CJC-1295 DAC 5mg — GHRH Analog 6-8 Day Half-Life

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Our CJC-1295 DAC 5 mg vial is the reference format for exploratory research protocols on the somatotropic axis and prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1. CJC-1295 with Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) is a synthetic GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone) analog modified for an extended plasma half-life of 6-8 days, a unique characteristic within the secretagogue class.

With 5 mg of lyophilized peptide per vial at HPLC purity >=99 percent, this format covers approximately 5 weeks of protocol at the standard weekly dose (1 mg/week). Each Atlas Lab vial comes with a detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA): HPLC profile, mass spectrum, endotoxin tests, full batch traceability.

CJC-1295 DAC is often associated in research with Ipamorelin (selective GHRP) to explore the GHRH + GHRP synergy documented in literature. Dispatched Tuesday and Friday from our European warehouse, France delivery within 2 to 3 days in secure isothermal packaging, digital COA shipped with every order. The flagship of extended-duration GHRH analogs for serious laboratories.

Science

01
Mechanism of action

CJC-1295 is a tetra-substituted analog of GHRH 1-29 (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone, the active N-terminal 29-amino-acid fragment). The four strategic substitutions — D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27 — confer protease resistance (notably to dipeptidyl peptidase IV, DPP-IV) and increased plasma stability. The major modification is the addition of the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC): a maleimidopropionate chain covalently binding cysteine-34 of human serum albumin, dramatically increasing plasma half-life from 30 minutes to 6-8 days.

At the molecular level, CJC-1295 activates the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) expressed on somatotropic cells of the anterior pituitary. Receptor binding triggers a Gs-cAMP-PKA cascade leading to synthesis and pulsatile release of GH. Unlike short-acting native GHRH, CJC-1295 DAC maintains sustained plasma concentration and amplifies the amplitude of endogenous physiological GH pulses without suppressing their pulsatile character — a critical point since pulses are essential to tissue response (IGF-1, lipolysis, protein turnover).

Pharmacokinetic studies have documented, after a single 60-250 mcg/kg injection in healthy humans, a sustained increase in mean GH (2-10 times baseline) for at least 6 days, and an IGF-1 increase of 1.5 to 3 times baseline for 7-11 days. This extended kinetics allows weekly or bi-weekly injection frequencies, unlike classical GHRH or GHRP requiring 2-3 daily injections.

The documented route of administration is primarily subcutaneous. The DAC-free version (CJC-1295 "modified GRF 1-29") presents a half-life of only 30 minutes and requires 2-3 daily administration — not to be confused with the DAC version in protocols. As with any research peptide, these data come from preclinical studies and exploratory clinical trials: CJC-1295 DAC is not approved for human therapeutic use and remains an exploratory research tool.

Structurally, CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a 30-amino-acid analogue derived from the human active GHRH(1-29) fragment, bearing four canonical stabilising substitutions — D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27 — designed to block degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and serum trypsin, plus a maleimido-propionyl-lysine group added at the C-terminus after SPPS. This modified lysine forms in vivo a covalent thioether bond with the free Cys34 residue of human serum albumin via Michael addition on the maleimide. Albumin thus becomes a plasma carrier protecting the peptide from renal filtration and proteolysis, conferring CJC-1295 DAC a documented 6-8 day half-life in primates, versus ~30 minutes for the non-DAC version. Pharmacologically, the released peptide remains an agonist of the GHRHR receptor (class B1 GPCR, Gαs coupling) on anterior pituitary somatotrophs, raising intracellular cAMP and triggering exocytosis of pre-stored GH granules. This pattern produces a sustained "GH-bleed" elevation (mildly elevated chronic baseline) rather than classical endogenous pulsatility, with distinct hepatic STAT5b transcriptomic consequences documented in rodent models.

Clinical data

02Clinical studies

The scientific corpus on CJC-1295 DAC primarily comes from ConjuChem (Montreal), the initial developer of the DAC technology, and from American and Canadian academic endocrinology teams. Main publications cover pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and first exploratory clinical trials.

Teichman et al. (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2006; DOI 10.1210/jc.2005-1536) published the foundational study on CJC-1295 DAC in healthy humans. The dose-response trial on 21 volunteers documented a dose-dependent GH increase (2 to 10 times baseline) and IGF-1 increase (1.5 to 3 times baseline) after single injection of 30 to 250 mcg/kg, with effective half-life of 5.8 to 8.1 days depending on dose. Tolerance profile was favorable with predominant incidence of injection site erythema (28 percent).

