CJC-1295 with DAC Research Information
Long-Acting GHRH Analog
For Growth Hormone & Metabolic Research
⚠️ Important: This information is for educational and research purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before use.
📑 Contents
🔬 What is CJC-1295 with DAC?
CJC-1295 with DAC is a synthetic 30-amino acid peptide analog of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) engineered with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) moiety that covalently binds to serum albumin, significantly extending its plasma half-life to approximately 5.8 to 8.1 days [citation:1][citation:5][citation:8].
This modification allows for once-weekly dosing while maintaining sustained growth hormone and IGF-1 elevation [citation:4][citation:10]. Originally developed by ConjuChem Biotechnology in the mid-2000s, the compound was investigated for conditions such as lipodystrophy and growth hormone deficiency [citation:1][citation:3][citation:6]. CJC-1295 with DAC is available in pen and freeze-dried vial formulations for research purposes.
⚡ How CJC-1295 with DAC Works
CJC-1295 with DAC works through a targeted mechanism to stimulate growth hormone release:
GHRH Receptor Binding
Binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotroph cells, stimulating GH synthesis and release [citation:7][citation:8]
Albumin Binding
DAC moiety covalently binds to serum albumin, extending half-life to ~8 days [citation:1][citation:5][citation:12]
GH & IGF-1 Elevation
Increases GH concentrations 2- to 10-fold and IGF-1 1.5- to 3-fold for up to 11 days [citation:8][citation:9]
A single injection of CJC-1295 with DAC can sustain elevated GH levels for 6 or more days, providing a more gradual and sustained IGF-1 rise compared to the natural pulsatile pattern [citation:2][citation:5].
📋 Research Applications
Growth Hormone Research
Studying prolonged GHRH receptor signaling and GH secretion kinetics [citation:1][citation:7]
Metabolic Disorders
Investigated in HIV lipodystrophy, muscle wasting, and cachexia [citation:2][citation:3][citation:6]
Long-Acting Peptide Systems
Model compound for albumin-conjugated peptide therapeutics [citation:1]
Body Composition
Researching GH stimulation for muscle growth, recovery, and fat loss [citation:4][citation:9]
📊 Clinical Studies
Phase 1 Trial (Teichman et al., JCEM 2006)
- 21 healthy adults received single SC doses of 30, 60, 125, or 250 mcg/kg, or placebo [citation:2][citation:10]
- A single injection increased mean GH concentrations by 2- to 10-fold, sustained for 6 or more days [citation:8]
- IGF-1 elevations of 1.5- to 3-fold persisted for 9 to 11 days after a single dose [citation:8]
- Estimated half-life was 5.8 to 8.1 days [citation:8]
- The 60 mcg/kg dose was identified as effective with manageable side effects [citation:2]
- At 125 mcg/kg and above, IGF-1 commonly exceeded the upper limit of normal [citation:2]
- No serious adverse events were reported [citation:8]
Phase 2 Development & Discontinuation
- The discontinued Phase 2 trial in HIV lipodystrophy used 1 to 2 mg once weekly for 12 weeks [citation:2][citation:10]
- Development was halted after a serious adverse event (myocardial infarction) in a trial subject, though the attending physician stated the most likely explanation was pre-existing coronary artery disease with plaque rupture, not the peptide itself [citation:3][citation:8][citation:10]
- The study was terminated, and data from that trial has not been published [citation:3]
Key Research Findings
- No significant antibody formation was detected in subjects who received the active study drug [citation:3]
- In rats, a single SC injection increased plasma GH levels, peaking at 30 minutes [citation:3]
- CJC-1295 with DAC levels could still be measured up to 72 hours post-injection [citation:3]
- With multiple doses, IGF-1 levels remained elevated above baseline for up to 28 days [citation:8]
💉 Interactive Dosing Guide
Select your vial size and dose to see the corresponding volume, clicks, dosing frequency, and how many doses per vial:
🖊️ Step 1: Select Your Vial Size
💊 Step 2: Select Your Dose
Vial Size
2mg Vial
Selected Dose
0.5 mg
Doses per Vial
4 doses
Pen Clicks
75 clicks
Volume
0.75 mL
Protocol Level
Level 1 (Starting)
Recommended Schedule
Once weekly - Loading Phase
⚠️ Do not change your dose unless advised by a qualified professional.
📋 Protocol Level Summary
Based on clinical research protocols: 0.5-2 mg once weekly. The Phase 1 trial tested 2.4-20 mg for an 80kg adult [citation:2][citation:10].
| Protocol Level | Target Dose | Frequency | 2mg Clicks | 5mg Clicks | Who It\'s For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (Starting) | 0.5 mg | Once weekly | 75 clicks | 30 clicks | New users, first 2 weeks |
| Level 2 (Standard) | 1 mg | Once weekly | 150 clicks | 60 clicks | After 2 weeks, maintenance |
| Level 3 (Advanced) | 2 mg | Once weekly | 300 clicks | 120 clicks | If more response needed |
| Level 4 (Maximum) | 5 mg | Once weekly | 750 clicks | 300 clicks | Experienced users only |
⚠️ Do not change your dose unless advised by a qualified professional.
💉 Vial Users (Insulin Syringe)
Add 3mL of bacteriostatic water to your freeze-dried vial and mix gently. After reconstitution, use the table below to draw your dose:
Vial Size
2mg vial with 3mL bac water
| Dose | Frequency | 2mg Units | 5mg Units | Protocol Level |
|---|
⚠️ Always use a new sterile needle and syringe for each injection.
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
CJC-1295 with DAC has shown a mixed safety profile in clinical studies. In the Phase 1 trial, 94% of subjects reported an adverse event after a single injection, with injection site reactions occurring in approximately 70% of subjects [citation:3].
The Phase 2 development program was discontinued after a serious adverse event (myocardial infarction) in a trial subject, though the attending physician stated the most likely explanation was pre-existing coronary artery disease, not the peptide itself [citation:3][citation:8][citation:10].
- Injection site reactions: Redness, tenderness, pain, hemorrhage, inflammation, and necrosis at the injection site [citation:3]
- Systemic reactions: Headache, flushing, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, hypotension [citation:3]
- Genotoxicity signals: DNA damage observed in vitro and in vivo in nonclinical studies [citation:3]
- Long-term safety unknown: No data for chronic use or pediatric populations [citation:3]
- IGF-1 elevation risks: Supraphysiologic levels may carry risks similar to recombinant GH [citation:3]
Do not use if you:
- Have pre-existing coronary artery disease or cardiovascular conditions
- Are allergic to CJC-1295 or any ingredients
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have known hypersensitivity to GHRH or related compounds
⚠️ Warning: CJC-1295 with DAC is not FDA-approved for any indication [citation:3][citation:10]. A Phase 2 trial was terminated after a serious adverse event. Long-term safety in humans is unknown [citation:3]. If you experience chest discomfort, severe allergic reactions, or signs of anaphylaxis, seek immediate medical help.
📚 References
- Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, Gagnon C, 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(3):799-805. PMID: 16352683 [citation:8]
- FDA Evaluation of CJC-1295-related bulk drug substances for 503A Bulks List. 2024. [citation:3]
- CJC-1295 with DAC: Product Information. InvivoChem. 2026. [citation:1]
- CJC-1295 Dosing Protocol: Cycling, Frequency & Best Practices. TrimRX. 2026. [citation:2]
- CJC-1295 Complete Guide: Benefits, Dosing, Side Effects & Research. TrimRX. 2026. [citation:10]
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
Last updated: July 2026