HomeCompoundsCJC-1295 with DAC
GHRH analogue with DACWADA

CJC-1295 with DAC.

Also known as: DAC-CJC · Drug Affinity Complex CJC

Why the DAC variant differs from "no DAC", the ~8-day half-life, and the side-effect tradeoff for sustained GH.

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Researched and edited by the Epti editorial team
Every claim labeled by confidence tier · reviewed quarterly · last updated May 20, 2026
01 · Quick Overview

Quick Overview.

CJC-1295 (With DAC) is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue designed to stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone (GH). The addition of the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) allows the peptide to bind to serum albumin [1], significantly extending its half-life to approximately 6-8 days. This results in a continuous, non-pulsatile elevation of GH and IGF-1 levels [2], rather than the natural pulsatile release seen with other secretagogues.

  • Primary Use Case: Sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1 for recovery, anti-aging, and muscle preservation.
  • Mechanism: Binds to the GHRH receptor on the pituitary gland, stimulating GH release. The DAC modification prevents rapid enzymatic degradation.
  • Who it is for: Advanced researchers seeking continuous GH elevation without the need for multiple daily injections.
  • Who it is NOT for: Beginners, tested athletes, or those seeking to mimic natural physiological GH pulses.
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02 · The Protocol & Usage Guide

The Protocol & Usage Guide.

Before You Start

  • Baseline Bloodwork: IGF-1, fasting glucose, HbA1c, prolactin, and a full thyroid panel.
  • Supplies: Insulin syringes (29-31G, 0.5-1cc), bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs.
  • Storage: Refrigerate reconstituted peptide immediately.

Standard Dosing

Experience LevelDoseFrequencyNotes
Beginner1,000 mcg (1 mg)Once weeklyAdministered subcutaneously.
Intermediate2,000 mcg (2 mg)Once weeklyCan be split into two 1 mg doses (e.g., Monday/Thursday) to minimize side effects.
Advanced2,000 - 4,000 mcgOnce weeklyHigh risk of side effects (water retention, lethargy).

Note: Dosing claims are based on community consensus community and limited clinical data emerging.

Reconstitution Math (Example: 2mg vial)

  • Add 2mL of bacteriostatic water to a 2mg vial.
  • 1,000 mcg (1 mg) = 100 units (1.0 mL) on an insulin syringe.
  • 500 mcg = 50 units (0.5 mL).

Cycle Length

  • Typical Cycle: 12-16 weeks.
  • Washout: 4-8 weeks off to allow pituitary resensitization.

Missed Dose Protocol

If a weekly dose is missed, administer it as soon as remembered, provided the next scheduled dose is at least 3 days away. If closer, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule.

04 · Safety, Interactions & Side Effect Management

Safety, Interactions & Side Effect Management.

Side Effects

Side EffectSeverityFrequencyManagement
Water Retention/EdemaModerateCommonReduce sodium intake, monitor blood pressure, lower dose.
Lethargy/FatigueModerateCommonOften dose-dependent; may require dose reduction.
Injection Site ReactionMildOccasionalRotate sites, ensure proper reconstitution.
Decreased Insulin SensitivityModerateOccasionalMonitor fasting glucose, consider insulin-sensitizing supplements.
Headaches/FlushingMildOccasionalUsually transient after injection.

Contraindications

  • Absolute: Active malignancy (GH/IGF-1 can promote tumor growth), severe diabetic retinopathy.
  • Relative: Pre-existing insulin resistance or Type 2 Diabetes.

Red Flags

Discontinue use and consult a physician if you experience:

  • Fasting blood glucose consistently >100 mg/dL.
  • Severe joint pain or carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
  • Unexplained visual changes.

Pregnancy, Lactation & Fertility

No data available. Use is strictly contraindicated.

05 · Common Stacks & Combinations

Common Stacks & Combinations.

Synergistic Stacks

  • CJC-1295 (With DAC) + GHRP-2 or GHRP-6: While less common than stacking with No DAC, some users combine it with a GHRP to maximize the GH pulse on top of the elevated baseline. community

Anti-Pattern Stacks (Avoid)

StackReason to AvoidSeverity
CJC-1295 (With DAC) + Exogenous HGHExogenous HGH suppresses endogenous pituitary function, rendering the secretagogue ineffective.High
CJC-1295 (With DAC) + MK-677Both cause sustained GH elevation; combining them drastically increases the risk of severe insulin resistance and edema.High
06 · Body Composition & Training Guide

Body Composition & Training Guide.

