albumin via a reactive maleimide group, dramatically extending plasma half-life to 6-8 days. This creates continuous rather than pulsatile GH stimulation, leading to sustained IGF-1 elevation.
Part 02 · Dosing & administration

How it's taken.

Values below describe how CJC-1295 DAC has been administered in published trials and labeling. Provided for educational purposes only — this is not medical advice and not instructions for self-administration. Consult your healthcare provider before making any health decision.

Standard dose
1-2 mg per week
Subcutaneous injection · Once or twice weekly (long half-life due to DAC)
Duration
8-12 weeks typical cycle

GHRH analogue with drug affinity complex extending half-life to ~8 days. Creates sustained GH elevation (GH bleed). Not FDA-approved. Research peptide.

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Part 03 · Safety

Side effects, rare serious events, who shouldn't.

Reported side effects
Similar to no-DAC version but potentially more pronounced due to sustained GH elevation: water retention, joint pain, carpal tunnel-like symptoms, headache, and injection site reactions. The continuous (non-pulsatile) GH stimulation is a theoretical concern as it differs from natural physiology. Clinical development was halted after a participant death (though causality was not established).
Absolute · do not use
×
Active malignancy or history of cancer
×
Pituitary tumor or hypothalamic disorders
×
Diabetic retinopathy
×
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
×
Children under 18 (unless for diagnosed GH deficiency under specialist care)
×
Known hypersensitivity to CJC-1295 or any component
Interactions
Insulin
GH secretagogues can increase insulin resistance; may require insulin dose adjustment
Major
Oral hypoglycemics
GH elevation may counteract glucose-lowering effects; monitor blood glucose
Moderate
Corticosteroids
Chronic corticosteroid use blunts GH release and may reduce CJC-1295 efficacy
Moderate
Thyroid hormone replacement
GH can increase T4 to T3 conversion; thyroid levels may need reassessment
Moderate
Labs to monitor
IGF-1
Baseline, 4 weeks, then every 3 months
Monitor growth hormone axis stimulation
Fasting Glucose & Insulin
Baseline and monthly
GH elevation can impair insulin sensitivity
CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
Baseline and every 3 months
Liver and kidney function
Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T4)
Baseline and every 3 months
GH axis can affect thyroid function
HbA1c
Baseline and every 3 months
Track glucose over time with GH stimulation
Part 04 · Research log

Every study we cite.

Each study with its published finding and a plain-language note on limitations or funding.

01
2006
0
Prolonged stimulation of GH secretion after conjugation of GHRH analogue
DAC-conjugated GHRH analogue produced sustained GH elevation for days after single injection
Phase I pharmacokinetic study; industry-funded
PMID 16352683 ↗
02
2006
0
CJC-1295 dose-escalation study in healthy adults
Dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-1 maintained for 6+ days after single dose
Phase I; small sample size
PMID 16352683 ↗
Part 05 · Cost & access

Where you can get it.

Regulatory status
Not FDA-approved. Clinical development was discontinued. Available through some compounding pharmacies and research chemical suppliers. Subject to the same evolving FDA compounding restrictions as other GH secretagogues.
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Part 06 · Your appointment

Questions to bring.

01
Is continuous GH stimulation (DAC version) safer or riskier than pulsatile stimulation (no-DAC version)?
02
What happened in the clinical development of CJC-1295 DAC, and why was it discontinued?
03
How does sustained IGF-1 elevation affect cancer risk compared to natural GH pulsatility?
04
Should I choose the DAC or no-DAC version, and what are the trade-offs?