CJC-1295 DAC
CJC-1295 with Drug Affinity Complex
CJC-1295 DAC is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) modified with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) lysine residue that enables covalent binding to serum albumin, dramatically extending its half-life to approximately 6-8 days compared to minutes for native GHRH. It is primarily used to stimulate sustained pulses of growth hormone (GH) and downstream IGF-1 secretion, making it popular in anti-aging protocols, body composition optimization, and recovery enhancement among athletes and longevity-focused individuals.
Mechanism of Action
CJC-1295 DAC binds to and activates GHRH receptors (GHRHR) on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary, stimulating synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone. The DAC modification involves a maleimidoproprionic acid group that forms a stable thioether bond with the cysteine-34 residue on circulating albumin, creating a depot effect that resists proteolytic degradation and renal clearance. This sustained receptor stimulation leads to elevated GH pulses and a corresponding rise in hepatic and peripheral IGF-1 production, driving anabolic, lipolytic, and tissue-repair downstream effects.
Evidence by Health Goal(2 goals)
Dosing Protocols
Evening administration preferred to align with natural nocturnal GH secretion; avoid within 1 hour of meals to minimize blunting of GH pulse
Cycle: 8-12 weeks on, 4-6 weeks off
Typically administered subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or deltoid region. Reconstitute lyophilized powder with bacteriostatic water. Some protocols use 500mcg twice weekly for more consistent serum levels. Often combined with a GHRP (e.g., Ipamorelin at 100-200mcg 2-3x daily) to amplify GH release via synergistic action on somatotrophs.
Safety & Side Effects
CJC-1295 DAC has a relatively favorable short-term tolerability profile in healthy adults, but long-term safety data in humans is limited and it remains an unapproved research compound not cleared for human therapeutic use by the FDA or most regulatory agencies. Caution is warranted in individuals with active malignancy, diabetes, or elevated IGF-1, as chronic GH axis stimulation may promote proliferative signaling; it is not a controlled substance in most jurisdictions but may be regulated as a prescription compound in Australia and some other countries.
Possible Side Effects
- !Injection site reactions including transient redness, swelling, or mild pain
- !Water retention and peripheral edema, particularly in extremities
- !Fatigue or somnolence following administration, lasting several hours
- !Headache, often mild and self-resolving within 24 hours of injection
- !Flushing and warmth sensation shortly after injection
- !Tingling or numbness in hands and feet (paresthesia) due to fluid shifts
- !Elevated fasting glucose or transient insulin resistance with prolonged use
- !Potential blunting of natural GH pulsatility with extended continuous use
Interactions
- -May exacerbate insulin resistance - use caution with antidiabetic medications (insulin, metformin, GLP-1 agonists) as dose adjustments may be required
- -Glucocorticoids (prednisone, dexamethasone) can blunt GH response and reduce efficacy of CJC-1295 DAC
- -Concurrent use with other GH secretagogues (GHRPs like Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, Hexarelin) produces synergistic amplification of GH pulses - titrate carefully to avoid excessive GH/IGF-1 elevation
- -May interact with thyroid hormone therapy - GH axis activation can alter T4 to T3 conversion, potentially affecting thyroid medication requirements
- -Somatostatin analogues (octreotide, lanreotide) will pharmacologically antagonize the GH-releasing effects and render CJC-1295 DAC largely ineffective
Cost & Where to Buy
At a standard weekly dose of 1-2mg, one vial (2-5mg lyophilized) typically lasts 2-5 weeks. Research-grade peptide vendor pricing ranges from $25-$70 per vial depending on quantity and purity; bacteriostatic water and insulin syringes add nominal cost. Compounding pharmacy sources are significantly more expensive ($80-$200/month) but may offer pharmaceutical-grade quality.
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