CJC-1295
GHRH analog (long-acting, with Drug Affinity Complex / DAC)
A long-acting GHRH analog often referenced alongside Ipamorelin in research literature.
Also referenced as: CJC-1295 with DAC, CJC-1295 DAC
Overview
CJC-1295 (with DAC) is a synthetic long-acting GHRH analog based on a modified GHRH(1-29) sequence, developed by ConjuChem. It incorporates a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that binds serum albumin to greatly extend circulating half-life.
At a glance
What CJC-1295 does
CJC-1295 is a synthetic GHRH analog built on the GRF 1-29 backbone (the same active fragment as sermorelin) but engineered with four amino acid substitutions that protect it from enzymatic degradation, chiefly by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). Like all GHRH analogs it binds pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone, with IGF-1 rising downstream. The name CJC-1295 is used for two distinct molecules that behave very differently, so the DAC/no-DAC distinction is essential (each is catalogued separately). The shared feature is a longer functional half-life than sermorelin due to the protease-resistant substitutions.
Mechanistically CJC-1295 amplifies GH secretion while, in its no-DAC form, preserving pulsatility; the DAC form (with an added albumin-binding Drug Affinity Complex) instead maintains a sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1 across days. Notably, research on the DAC form reported that the body's underlying pulsatile GH rhythm was largely preserved even under sustained exposure, meaning the extra GH is layered on top of natural pulses rather than fully flattening them. Because GHRH analogs and ghrelin-mimetic GHS-R agonists act on complementary pathways, CJC-1295 is commonly studied in combination with ipamorelin or a GHRP for a larger, synergistic GH pulse.
Human data exist mainly as early pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies showing dose-dependent, durable increases in GH and IGF-1; it is not an approved therapeutic.
Effects reported in research
- Increased pulsatile secretion of endogenous growth hormone via GHRH-receptor agonism (human PK/PD studies).
- Produced dose-dependent, sustained elevations in circulating IGF-1 in early human trials.
- Resisted DPP-4 degradation via four amino acid substitutions, extending activity beyond native GHRH/sermorelin.
- Preserved the underlying pulsatile GH rhythm rather than fully flattening it, even under prolonged exposure.
- Acted synergistically with ghrelin-mimetic secretagogues (ipamorelin/GHRPs) to boost GH output when combined (preclinical/PK data).
- Downstream GH/IGF-1 rise studied for anabolic and lipolytic effects, but body-composition outcomes are not established in large trials.
- Behaves as two distinct agents depending on the DAC modification — see the DAC and no-DAC entries for pharmacokinetic differences.
Effects listed reflect findings reported in the research literature — many in animal or in-vitro models. Listing an effect is not a claim of efficacy or a therapeutic indication in humans.
Mechanism of action
CJC-1295 is a GHRH-receptor agonist that stimulates pulsatile GH secretion from the pituitary. Its GHRH(1-29) backbone carries stabilizing amino-acid substitutions (e.g. at positions 2, 8, 15, 27) that resist DPP-4 degradation, and the DAC group forms a covalent bond with albumin, dramatically prolonging its action. This produces a sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1 rather than sharp discrete pulses.
Mechanistic description reflects published research-literature understanding. Much peptide research is preclinical (in-vitro or animal-model); mechanism in humans may differ and is not established for many compounds.
What it's studied for
Research contexts in which CJC-1295 appears in the literature. Listing a research area is not a claim of efficacy or a therapeutic indication.
Key characteristics
- GHRH-receptor agonist, not a ghrelin/GHS-receptor agonist
- DAC (albumin-binding) modification confers a multi-day half-life, unlike no-DAC forms
- Modified GHRH(1-29) backbone resists DPP-4 cleavage
- Produces sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation ('bleed') rather than discrete pulses
- Distinguished from CJC-1295 no-DAC (Mod GRF 1-29), which is short-acting
Reported research dosing reference only
Educational reference, not dosing guidance. The figures below summarize amounts reported in published research and research-community protocols, provided for educational and research context only. They are not medical advice, not a recommendation, and not instructions for human use. CJC-1295 is a research compound.