Ionescu and Frohman (JCEM 2006; DOI 10.1210/jc.2006-0581) extended these observations by exploring the GH pulsatile secretion profile under CJC-1295 DAC. Results confirmed that endogenous pulses remain preserved or even amplified, contradicting the initial hypothesis of pulsatile damping by chronic GHRH stimulation.

On the preclinical front, Jetté et al. (Endocrinology 2005) characterized the comparative pharmacokinetics of CJC-1295 DAC and the DAC-free version in rat and dog, demonstrating the major impact of albumin binding on duration of action. Standard preclinical toxicology studies (4 weeks to 6 months, rat and dog) did not reveal major systemic toxicity at extrapolated therapeutic doses.

Registered human clinical trials (ConjuChem phase 1-2 on metabolic and musculoskeletal indications) were suspended in 2008 for strategic reasons and not tolerance issues, leaving CJC-1295 DAC in a regulatory gray zone. No marketing authorization has been filed to date.

Corpus limitations: most human data come from small-cohort studies (<50 subjects), long-term data (>12 weeks) are limited, and the effect of repeated cycles on pituitary sensitivity remains partially documented. CJC-1295 DAC remains strictly an exploratory research peptide.

CJC-1295 DAC preclinical studies document sustained dose-dependent plasma IGF-1 elevation over several weeks. In young Sprague-Dawley rats, weekly SC administration 30-100 µg/kg: IGF-1 elevation > 2x vs baseline maintained 7-10 days post-injection, confirming albumin-dependent kinetics. In aged C57BL/6J mice (18-24 months): partial restoration of juvenile IGF-1 levels after 4-6 weeks of treatment, with increased lean mass on DEXA body composition and improved trabecular bone mass on µCT. In C26 tumor cachexia and OVX-induced osteoporosis models: preservation of skeletal muscle mass and bone mineral density (Teichman et al., 2006 — seminal primate study). In lit/lit model (non-functional GHRHR): no response, confirming strict dependence on functional GHRHR for CJC-1295 DAC action. Ipamorelin co-administration studies: documented supra-additive synergy with GH peaks 3-5x higher than sum of isolated effects and improved chronic IGF-1. No validated human clinical data is available for therapeutic use: all these studies remain strictly preclinical (RUO).

1
Stimulation GH prolongéeProlonged 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
Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, Gagnon C, Castaigne JP, Frohman LA · Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2006
2
Sécrétion pulsatilePulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog
Ionescu M, Frohman LA · Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2006

The listed studies are provided for documentation and research purposes only. They do not constitute a therapeutic indication nor a recommendation for human use. This product is strictly for laboratory use only (RUO).

Lab workflow

03
Research protocols

Recommended reconstitution: 2 ml bacteriostatic water for injection → final concentration 2.5 mg/ml. Alternative volume: 1 ml (5 mg/ml, for high doses).

Procedure: 1) let vial and diluent reach room temperature (15 minutes); 2) disinfect stopper with 70 percent alcohol; 3) draw bacteriostatic water into sterile syringe; 4) inject slowly along inner wall of vial; 5) gently swirl until dissolution — no vigorous shaking to preserve peptide structure and DAC interaction.

Dosages reported in literature: Teichman 2006 study documents doses of 30 to 250 mcg/kg in single injection. Exploratory human research protocols (outside authorized therapeutic framework) typically mention 1 to 2 mg per week (~15-30 mcg/kg for a 70 kg subject), in subcutaneous weekly or bi-weekly injection. At 2.5 mg/ml concentration, 1 mg corresponds to 0.4 ml (40 units on 100 IU syringe) and 2 mg to 0.8 ml (80 units).

Autonomy: 5 mg allows 5 injections of 1 mg (5 weeks of weekly protocol) or 2-3 injections of 2 mg (4-6 weeks bi-weekly).

Documented synergy with GHRP: research protocols frequently associate CJC-1295 DAC (long-duration GHRH analog) with Ipamorelin (selective GHRP) to explore the synergy of two independent secretagogue pathways (GHRH-R + GHS-R1a/ghrelin). Dual stimulation would amplify GH pulse amplitude without cross-effects on cortisol or prolactin.

