CJC-1295 with DAC 2mg/5mg – Long-acting GHRH analogue with extended release

What is CJC-1295 with DAC?

CJC-1295 with DAC is a long-acting GHRH analog — the growth-hormone-releasing hormone. Its core is a modified GRF (1-29) fragment with four amino-acid substitutions, to which DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) has been attached — a reactive group that, after administration, permanently binds to albumin circulating in the blood. It is precisely this binding to albumin that protects the peptide from rapid breakdown and extends its half-life to about 6–8 days.

The difference between „with DAC" and „without DAC" is fundamental. The without-DAC version acts briefly (~30 min) and produces single, pulsatile GH peaks. The with-DAC version maintains a constant, elevated GH and IGF-1 background for many days — while preserving the physiological pulsatility of secretion, but with a raised amplitude and baseline level. Thanks to this, dosing once or twice a week is sufficient.

CJC-1295 with DAC acts on the GHRH receptor in the pituitary — just like Sermorelin or the without-DAC version. This distinguishes it from GHRP secretagogues / ghrelin mimetics (GHRP-2, Hexarelin, Ipamorelin), which act on a separate receptor, GHS-R1a. In studies the two pathways are combined for a synergistic effect.

CJC-1295 with DAC is studied in the context of the GH/IGF-1 axis, regeneration, body composition and lipolysis. It is a research peptide — it holds no registration as a medicinal product in the EU. See also the other recovery and anabolic peptides in our category.

In the version offered by Peptology, CJC-1295 with DAC is supplied as a lyophilized peptide with purity above 99% (HPLC/MS), confirmed by independent laboratory analysis (CoA for every batch). It is available in two vial formats — 2 mg and 5 mg — depending on the scale of the research protocol.

Available formats: 2 mg and 5 mg

CJC-1295 with DAC is available in two lyophilized formats that cover different scales of research work — from single in vitro series to longer GH-axis protocols with higher peptide consumption.

Both formats have identical purity > 99% and the same laboratory certificate for the batch. The choice of size depends on the scale of the protocol, not on the concentration of the active substance.

How CJC-1295 with DAC works — prolonged stimulation of the GHRH axis

In the research literature, CJC-1295 with DAC is described as a long-acting GHRH analog that maintains elevated GH and IGF-1 concentrations for many days. The three features below together explain its long profile and low administration frequency.

With DAC vs without DAC — what the difference is

This is the most common question about CJC-1295. The with-DAC version (this product) has an attached albumin-binding group — it acts for several days and maintains a constant, elevated GH/IGF-1 background, which is why 1–2 administrations per week are sufficient. The without-DAC version (Mod GRF 1-29) acts briefly (~30 min) and produces single, physiological GH pulses. In studies on a constant GH background, the with-DAC form is more often chosen; where the goal is pulsatility — the without-DAC form.

Because the GHRH (CJC-1295) and GHS-R1a (GHRP / ghrelin) pathways are independent, in research protocols a GHRH analog is combined with a secretagogue — e.g. Ipamorelin, GHRP-2 or Hexarelin. These data come from pharmacological studies and do not constitute a claim about the effect of the research-grade product.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of CJC-1295 with DAC

CJC-1295 with DAC is a long-acting GHRH analog which, in the published pharmacokinetic data, is described as a molecule with a multi-day half-life thanks to permanent binding to albumin — which explains the once- or twice-weekly dosing schedule.

• Biological half-life: about 6–8 days (range ~5.8–8.1 days in clinical data)
• Long-action mechanism: permanent (covalent) binding to albumin via the DAC group
• GH increase: 2–10-fold after a single dose, sustained for 6 days or longer
• IGF-1 increase: 1.5–3-fold, sustained for 9–11 days after a single dose
• After repeated dosing: IGF-1 concentrations above baseline for up to 28 days
• Dosing schedule: once or twice a week subcutaneously (SC)

CJC-1295 with DAC vs without DAC vs Sermorelin

The table below compares three GHRH analogs acting on the same receptor but with different durations of action. The key difference between the with-DAC and without-DAC forms is the half-life and GH profile — a constant background (with DAC) versus single pulses (without DAC). The data are scientific and comparative in nature.

Sources: Teichman et al., „Prolonged Stimulation of GH and IGF-I Secretion by CJC-1295", Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2006); pharmacokinetic data for GHRH analogs. The table is scientific and comparative in nature and does not constitute a direct head-to-head comparison or a claim about the effect of the research-grade product.

