Also known as: CJC-1295 with DAC, Drug Affinity Complex CJC-1295, Modified GRF(1-29) with DAC
Sustained growth hormone elevation and IGF-1 increase
Amount
2 mg (flat dose, approximately 25-30 mcg/kg for 70-80 kg individual)
Frequency
Once weekly
Duration
8-12 weeks
Route
SCSchedule
Once weekly
Timing
Evening administration suggested by some researchers to synergize with nocturnal GH pulses; not formally tested
โ Rotate injection sites
Duration
8-12 weeks
Repeatable
Yes
Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
Storage: Store lyophilized peptide at -20C. Reconstituted solution should be stored at 2-8C and used within 21 days. Protect from light. Do not freeze reconstituted solution.
IGF-1
When: Baseline
Why: Critical baseline; primary PD marker for CJC-1295 DAC
Fasting glucose and HbA1c
When: Baseline
Why: GH elevation can impair glucose tolerance
Fasting insulin
When: Baseline
Why: Monitor for insulin resistance from GH elevation
Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4)
When: Baseline
Why: GH can affect thyroid hormone conversion
CMP
When: Baseline
Why: Liver and kidney function baseline
Lipid panel
When: Baseline
Why: GH affects lipid metabolism
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CJC-1295 DAC is a synthetic 30-amino acid peptide analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that incorporates a proprietary Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) technology. This modification enables the peptide to bind to serum albumin after subcutaneous injection, dramatically extending its plasma half-life from approximately 30 minutes (for the unmodified peptide) to 6 to 8 days. This prolonged duration of action allows for once-weekly dosing while maintaining sustained stimulation of growth hormone (GH) release from the anterior pituitary.
The compound was developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies (now ConjuChem LLC) as a potential therapeutic agent for conditions associated with growth hormone deficiency. It represents a significant pharmacological advancement over native GHRH and earlier GHRH analogs, which required frequent administration due to rapid proteolytic degradation.
CJC-1295 DAC functions as a GHRH receptor agonist, stimulating the somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary to synthesize and release growth hormone. Unlike direct GH administration, CJC-1295 DAC preserves the physiological pulsatile pattern of GH release, as it amplifies the natural GHRH signaling rather than bypassing it. This is considered pharmacologically advantageous because it maintains the hypothalamic-pituitary feedback mechanisms that regulate GH homeostasis.
CJC-1295 DAC activates the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R), a G protein-coupled receptor expressed on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland. Binding to the GHRH-R triggers a signaling cascade involving cyclic AMP (cAMP) and protein kinase A (PKA), which stimulates both the synthesis of growth hormone at the transcriptional level and the exocytotic release of stored GH granules.
The Drug Affinity Complex component is a maleimido derivative of lysine that forms a covalent bond with albumin in the bloodstream after injection. This albumin conjugation serves two purposes: it protects the peptide from enzymatic degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) and other proteases, and it dramatically increases the effective molecular size, reducing renal clearance. The result is a half-life extension from approximately 30 minutes to 6 to 8 days.
Because CJC-1295 DAC works through the natural GHRH receptor pathway, its GH-releasing effect is modulated by somatostatin, the endogenous inhibitor of GH release. This means that CJC-1295 DAC amplifies the peaks of GH secretion during the natural pulsatile cycle (particularly during sleep) without causing continuous, non-physiological GH elevation. The downstream effect includes increased hepatic production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which mediates many of the anabolic and metabolic effects attributed to the GH axis.
CJC-1295 DAC has been evaluated in several clinical studies, primarily Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials conducted by ConjuChem. The key clinical findings include dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-1 levels following single and multiple subcutaneous injections, sustained IGF-1 elevation for 6 to 14 days after a single dose, and generally well-tolerated safety profiles at doses up to 120 micrograms per kilogram.
A pivotal pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism demonstrated that single subcutaneous doses of CJC-1295 DAC produced dose-dependent increases in mean GH concentrations (2- to 10-fold) and IGF-1 levels (1.5- to 3-fold) that persisted for up to 6 days. Multiple weekly doses over 4 to 8 weeks resulted in progressive and sustained IGF-1 elevation.
CJC-1295 DAC is an investigational compound that has not received FDA approval for any indication. While clinical trial data demonstrate its pharmacological activity, the development program was discontinued and no Phase 3 trials have been completed. The compound is available through research chemical suppliers but is not manufactured under pharmaceutical GMP conditions for human use.
The sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1 carries theoretical risks including insulin resistance, fluid retention, joint pain, and potential effects on cell proliferation. The long half-life means that any adverse effects cannot be rapidly reversed by simply discontinuing the compound. Individuals with a history of cancer, active malignancy, or conditions exacerbated by elevated GH/IGF-1 should not use this compound.
CJC-1295 DAC is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as a growth hormone secretagogue and is banned in competitive athletics.
Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog, published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (Ionescu M and Frohman LA, 2006; PMID: 17018654):
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This website is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
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