Expected Trajectory

TimeframeExpected Effects
Weeks 1-2Improved sleep quality, initial water retention.
Weeks 3-6Noticeable improvements in recovery, skin elasticity, and mild fat loss.
Weeks 7-12Enhanced muscle fullness, continued fat loss, potential joint relief.

Contexts

  • Bulking: Supports recovery and nutrient partitioning, though water retention can mask true muscle gain.
  • Cutting: Aids in fat mobilization and muscle preservation during a caloric deficit.
07 · Storage, Handling & Accessibility

Storage, Handling & Accessibility.

  • Unreconstituted (Lyophilized Powder): Store in the freezer (-20°C) for up to 24 months.
  • Reconstituted: Store in the refrigerator (2-8°C). Use within 14-21 days.
  • Sourcing: Widely available through research chemical vendors. Not approved for human use.
08 · Bloodwork Monitoring Guide

Bloodwork Monitoring Guide.

Baseline (Before starting)

  • IGF-1, Fasting Glucose, HbA1c, Prolactin, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP).

Mid-Cycle (Week 6-8)

  • IGF-1 (to confirm efficacy), Fasting Glucose/HbA1c (to monitor insulin sensitivity).

Post-Cycle (4 weeks after cessation)

  • IGF-1, Fasting Glucose, HbA1c.

Doctor Handoff Note: If presenting to a physician, explain that you are using a long-acting GHRH analogue that continuously elevates GH and IGF-1, which may impact glucose metabolism.

09 · Comparison to Similar Compounds

Comparison to Similar Compounds.

CompoundHalf-LifeGH Release PatternBest For
CJC-1295 (With DAC)6-8 daysContinuous (Non-pulsatile)Convenience, sustained elevation.
CJC-1295 (No DAC) / Mod GRF 1-29~30 minutesPulsatileMimicking natural physiology, stacking with GHRPs.
Sermorelin10-20 minutesPulsatileMildest option, anti-aging.
Tesamorelin~30 minutesPulsatileVisceral fat reduction (FDA approved for HIV lipodystrophy).
10 · Deep Dive (For Advanced Researchers)

Deep Dive (For Advanced Researchers).

Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of endogenous GHRH (1-29). The addition of the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC)—a maleimido group at the C-terminus—allows the peptide to covalently bind to endogenous serum albumin after injection. This bioconjugation protects the peptide from rapid enzymatic degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), extending its half-life from minutes to over a week. well-established [1] [2]

This extended half-life results in a continuous, non-pulsatile stimulation of the pituitary gland, leading to sustained elevations in both GH and IGF-1 levels. While effective for increasing total GH output, this non-physiological release pattern raises concerns about pituitary exhaustion and insulin resistance over long-term use. emerging [3]

Trial Data

StudyDesignFindings
Jette 2005Animal ModelDemonstrated that the DAC modification significantly extends the half-life and bioactivity of the GHRH analogue. [1]
Teichman 2006 [2] [4]Phase 1/2 RCTShowed that a single injection of CJC-1295 increased mean plasma GH concentrations by 2- to 10-fold for 6 days or more, and IGF-1 levels by 1.5- to 3-fold for 9-11 days. [2]
Ionescu 2006 [3] [6]Phase 2 RCTConfirmed sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation in healthy adults; noted dose-dependent side effects like flushing and headache. [4]

Active Metabolites

No data available.

Open Questions

  • Does the continuous, non-pulsatile stimulation of the pituitary gland by CJC-1295 (With DAC) lead to long-term receptor downregulation or pituitary exhaustion?
  • What is the precise impact of sustained GH elevation on insulin sensitivity compared to pulsatile secretagogues?
  • Anti-doping detection methods for CJC-1295 in equine plasma[7] and human biological samples[8] have been validated.
11 · Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Q: What is the difference between CJC-1295 With DAC and No DAC? A: The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) extends the half-life of the peptide to 6-8 days, resulting in continuous GH release. "No DAC" (Mod GRF 1-29) has a half-life of ~30 minutes and causes a natural, pulsatile GH release.

