CJC-1295 (DAC)

CJC-1295 (DAC)

CJC-1295 with Drug Affinity Complex

Long-acting GHRH analog with weekly dosing

Muscle Growth ★ 80
Half-life
~5.8-8.1 days (subcutaneous, albumin-bound)
Cycle
Standard: 8-12 weeks on, 4-6 weeks off. Extended: 12-16 weeks on, 6-8 weeks off. Side effects can persist for days rather than minutes due to extended half-life — adverse reactions cannot be quickly reversed by stopping. Often stacked with a GHRP/ghrelin mimetic (ipamorelin) for synergistic GH pulses.
Storage
Lyophilized: refrigerate 2-8°C; freezer -20°C for long-term. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2-8°C and use within 4-6 weeks given weekly dosing. Protect from light.
Research
Human Phase I/II pharmacokinetic data from ConjuChem trials; development halted after 2006 Phase II safety event

About

A modified 30-amino-acid growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that covalently binds to circulating albumin, extending half-life to roughly 6-8 days. This is the long-acting variant of CJC-1295, distinct from the No-DAC version in this database (which has a half-life of about 30 minutes and is dosed daily). Stimulates sustained pulsatile GH release for 6+ days from a single injection. Not FDA-approved; a 2006 Phase II trial was halted after a participant death.

Mechanism

Binds GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, triggering cAMP signaling and pulsatile GH release. The DAC (a maleimidopropionic acid linker) attaches the peptide to serum albumin's cysteine-34, shielding it from enzymatic degradation. Resulting elevated GH drives hepatic IGF-1 production.

Dosage

500-1,000 mcg
Once weekly
Route
Subcutaneous
Duration
Weeks 1-2 (titration)

When to take: Same day each week, evening preferred to align elevated GH with natural sleep-phase secretion. Steady state develops over 3-4 weeks. Site rotation (abdomen, thigh, deltoid) reduces local reactions.

Reconstitution

Vial size (mg): 10 mg lyophilized · BAC water (mL): 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water · Concentration: ~3,333 mcg/mL

A 1 mg dose = 30 units on a U-100 insulin syringe. Inject water slowly down vial wall, swirl gently — do not shake. Smaller 2 mg or 5 mg vials are also common; recalculate concentration accordingly.

Benefits

  • Sustained 6-day GH elevation from a single weekly injection
  • 1.5-3x baseline IGF-1 elevation lasting 9-11 days
  • Improved body composition (muscle gain, fat loss)
  • Enhanced recovery and sleep quality
  • Convenient weekly dosing schedule

Side effects

  • Water retention and mild edema
  • Flushing and warmth after injection
  • Headache, lethargy, brain fog
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Numbness or tingling (carpal tunnel-like)
  • Effects persist for days due to long half-life

Gender notes

May notice more pronounced strength and recovery effects. Monitor for gynecomastia signs with extended cycles.

Cautions

  • Active malignancy (sustained IGF-1 elevation concern)
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance (worsens insulin sensitivity)
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Known peptide hypersensitivity
  • Adolescents with open growth plates

Research

Stacks well with

IpamorelinTesamorelinBPC-157MK-677
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