Post-reconstitution storage: refrigerator 2-8 degrees Celsius, 30-day usage window with bacteriostatic (0.9 percent benzyl alcohol).

Reconstitution for this format (5 mg)Standard volumes used in laboratory settings

Water added	Concentration	Reading marker
1 ml	5 mg/ml	40 UI = 2 mg
2 ml	2,5 mg/ml	40 UI = 1 mg

The volume of water does not change the product, only its concentration. Introduce the water slowly along the vial wall, never directly onto the lyophilisate, then swirl without shaking. Markers given on a 1 ml syringe graduated in 100 units.

Asepsis

Disinfect surfaces and stoppers (70% alcohol).

Solvent

Draw the required volume of bacteriostatic water.

Introduction

Inject gently against the vial wall (avoid direct jet on powder).

Solubilization

Roll the vial gently. Do not shake vigorously (degradation risk).

Solution storageOnce reconstituted: 2-8°C (refrigerator).

WarningTheoretical tool for chemical handling. Does not constitute medical advice.

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What is normal on arrivalThe observations that worry customers, and are not defects

The amount of powder looks tiny. A lyophilisate takes up a few millimetres at the bottom of the vial, sometimes just a translucent film. The stated weight is there.
The powder is compact, stuck to the wall or to the stopper. Transport moves the freeze-dried cake around. It changes nothing to reconstitution.
The vial carries no individual label. That is our standard packaging, not a downgraded vial.
After reconstitution, deposits or filaments appear. This is common, especially with small molecules. Let it settle and roll the vial between your palms, never shake it.
The parcel is plain. Nothing on the outside indicates the contents or the brand name.

What is not normal: a cracked vial, an uncrimped cap or a stopper that moves, powder that has liquefied or changed colour. In those specific cases, write to us with a photo and we take the vial back.

Handling

04Storage & handling

Lyophilized unreconstituted CJC-1295 DAC can be stored for up to 24 months at -20 degrees Celsius in its original sealed packaging, protected from light and humidity. At refrigerated temperature (2-8 degrees Celsius), documented stability covers a minimum of 12 months. At room temperature (below 25 degrees Celsius), recommended duration for transport or temporary storage: 3 weeks maximum.

Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, CJC-1295 DAC must be stored between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. Documented post-reconstitution stability: 30 days with bacteriostatic (benzyl alcohol 0.9 percent), 7-10 days with preservative-free sterile water.

CJC-1295 DAC specific sensitivities: the DAC maleimidopropionate complex is particularly sensitive to vigorous shaking that may dissociate the covalent bond before injection, reducing peptide duration of action. Limit freeze-thaw cycles to a maximum of three. Avoid direct UV exposure, thermal shocks, and contact with non-inert metallic surfaces.

Each Atlas Lab vial ships sealed under inert atmosphere, isothermal packaging with temperature indicators guaranteeing cold chain during transport. Lot traceability available on the Certificate of Analysis (COA) provided.

Lyophilised CJC-1295 DAC shows good stability at -20°C under desiccation (> 24 months with no measurable purity loss). The critical point lies in preserving the C-terminal maleimide group: sensitivity to hydrolysis in aqueous solution at pH > 7.5 (maleimide ring opening → maleamic acid, loss of albumin conjugation capacity). Operational recommendations: reconstitution in bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) at pH 5.5-6.5, storage at 2-8°C in amber vial, use within 14-21 days to guarantee functional maleimide integrity (vs 28 days standard for peptides without reactive modification). Avoid freeze/thaw cycles (precipitation detectable by SEC-HPLC) and exposure to reducing agents (DTT, β-mercaptoethanol, free glutathione) which can compete with albumin for thiol binding. A research-grade batch COA must specifically document residual maleimide reactivity (Ellman test or titration with reference N-ethylmaleimide) in addition to standard controls (HPLC ≥ 98%, ESI-HRMS, LAL).

01What is the difference between CJC-1295 DAC and CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29)?

Both peptides share the same base sequence (GHRH 1-29 with four D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27 substitutions). The DAC version adds a Drug Affinity Complex (maleimidopropionate chain) that covalently binds serum albumin, extending plasma half-life from 30 minutes (Mod GRF 1-29) to 6-8 days (CJC-1295 DAC). The DAC version allows weekly injections, the non-DAC version requires 2-3 daily injections. The two are NOT interchangeable in research protocols.

