Peptides

CJC-1295 (with DAC)

Evidence: moderate_human

Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a synthetic 30-amino acid GHRH analog with four amino acid substitutions rendering it resistant to DPP-IV proteolytic inactivation. The DAC moiety covalently binds to endogenous serum albumin via a disulfide bond after injection, extending half-life to 5.8-8.1 days. It stimulates pulsatile GH release from anterior pituitary somatotrophs through GHRH receptor activation, producing dose-dependent 2-10 fold increases in plasma GH for 6+ days and 1.5-3 fold IGF-1 elevations for 9-11 days per injection.

Dosing Protocol

Standard: Research indicates 2 mg administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection.

Maintenance: Research indicates 2 mg once weekly on an ongoing basis.

Administration: subcutaneous

Timing: Evening administration preferred (aligns with natural GH pulsatility). Inject on an empty stomach — food (especially carbohydrates) blunts GH release.

Duration: 12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks between cycles.

Notes

CJC-1295 with DAC provides continuous GH elevation due to its long half-life, which differs from the more physiological pulsatile release of the no-DAC version. This continuous elevation is a double-edged sword: convenient (once weekly dosing) but may cause more side effects from sustained GH elevation. Most optimization practitioners prefer the no-DAC version (Mod GRF 1-29) paired with Ipamorelin for a more natural GH pulse pattern. Deaths have been associated with CJC-1295 with DAC in case reports, though causality was not established.

Stacking

  • Ipamorelin
  • GHRP-2
  • GHRP-6

Interactions

  • Insulin [HIGH] — GH elevation antagonizes insulin; monitor glucose closely in diabetic patients.
  • Glucocorticoids [MEDIUM] — Corticosteroids may blunt GH response.
  • Somatostatin analogs [HIGH] — Direct antagonism — somatostatin inhibits GH release.

Contraindications

  • Active cancer or history of cancer
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Intracranial hypertension

Side Effects

  • Water retention
  • Tingling/numbness in extremities
  • Joint pain
  • Increased hunger
  • Injection site reactions
  • Potential insulin resistance with prolonged use

Key Papers

  • 10.1210/jc.2005-1536
  • 10.1210/jc.2006-1408

Source Quality

Compounding pharmacy (503A/503B) or research-grade supplier. Verify DAC conjugation on COA — this distinguishes it from Mod GRF 1-29.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. BioAccelera Labs does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any compound.

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