Reference/GHRH analog with DAC

CJC-1295 with DAC

Long-Acting Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analog · Extended Release

Human preliminary

research use only

Modified growth hormone releasing hormone engineered for extended duration via albumin-binding technology. DAC binds to albumin, extending half-life and providing continuous GHRH receptor stimulation.

Convenient weekly dosingSustained GH/IGF-1 elevation6-8 day half-lifeSignificant body composition changes

4 citations·1 with human data·Updated 10 Aug 2026

Overview

DAC binds to albumin, extending half-life to 6-8 days and providing continuous GHRH receptor stimulation for sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation.

Evidence profilederived from 4 references

Human preliminary

Strongest design among the references on this page. Grade and effect size are separate facts and are never merged into one score.

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.

Growth Hormone3

Sustained GH Elevation

Continuous growth hormone release for 6-8 days per injection.

Large

IGF-1 Optimization

Significantly elevates IGF-1 levels for extended periods.

Large

Convenience Protocol

Weekly dosing ideal for simple administration.

Moderate

Body Composition2

Fat Loss Enhancement

Continuous GH elevation promotes lipolysis and fat metabolism.

Moderate

Lean Mass Gains

Sustained anabolic environment supports muscle protein synthesis.

Moderate

Anti-Aging1

Recovery Enhancement

Accelerated healing and recovery from exercise or injury.

Small

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.

Quick factsreference only

Class: GHRH analog with DAC
Chain length: 30 residues
Molecular weight: 3647.28 Da
Half-life: ~168 h
Typical dose: 1-2mg weekly
Frequency: Once or twice weekly (e.g., Monday/Thursday for split dosing)
Cycle length: 8-12 weeks
Storage: Lyophilized: 2-8°C refrigerated; Reconstituted: 2-8°C refrigerated, use within 30 days

Molecular data

Type: GHRH analog with DAC
Molecular weight: 3647.28 Da
Chain length: 30 residues
Half-life: 10080 min

Primary sequenceN → C · 30 residues

H₂N–

YTyr1

AAla2

DAsp3

AAla4

IIle5

FPhe6

TThr7

NAsn8

SSer9

YTyr10

RArg11

KLys12

VVal13

LLeu14

AAla15

QGln16

LLeu17

SSer18

AAla19

RArg20

KLys21

LLeu22

LLeu23

QGln24

DAsp25

IIle26

LLeu27

SSer28

RArg29

KLys30

–OH

YADAIFTNSYRKVLAQLSARKLLQDILSRK

NonpolarPolarAcidicBasic

Dosing 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
Conservative Anti-Aging	SubQ	1mg	Once weekly
Standard Protocol	SubQ	2mg	Once weekly
Split Dosing	SubQ	1mg	Twice weekly (Mon/Thu)
Loading Protocol	SubQ	2mg first week, then 1mg	Weekly

Interactions

Ipamorelin

Continuous GH elevation may reduce synergistic benefits of pulsatile protocols.

monitor

GHRP-6

GHRP pulse effects diminished with continuous GH elevation.

monitor

CJC-1295 (without DAC)

Never combine different variants; choose based on desired release pattern.

avoid

MK-677

Both provide continuous GH elevation; combination risks excessive levels.

avoid

Tesamorelin

Both are GHRH analogs; no additional benefit and potential receptor competition.

avoid

HGH

Defeats purpose and may suppress natural production.

avoid

Sermorelin

CJC-1295 DAC is already more potent and long-lasting.

monitor

Quality checklist

✓High purity requirement (>98%); impurities cause more side effects
✓Proper DAC labeling; legitimate products clearly state 'with DAC'
!Higher cost than non-DAC (2-3x more due to complex manufacturing)
!Foaming during mixing is normal for DAC peptides; wait for foam to settle
×Extremely cheap pricing (if priced similar to non-DAC, likely mislabeled)
×Clear solution immediately (should be slightly cloudy initially)

What to expect

Week 1Possible water retention, improved sleep, increased appetite

Week 2-3Noticeable recovery improvements, some report joint discomfort

Week 4-6Visible body composition changes, increased vascularity

Week 6-8Continued improvements but watch for desensitization signs

Post-cycleMost gains maintained; IGF-1 returns to baseline in 2-3 weeks

Safety

Commonly reported3

Water retention
Joint pain
Carpal tunnel symptoms

Stop and seek advice6

Severe joint pain or carpal tunnel syndrome
Excessive water retention affecting daily life
Numbness or tingling in extremities
Significant blood glucose dysregulation
Signs of acromegaly (jaw growth, hand/feet enlargement)
Persistent lethargy indicating adrenal effects

Contraindications3

Diabetes history
Cancer history
Predisposed sleep apnea

FAQ

How much more expensive is CJC-1295 with DAC compared to without DAC?

CJC-1295 with DAC typically costs 2-3x more than the non-DAC version due to complex albumin-binding manufacturing. The higher cost reflects the DAC technology enabling weekly dosing versus daily injections required for the basic version, making weekly administration more convenient despite the price premium.

Is CJC-1295 with DAC safe to combine with testosterone therapy?

CJC-1295 with DAC can be used with testosterone but requires careful monitoring. Combining continuous GH elevation with exogenous testosterone increases risk of joint pain, water retention, and elevated IGF-1 beyond safe levels. Most protocols separate them or use lower doses of each when combined.

Why does some people report joint pain during CJC-1295 DAC use?

Joint pain and carpal tunnel symptoms occur due to sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation causing water retention in joints and connective tissues. Unlike pulsatile protocols where GH spikes then drops, the 6-8 day DAC half-life creates continuous elevation that may stress joints, particularly in high-dose users.

Can you switch between CJC-1295 with DAC and without DAC during a cycle?

Switching between variants mid-cycle is not recommended because they have different pharmacokinetics—DAC provides sustained elevation while non-DAC creates pulsatile release. Combining them risks excessive GH levels and unpredictable effects. Choose one variant at the start and maintain consistency throughout your cycle.

References

1
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
Jette 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 ↗
2
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
Teichman 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 ↗
3
Pulsatile 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
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 ↗
4
Activation of the GH/IGF-1 Axis by CJC-1295, a Long-Acting GHRH Analog, Results in Serum Protein Profile Changes in Normal Adult Subjects
Teichman 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 ↗