02How do I reconstitute CJC-1295 DAC 5 mg?

Inject 2 ml bacteriostatic water into the vial: 5 mg / 2 ml = 2.5 mg/ml. The typical weekly dose (1 mg) corresponds to 0.4 ml or 40 units on 100 IU syringe. Procedure: diluent along the inner wall (never onto lyophilisate), VERY gentle rotation of the vial until dissolution — the DAC complex is particularly sensitive to vigorous shaking. Post-reconstitution storage: 2-8 degrees Celsius, 30-day window with bacteriostatic.

03Can CJC-1295 DAC be combined with Ipamorelin in research?

The CJC-1295 DAC + Ipamorelin synergy is the most studied protocol in secretagogue research: both peptides act on independent pathways (GHRH-R and GHS-R1a/ghrelin), allowing combined amplification of pulsatile GH secretion without cross-side effects (cortisol, prolactin) of non-selective GHRPs. Typical protocols: 1 mg/week CJC-1295 DAC + 200-300 mcg Ipamorelin 2-3 times daily. No large-scale human clinical study has however validated this combination for therapeutic use — strict research use.

04Which biological markers are tracked in CJC-1295 DAC protocols?

Preclinical and exploratory human protocols typically track: serum GH (pulsatile profile over 12-24h, circadian variability), IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 (integrated GH activity markers), fasting glycemia and HbA1c (metabolic monitoring), morning cortisol, prolactin (peptide selectivity control), lipid parameters (triglycerides, HDL), complete blood count and hepatic panel. In humans, baseline echo-doppler and thyroid workup are also recommended pre-protocol. No validated human standard exists since this is not an authorized therapeutic use.

05Is your CJC-1295 DAC authentic?

Every batch of Atlas Lab CJC-1295 DAC is synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) with HPLC and mass spectrometry-controlled DAC conjugation. HPLC purity >=99 percent, theoretical molecular weight ~3647 Da (peptide + DAC). Each vial comes with a complete Certificate of Analysis (COA): chromatographic profile, mass spectrum confirming DAC conjugation, endotoxin tests. ISO-certified synthesis laboratory, independent third-party analyses.

06What is the delivery lead time in France and Europe?

Dispatch within 24 business hours from our European warehouse after payment validation. France mainland delivery 24-48h via Colissimo/Chronopost (real-time tracking). Europe 2-5 business days. Isothermal packaging with temperature indicators to maintain cold chain. Free shipping over 200 euros.

07What is the documented tolerance profile?

The Teichman 2006 study (JCEM) documented a favorable tolerance profile in healthy humans after single injection of 30-250 mcg/kg: injection site erythema (28 percent of subjects), mild headaches (10 percent), transient flush (5 percent). No serious cardiovascular or metabolic effects reported. Standard preclinical studies (rat, dog, 4 weeks to 6 months) did not reveal major systemic toxicity. These data do not constitute therapeutic approval: CJC-1295 DAC remains strictly a research peptide.

08How long does a vial cover in research?

A 5 mg vial covers approximately 5 weeks at the typical weekly dose of 1 mg/week, or 2-3 weeks at the extended 2 mg/week dose. It is the standard format for a 4-6 week exploratory cycle. For combined CJC-1295 DAC + Ipamorelin protocols over 8-12 weeks, plan for 2 vials. Post-reconstitution storage of 30 days at 2-8 degrees Celsius with bacteriostatic water — more than sufficient for a standard cycle.

09What's the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and without DAC?

Both share the same four stabilising substitutions (D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27) blocking DPP-4 and trypsin degradation. The difference is the maleimido-propionyl-lysine group added C-terminally only in the DAC version: it covalently binds albumin Cys34 and extends half-life to 6-8 days (vs ~30 min without DAC). Major pharmacological consequence: CJC-1295 DAC produces chronic non-pulsatile 'GH-bleed' elevation, while CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) preserves endogenous physiological pulsatility. In research, DAC is preferred for IGF-1 chronicity, non-DAC for physiological pulsatile kinetics.

10Can CJC-1295 DAC be co-administered with Ipamorelin?