For the long-acting DAC version, the research literature references low-microgram-per-kg or roughly 1-2 mg weekly-equivalent exposure, reflecting its multi-day half-life. These are reference figures for research context only, not dosing guidance for humans.
- Body-weight-scaled reference: ~2 mcg/kg
- Common research-protocol reference: ~1-2 mg per week owing to the 6-8 day half-life
DAC albumin binding gives a ~6-8 day half-life, producing sustained GHRH tone; reference figures only, not human dosing guidance.
How it compares
The DAC version's albumin binding gives it a far longer half-life (days) than the no-DAC 'Mod GRF 1-29' (minutes), making it the long-acting member of the CJC-1295 family.
Commonly studied alongside
Compounds frequently researched together with CJC-1295 in the literature. Cross-referenced for research context — not a usage or combination recommendation.
Compare and calculate
Side-by-side pages for the pairings the literature already documents for CJC-1295, plus the unit-conversion reference for a reconstituted vial. Factual comparisons of documented characteristics — not a recommendation to combine or use any compound.
Handling & Stability
Lyophilized peptides are stored cold, protected from light, and reconstituted only at the time of intended in-vitro work.
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Verify supplier lot and Certificate of Analysis
- Follow institutional lab-safety protocols
Analytical & COA Concepts
Reputable research suppliers publish a third-party Certificate of Analysis per batch. Key analytical concepts referenced in COAs include:
Category Context
CJC-1295 sits in the Growth & GH-Axis area of the PeptiDex library.
- Entry type: Research compound reference
- Growth & GH-Axis category hub →
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- Glossary of terms →
Where researchers source CJC-1295
For researchers studying CJC-1295, third-party suppliers such as Practically Natty Peptides offer research-grade material, third-party tests every batch and provides Certificates of Analysis on request, and ship from the US.
View research-supplier listing →
Outbound link to a third-party research supplier. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement; all editorial content is developed independently.
Frequently asked questions
What is CJC-1295 (with DAC)?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic long-acting analog of GHRH(1-29). This slug refers to the DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version, which carries a maleimidopropionic acid linker that covalently binds serum albumin after injection, dramatically extending its circulating half-life to several days.
What is the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and without DAC?
Both share the same modified 29-amino-acid GHRH core with substitutions that resist DPP-IV cleavage. The DAC version adds an albumin-binding complex giving a half-life of roughly 6-8 days, producing a sustained 'GH bleed,' whereas the no-DAC version (Mod GRF 1-29) has only a ~30 minute half-life and produces discrete pulses.
What does the long half-life mean for research design?
Because CJC-1295 with DAC persists for days, it raises the baseline of GHRH tone rather than producing sharp pulses. In research this is described as elevating overall GH and IGF-1 output; studies often examine how this sustained tone interacts with pulsatile GHRP stimulation.
Why is CJC-1295 studied together with ipamorelin?
CJC-1295 provides sustained GHRH-receptor stimulation while ipamorelin provides ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R) stimulation. The two pathways are synergistic, and the CJC-1295 + ipamorelin pairing is one of the most widely referenced GH-secretagogue research combinations.
Is CJC-1295 an approved drug?
No. CJC-1295 was investigated in early clinical trials but is not an approved medication. It is available only as a research chemical and is not approved for human therapeutic use.
Answers are educational summaries of research-literature context and do not constitute medical advice. See the Research Library, COA guide, and Storage & Handling guide for more.
References
Primary literature indexed in PubMed for CJC-1295. Listing a study records that it exists and is indexed — it is not a claim of efficacy, a therapeutic indication, or an endorsement of its conclusions. Much of this literature is preclinical (in-vitro or animal-model).
- Human growth hormone-releasing factor (hGRF)1-29-albumin bioconjugates activate the GRF receptor on the anterior pituitary in rats: identification of CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analog
- 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
Each reference was checked against its PubMed record on 2026-07-28: the PMID resolves and the title, journal and year match. Where no indexed literature exists for a compound, PeptiDex says so rather than substituting a citation about a different molecule. See the editorial policy.