Clinical data on CJC-1295 with DAC

CJC-1295 with DAC is a research molecule, but unlike many GH-axis peptides it has published early phase 1 clinical data. Below are the most important observations from the literature.

Phase 1 — Teichman et al. (JCEM, 2006)

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-escalation study in healthy adults, a single administration of CJC-1295 with DAC increased GH concentrations 2–10-fold for 6 days or longer and IGF-1 1.5–3-fold for 9–11 days. After repeated dosing (weekly or biweekly), IGF-1 concentrations remained above baseline for up to 28 days. The profile was well tolerated, especially at doses of 30–60 µg/kg.

Preservation of GH pulsatility

In a separate analysis it was shown that despite continuous stimulation by a long-acting GHRH analog pulsatile GH secretion is preserved — CJC-1295 with DAC raises both the amplitude of the pulses and the baseline level, instead of flattening them. This is an important feature from the perspective of GH-axis physiology.

GHRH + GHRP synergy

In pharmacological studies, combining a GHRH analog (like CJC-1295) with a GHRP secretagogue (like Ipamorelin, GHRP-2 or Hexarelin) is associated with stronger GH release than either component alone, because they act on separate receptors. You will find the ready-made complex as CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin.

Note: The information is presented for scientific and informational purposes and is based on published phase 1 studies and pharmacological literature. It does not constitute medical advice, a recommendation for use or a claim about the effect of the research-grade product offered by Peptology.

CJC-1295 with DAC profile at a glance

• Long-acting GHRH analog — DAC binds the peptide to albumin, extending the half-life to ~6–8 days
• 2–10-fold GH increase and 1.5–3-fold IGF-1 increase after a single dose in the phase 1 study (Teichman, 2006)
• IGF-1 above baseline for up to 28 days after repeated dosing
• Preserved GH pulsatility — raised amplitude and baseline level, without flattening the rhythm
• Low administration frequency — 1–2 times a week thanks to the long profile
• Synergy with GHRP (Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, Hexarelin) — two separate GH-axis receptors

All information provided concerns published studies and pharmacological literature on CJC-1295 with DAC and should not be interpreted as a promise of effect, an instruction for use or a claim about the effect of the research-grade product offered by Peptology.

Research dosing protocols

Because of its long half-life, CJC-1295 with DAC is administered infrequently in studies — which distinguishes it from short-acting forms:

• Phase 1 (Teichman): single doses in the range of ~30–60 µg/kg SC described as well tolerated
• Repeated schedules: weekly or biweekly subcutaneous administration
• Low frequency: 1–2 times a week is enough to maintain an elevated GH/IGF-1 background
• Combination schedules: GHRH analog + GHRP (Ipamorelin / GHRP-2 / Hexarelin) for a synergistic effect

Unlike the without-DAC form, which in pulsatile models is administered frequently, CJC-1295 with DAC has a long window of action — hence the 1–2 times a week schedule. These schedules come from the research literature and do not constitute a recommendation for self-administration.

Side effects and safety

In studies and observations, CJC-1295 with DAC is described as well tolerated, with predominantly mild side effects. Most of them are dose-dependent and reversible; however, the long profile means that any effects may last longer than with short-acting forms.

Most observed side effects are mild and reversible and dose-dependent. Because of the long profile, any effects may last longer. This information is scientific in nature and does not constitute an instruction for use.

Storage and reconstitution

CJC-1295 with DAC is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a vial. In lyophilized form the peptide is stable at room temperature, protected from light and moisture — refrigeration before reconstitution is not mandatory. After reconstitution, stability depends on the solvent used, with Peptide Matrix Water™ significantly extending the peptide's lifespan.

• Before reconstitution: room temperature, in the original packaging, protected from light and moisture. A refrigerator is not mandatory.
• After reconstitution with Peptide Matrix Water™: stability in the refrigerator +2 °C to +8 °C for up to 60 days under appropriate laboratory conditions — the stabilizing formula extends the peptide's lifespan relative to standard solvents.
• After reconstitution with bacteriostatic or sterile water: stability in the refrigerator +2 °C to +8 °C for up to 28 days under appropriate conditions. Do not refreeze the reconstituted solution.
• Reconstitution: in a laboratory setting, Peptide Matrix Water™, bacteriostatic water or sterile water for injection is usually used, depending on the protocol.
• Volume: maximum 3 mL of solvent (capacity of a standard vial). For a precise calculation of volume and units, use the peptide calculator.
• Homogenization: add the solvent slowly down the vial wall, without vigorous shaking — peptide bonds are sensitive to mechanical stress. Swirl gently, do not shake.