Q: How often should I inject CJC-1295 With DAC? A: Due to its long half-life, it is typically injected once or twice a week.

Q: Will CJC-1295 With DAC cause water retention? A: Yes, water retention is a common side effect due to the sustained elevation of GH.

Q: Do I need to stack it with an Ipamorelin or GHRP? A: It is not strictly necessary. While some users stack it to add a pulse on top of the elevated baseline, it is effective on its own.

Q: Can women use CJC-1295 With DAC? A: Yes, but women should be aware of the potential for water retention and monitor for any changes in menstrual cycles.

Q: Is CJC-1295 With DAC legal in sports? A: No. It is a prohibited substance under WADA regulations.

Q: Does it cause insulin resistance? A: Sustained elevation of GH can decrease insulin sensitivity. Monitoring fasting blood glucose is highly recommended.

12 · Regulatory & Anti-Doping Status

Regulatory & Anti-Doping Status.

  • WADA Status: Prohibited at all times (Section S2: Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances, and Mimetics).[5] Validated detection methods exist for both equine[7] and human samples.[8]
  • US FDA: Not approved for human use.
  • UK MHRA: Unlicensed medicine.
  • EU EMA: Not approved.
  • Health Canada: Not approved.
  • Australia TGA: Schedule 4 (Prescription Only Medicine) or Schedule 10 (Substances of such danger to health as to warrant prohibition of sale, supply and use) depending on specific classification.
13 · Decision Tree

Decision Tree.

Is your primary goal sustained, continuous elevation of GH and IGF-1?
├── NO: Consider a pulsatile secretagogue like Ipamorelin or CJC-1295 (No DAC).
└── YES: Are you a tested athlete?
    ├── YES: STOP. CJC-1295 is banned by WADA ^[3].
    └── NO: Are you concerned about potential insulin resistance or water retention?
        ├── YES: Consider a shorter-acting secretagogue to mimic natural physiology.
        └── NO: CJC-1295 (With DAC) may be appropriate. Monitor blood glucose closely.
14 · Schema.org Data

Schema.org Data.

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  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "MedicalEntity",
  "name": "CJC-1295 (With DAC)",
  "description": "A synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that extends its half-life, causing sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1.",
  "legalStatus": "Not approved for human use; WADA prohibited."
}
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  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "FAQPage",
  "mainEntity": [
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What is the difference between CJC-1295 With DAC and No DAC?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) extends the half-life of the peptide to 6-8 days, resulting in continuous GH release. 'No DAC' (Mod GRF 1-29) has a half-life of ~30 minutes and causes a natural, pulsatile GH release."
      }
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    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How often should I inject CJC-1295 With DAC?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
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      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Will CJC-1295 With DAC cause water retention?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Yes, water retention is a common side effect due to the sustained elevation of GH."
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    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
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      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
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      "name": "Can women use CJC-1295 With DAC?",
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        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Yes, but women should be aware of the potential for water retention and monitor for any changes in menstrual cycles."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
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15 · References

What we cited.

  1. Jetté, L., et al. (2005). "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." Endocrinology, 146(7), 3052-3058.
  2. Teichman, S. L., et al. (2006). "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." The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 81(3), 1007-1012.
  3. Alba, M., et al. (2006). "Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse." American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 291(6), E1290-E1294.
  4. Ionescu, M., et al. (2006). "Continuous administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone analog, stimulates growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I secretion in healthy adults." The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 91(12), 4792-4797.
  5. Henninge, J., et al. (2010). "Identification of CJC-1295, a growth-hormone-releasing peptide, in an unknown pharmaceutical preparation." Drug Testing and Analysis, 2(11-12), 647-650.
  6. Van Hout, M. C., & Hearne, E. (2016). "Netnography of Female Use of the Synthetic Growth Hormone CJC-1295: Pulses and Potions." Substance Use & Misuse, 51(1), 73-84.
  7. Timms, M., et al. (2019). "A method for confirming CJC-1295 abuse in equine plasma samples by LC-MS/MS." Drug Testing and Analysis, 11(8), 1248-1257.
  8. Memdouh, S., et al. (2021). "Advances in the detection of growth hormone releasing hormone synthetic analogs." Drug Testing and Analysis, 13(11-12), 1871-1887.

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