CJC-1295 with DAC
CJC-1295 DAC · Drug Affinity Complex
Long-acting GHRH analog with a drug-affinity complex that extends half-life to ~6–8 days; weekly dosing.
Key takeaways
- GHRH analog with albumin-binding DAC; half-life ~6–8 days allows weekly dosing.
- Human studies show days of elevated GH and IGF-1 after a single injection.
- Reached Phase 2 for GH deficiency but was never approved.
- Sustained (non-pulsatile) GH elevation is the main theoretical downside.
Overview
What it is
CJC-1295 with DAC is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) carrying a drug affinity complex that latches onto serum albumin. The result is sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation rather than the sharp pulses produced by short-acting secretagogues.
Pharmacokinetics
Albumin binding stretches the half-life to roughly 6–8 days with bioavailability near 70%, so a single weekly subcutaneous injection maintains exposure. Human PK work confirmed GH stays elevated for days after one dose.
What the evidence says
This one has real human data: published PK studies in healthy adults and a Phase 2 program for growth hormone deficiency. Development stopped before approval, so long-term safety data is thin. Sustained, non-pulsatile GH elevation remains a theoretical concern.
Reported dosing protocols
Protocols reported in research literature and clinic/community use — informational context, not a dosing recommendation.
| Use case | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GH / IGF-1 elevation (community) | 1–2 mg | SubQ | Once weekly (sometimes split 2×) | 8–12 weeks |
Pharmacokinetic summary
- Model tier
- Simple (t½ + F, Tmax estimated)
- Half-life
- 8 days
- Bioavailability
- 70%
- Typical dose
- 1–3 mg
Frequently asked questions
CJC-1295 with DAC vs without — what changes?
The DAC (drug affinity complex) binds albumin and stretches the half-life from ~30 minutes to about a week. With DAC you get sustained GH elevation from weekly dosing; without DAC you get short, physiologic pulses.
Why do some people avoid the DAC version?
Natural GH release is pulsatile, and CJC-1295 DAC flattens that into a steady elevation. Some researchers prefer pulsatile signaling and worry about downregulation or side effects like water retention with continuous exposure; human data comparing the two patterns is lacking.
Is CJC-1295 with DAC approved?
No. It went through early human studies for growth hormone deficiency but development stopped before approval. Material sold today is research-grade, so purity and accurate dosing depend on vendor testing.
References
- Estimated (literature ~6–8 d) — DAC extends half-life to roughly one week via albumin binding.
- J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2006 — CJC-1295 human PK/PD — Healthy-adult study: a single dose raised GH and IGF-1 for 6+ days.
- Endocrinology 2005 — identification of CJC-1295 — Rat study characterizing CJC-1295 as a long-acting GRF(1-29)-albumin conjugate.
Related compounds
CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29)
Short-acting GHRH analog (~30 min half-life) usually paired with a GHRP for pulsatile GH release.
Sermorelin
Bioidentical GHRH fragment used diagnostically and off-label to stimulate endogenous growth hormone.
Tesamorelin
N-terminally stabilized GHRH analog approved to reduce excess visceral fat in HIV lipodystrophy.
Comments
Loading comments…