CJC-1295 (without DAC)
Short-Acting Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analog
Synthetic growth hormone releasing hormone analog with short half-life enabling pulsatile GH secretion patterns resembling natural physiology. Unlike CJC-1295 with DAC, this version preserves natural GH pulsatility without continuous elevation.
Overview
Synthetic growth hormone releasing hormone analog with short half-life enabling pulsatile GH secretion patterns resembling natural physiology. Unlike CJC-1295 with DAC, this version preserves natural GH pulsatility without continuous elevation.
Binds GHRH receptors on somatotroph cells in the pituitary gland, stimulating cAMP production and physiological GH pulses. The brief 30-minute half-life allows pulsatile release versus prolonged elevation.
Research indications
What the compound has been studied for, grouped by body system. Effect size is the reported magnitude where it was measured — not a recommendation.
Restores natural GH pulsatility patterns in aging individuals.
Elevates IGF-1 through enhanced GH secretion.
Supports pituitary axis without suppression of natural function.
Supports maintenance of lean muscle mass through GH elevation.
Supports bone health through GH-mediated pathways.
Improvements in skin quality through collagen synthesis.
Enhanced recovery from training through GH elevation.
Improved sleep architecture with bedtime dosing.
A large effect in a weak study and a small effect in a strong one are different things. Effect size is never evidence of use in people.
- Class
- GHRH analog
- Chain length
- 30 residues
- Molecular weight
- 3367.97 Da
- Half-life
- ~1.5 h
- Typical dose
- 100-300mcg per injection
- Frequency
- 2-3 times daily (morning, post-workout optional, bedtime)
- Cycle length
- 12-16 weeks
- Storage
- Lyophilized: 2-8°C refrigerated; Reconstituted: 2-8°C refrigerated, use within 30 days
Molecular data
- Type
- GHRH analog
- Molecular weight
- 3367.97 Da
- Chain length
- 30 residues
- Half-life
- 90 min
YADAIFTNSYRKVLAQLSARKLLQDILSRKDosing reference
Doses reported in the literature and by suppliers. These are a record of what has been used in research — reference, never instruction.
| Context | Route | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Aging/Wellness | SubQ | 100mcg | 2x daily (morning and bedtime) |
| Body Composition | SubQ | 100-150mcg | 3x daily (morning, post-workout, bedtime) |
| Maximum GH Release | SubQ | 200mcg | 2-3x daily with GHRP |
| Sleep Enhancement | SubQ | 100-200mcg | Once at bedtime |
Interactions
Complementary GH release via different receptor pathways. Popular combination.
Amplifies GH pulse when combined.
Potent combination maximizing GH through dual pathways.
Can combine but watch for excessive GH elevation.
Choose one variant based on desired release kinetics.
Both are GHRH analogs; combining offers no additional benefit.
Different mechanisms; continuous ghrelin versus pulsatile GHRH.
Quality checklist
- ✓Vendor provides certificates of analysis (>98% purity)
- ✓Proper cold-chain shipping with ice packs/refrigeration
- ✓Vacuum-sealed vials showing pressure seal integrity
- ✓White/off-white lyophilized powder
- !Verify expiration dates; lyophilized peptides stable ~2 years if stored properly
- ×Pre-reconstituted solutions—peptide degrades rapidly
- ×Discolored powder (yellow/brown indicates degradation)
- ×Cloudy solution after reconstitution
What to expect
Safety
- Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses
- Temporary facial flushing/warmth (5-10 minutes post-injection)
- Persistent joint pain or carpal tunnel symptoms
- Significant water retention or edema
- Unexplained headaches or vision changes
- Extreme fatigue or lethargy
- Allergic reaction signs at injection sites
- Active cancer (due to growth-promoting effects)
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Severe kidney disease
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
FAQ
How many times per day should CJC-1295 (without DAC) be injected?
CJC-1295 without DAC typically requires 2-3 injections daily (morning, post-workout optional, and bedtime) with 100-300mcg per dose to maintain GH elevation. The 30-minute to 2-hour half-life necessitates multiple daily injections, unlike the weekly DAC variant.
What time of day is best to inject CJC-1295 without DAC?
Optimal timing is upon waking on an empty stomach and before bedtime, with an optional post-workout injection. Inject 30+ minutes away from food to maximize GH release. Bedtime dosing is particularly effective as it amplifies natural sleep-associated GH pulses.
Does CJC-1295 without DAC maintain natural GH pulsatility unlike the DAC version?
Yes, the non-DAC version preserves natural pulsatile GH secretion patterns with its 30-minute half-life, whereas DAC provides continuous elevation. This pulsatility is closer to physiology and results in fewer side effects like joint pain compared to continuous DAC stimulation, making it popular for anti-aging protocols.
Can CJC-1295 be stacked with GHRP peptides for better results?
Yes, combining CJC-1295 without DAC with GHRP-6 or GHRP-2 creates a synergistic 'stack' where the GHRH and GHRP work through complementary pathways to amplify GH release significantly beyond either peptide alone. This is the classic approach for maximizing growth hormone stimulation.
References
- 1Human 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 AnalogJette L, Bhore R, Bhatt DL, et al. · Endocrinology · 2005
Identified CJC-1295 as a long-acting GHRH analog through albumin bioconjugation (DAC technology). Binds covalently to endogenous albumin, extending half-life from minutes to days.
animalPubMed 15817669 ↗ - 2Prolonged 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 AdultsTeichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, Gagnon C, Castaigne JP, Bhore R · Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2006
Subcutaneous CJC-1295 produced sustained, dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-1 in healthy adults. Half-life of ~8 days. Cumulative effect after multiple doses with well-preserved GH pulsatility.
human-pilotPubMed 16352683 ↗ - 3Pulsatile Secretion of Growth Hormone (GH) Persists During Continuous Stimulation by CJC-1295, a Long-Acting GH-Releasing Hormone AnalogIonescu M, Frohman LA · Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2006
Basal (trough) GH levels increased 7.5-fold. Mean GH levels increased 46% and IGF-1 levels increased 45%. Pulsatile GH secretion preserved despite continuous GHRH receptor stimulation.
reviewPubMed 17018654 ↗ - 4Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouseAlba, M., et al. · American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism · 2006
Once-daily CJC-1295 maintained normal body composition and growth in GHRH knockout mice, demonstrating efficacy in restoring GH axis function in GH-deficient animal models.
animalPubMed 16822960 ↗ - 5Activation of the GH/IGF-1 Axis by CJC-1295, a Long-Acting GHRH Analog, Results in Serum Protein Profile Changes in Normal Adult SubjectsTeichman SL, et al. · Growth Hormone & IGF Research · 2009
Long-acting GHRH stimulation via CJC-1295 produces measurable changes in serum protein profiles reflecting sustained GH/IGF-1 axis activation.
reviewPubMed 19386527 ↗