Yes, this combination is documented in rodent preclinical protocols and produces supra-additive synergy on GH release. Mechanism: CJC-1295 DAC activates GHRHR (cAMP-PKA pathway) while Ipamorelin activates GHS-R1a (Ca²⁺-PKC pathway + hypothalamic somatostatin suppression). cAMP + Ca²⁺ convergence on somatotrophs massively amplifies GH granule exocytosis. Research dosing: weekly SC CJC-1295 DAC + SC Ipamorelin 2-3 times/day over the same time window.

11How to verify maleimide reactivity of a CJC-1295 DAC batch?

Maleimide reactivity (essential for albumin binding) can be controlled by Ellman test (spectrophotometric titration of residual thiols after reaction with cysteine standard) or by LC-MS titration with N-ethylmaleimide reference. An Atlas Lab Solutions research-grade batch COA documents this reactivity in addition to RP-HPLC purity (≥ 98%), ESI-HRMS mass (± 1 ppm), amino acid analysis, LAL test (< 0.25 EU/mg) and water content (Karl Fischer < 8%). A maleimide hydrolysed to maleamic acid is the main degradation mode to monitor, accelerated by pH > 7.5 and temperature > 25°C.

Benchmark

Similar peptides

CJC-1295 DAC occupies a distinctive position in the GH secretagogue class thanks to its 6-8 day plasma half-life, unique among GHRH analogs. Compared to CJC-1295 without DAC (also called "modified GRF 1-29"), the DAC version multiplies duration of action by approximately 300 (30 minutes vs 6-8 days), enabling weekly injections instead of 2-3 per day.

Compared to Sermorelin (historical truncated GHRH 1-29, marketed as Geref), CJC-1295 DAC offers significantly superior stability and duration of action: Sermorelin has only a 10-15 minute half-life and requires daily administration, limiting its use in extended research. Tesamorelin (GHRH analog marketed for HIV lipodystrophy) has an intermediate half-life of 26-38 minutes and remains daily-administered.

Compared to classical GHRPs — Ipamorelin, GHRP-6, Hexarelin — CJC-1295 DAC acts on a completely different pathway: GHRH-R (GHRH receptor) versus GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor). The two pathways are independent and synergistic: the CJC-1295 DAC + Ipamorelin combination is the most studied duo in secretagogue research to maximize GH release without cross-side effects (Ipamorelin being the most selective GHRP, without cortisol or prolactin increase).

Compared to exogenous recombinant GH (somatropin), CJC-1295 DAC preserves the physiological pulsatility of endogenous GH secretion, which according to literature maintains better tissue response and avoids GH receptor desensitization. Exogenous GH conversely produces supra-physiological non-pulsatile levels.

On the research peptide market, CJC-1295 DAC is one of the most demanded secretagogues, particularly for combined protocols with Ipamorelin. Its commercialization for human therapeutic use is prohibited in France, Europe, and the United States — strict research use.

CJC-1295 with DAC clearly distinguishes itself from other GHRH analogues by its extended kinetics. Compared to sermorelin (native GRF 1-29, 3358 Da, 10-15 min half-life): 500-700x more persistent, but loses endogenous physiological pulsatility. Compared to CJC-1295 without DAC (aka Modified GRF 1-29, same substitutions without maleimide linker, ~30 min half-life): weekly vs multi-daily kinetics, but chronic "GH-bleed" profile rather than pulsatile. Choice between the two depends on experimental question: hepatic IGF-1 chronicity (CJC-1295 DAC) or physiological pulsatility (sermorelin, Modified GRF). Compared to tesamorelin (trans-3-hexenoyl-GHRH(1-44), SC half-life ~25-40 min): tesamorelin retains full 1-44 human sequence while CJC-1295 DAC is based on 1-29. Compared to peptide GHRPs (Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, hexarelin): different mechanism (GHRHR Gαs vs GHS-R1a Gαq/Gαs), complementary targeting justifying documented CJC-1295 DAC + Ipamorelin co-administrations in rodent protocols. Compared to MK-677 (ibutamoren PO): CJC-1295 DAC acts on GHRHR via weekly injection, MK-677 acts on GHS-R1a orally daily — orthogonal tools for pharmacological dissection of the somatotropic axis.

CJC-1295 DAC 5mg Muscle Growth

Growth Factors

01
Mechanism of action

02Clinical studies

03
Research protocols

Asepsis

Solvent

Introduction

Solubilization

04Storage & handling

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Growth Factors

Asepsis

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Introduction

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