Laboratory tip: With your order, you can add Peptide Matrix Water™ to the cart — a stabilizing solution designed for working with reconstituted research peptides. More in the article Bacteriostatic water vs acetic acid vs matrix water.

Frequently asked questions about CJC-1295 with DAC

What exactly is CJC-1295 with DAC?

It is a long-acting GHRH analog with an attached Drug Affinity Complex (DAC), which permanently binds the peptide to albumin. Thanks to this, the half-life reaches 6–8 days, and stimulation of the GH/IGF-1 axis is maintained for many days. The results come from phase 1 studies and pharmacological literature.

CJC-1295 with DAC or without DAC — what is the difference?

The with-DAC version acts for several days and maintains a constant, elevated GH/IGF-1 background (1–2 administrations per week). The without-DAC version has a short half-life (~30 min) and produces single, pulsatile GH peaks. The choice depends on the goal of the protocol — constant background vs pulsatility.

Can it be combined with GHRP peptides?

Yes — this is a classic research schedule. The GHRH analog acts on the GHRH receptor, and GHRP (Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, Hexarelin) on the GHS-R1a receptor. Combining the two pathways gives stronger GH release. The ready-made complex is CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin.

What is the half-life of CJC-1295 with DAC?

About 6–8 days — it is the permanent binding to albumin (via the DAC group) that is responsible for such a long profile. In the phase 1 study, IGF-1 concentrations remained above baseline for up to 28 days after repeated dosing.

Which format to choose — 2 or 5 mg?

Both have identical purity > 99% and the same batch certificate. 2 mg works well for shorter protocols and single series, and 5 mg — for longer GH-axis studies with higher peptide consumption.

How is CJC-1295 with DAC stored and reconstituted?

The lyophilized vial is stored at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. After reconstitution, stability depends on the solvent: with Peptide Matrix Water™ — up to 60 days in the refrigerator +2 °C to +8 °C; with bacteriostatic or sterile water — up to 28 days. Avoid refreezing.

Where to buy CJC-1295 with DAC for research?

Peptology offers CJC-1295 with DAC (2 / 5 mg) as a research peptide with confirmed purity above 99% (HPLC/MS) and independent laboratory analysis for every batch. Fast shipping, discreet packaging and certificates of purity with the product. For scientific background, also see the article Peptides — what they are, how they work, main categories and safety profile.

Related peptides in the Peptology catalog

Researchers working with CJC-1295 with DAC often also consider other GH-axis tools — the without-DAC version, GHRP secretagogues and ready-made complexes. Each of the products below has a certificate of purity above 99%:

See the full catalog: Recovery and anabolic peptides · Solutions for peptides · Blog on peptide research

Molecule identity

References

1. Teichman SL et al. Prolonged Stimulation of Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Secretion by CJC-1295, a Long-Acting Analog of GH-Releasing Hormone, in Healthy Adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91:799–805.

Laboratory reconstitution

Laboratory protocol — reconstitution, research protocols, storage

Standardized protocol applicable to all research peptides in the Peptology catalogue. To calculate the solution concentration (mg/mL) for each vial, use the peptide reconstitution calculator.

60-second protocol

Quick reference

What you need

Five rules for reconstitution

Calculating concentration

Storage

Four mistakes to avoid

Shipping information

🚚 Shipping information

• Products in our warehouse – orders placed by 15:00 on working days are dispatched the same day, later orders on the next working day.

• Delivery with GLS to your address in 3–5 working days.

• Shipping costs €5 and is free from €50.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In what form is CJC-1295 with DAC supplied and how should it be stored?

It is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed vial. Store the unopened vial dry and protected from light, ideally at 2–8 °C. After laboratory reconstitution, keep the solution at 2–8 °C and use it within the period stated in the “Laboratory reconstitution” tab (up to 60 days with Peptide Matrix Water).

What purity does CJC-1295 with DAC have and how is it tested?

Every batch has a purity of 99% or higher, confirmed by HPLC and mass spectrometry (MS) and documented in a certificate of analysis (CoA). The report for the current batch is shown in the “Laboratory Analysis” tab.

Is a prescription required?

No – the product is supplied for research use only.

Where can I buy CJC‑1295 with DAC in Europe and what does it cost?

You can buy CJC‑1295 with DAC in Europe online from Peptology, from 29,00 €. Delivery with GLS in 3–5 working days. Shipping is free from 50,00 €. Payment by card. Purity 99%+, with an HPLC report for every batch.

Laboratory Analysis

CJC‑1295 with DAC - 5 mg - Batch - 0226 - Purity