CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a modified growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog with a unique lysine-linked maleimidopropionic acid moiety that covalently binds to circulating albumin in vivo. This albumin binding extends the half-life from minutes (native GHRH) to approximately 8 days, allowing once- or twice-weekly dosing while maintaining sustained GH elevation. Unlike CJC-1295 without DAC (which preserves pulsatile GH release), the DAC version produces a continuous GH elevation pattern. This is both its advantage (convenience) and disadvantage (non-physiological GH pattern).
1 independent Janoshik purity test cover CJC-1295 with DAC across 1 vendor.
Category: Growth Hormone. Evidence rating: C (early/mixed human evidence).
Clinical status: Research compound. Phase 1/2 clinical data exists (ConjuChem). Not approved for any indication.
CJC-1295 DAC binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, activating adenylyl cyclase via Gs coupling and increasing cAMP. This stimulates GH synthesis and release. The DAC modification (a reactive maleimido group linked via lysine) forms a covalent thioether bond with Cys34 of serum albumin…
Safety considerations: Water retention and edema reported, particularly facial puffiness; Numbness and tingling in extremities; Joint pain consistent with GH elevation.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Molecular weight | ~3647 g/mol (peptide) + DAC linker |
|---|---|
| Half-life | ~8 days |
| Production method | synthetic |
| Anti-doping status | Prohibited in sport (WADA) |
| US regulatory status | Not FDA-approved. Research compound only. |
| Vendor | Best tested purity |
|---|---|
| Crystal Peptides | 99.3% |
Related peptides: HGH 191AA, Somatropin (rHGH).
Without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29): half-life ~30 minutes, preserves pulsatile GH release, requires 2-3 daily injections. With DAC: half-life ~8 days, produces sustained non-pulsatile GH elevation, requires only weekly injections. Most users prefer without DAC for more physiological GH patterns.
The non-DAC version maintains pulsatile GH release (mimicking natural physiology), has a shorter side effect window if problems arise, and is easier to dose-adjust. The DAC version cannot be quickly cleared if adverse effects occur.
It can be, but the sustained GH elevation from DAC may make GHRP stacking less necessary. Many protocols use CJC-1295 without DAC + ipamorelin for synergistic pulsatile release instead.
Coverage on this site: Handling CJC-1295 No DAC in Research Laboratory Settings, CJC-1295 with DAC and Ipamorelin: Growth Hormone Research Guide, Ipamorelin: Selective GH Secretagogue for Clean Pulsatile Release, Hexarelin: Potent GH Secretagogue Mechanisms and Research.