Peptide Name
CJC-1295 with DAC
Updated February 2026
CJC-1295 with DAC Dosing Protocol
Comprehensive CJC-1295 DAC:GRF research protocol with weekly dosing schedule, reconstitution math, side effect profile, and Phase 1/2 reference data.
Half-life
6-8 days
Dose range
1,000-2,000 mcg weekly
Status
Investigational
Developer
ConjuChem Biotechnologies
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Quick Reference Card
Aliases
CJC-1295 DAC, DAC:GRF, Drug Affinity Complex:Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor
Category / Class
GH Secretagogue (Long-Acting GHRH Analog)
Half-Life
6-8 days (estimated 5.8-8.1 days per Phase 1 PK data, Teichman et al. 2006)
Dosing Frequency
1-2 times per week
Dose Range
1,000-2,000 mcg (1-2 mg) per week
Common Vial Sizes
2mg, 5mg
Route of Administration
Subcutaneous (SubQ)
Regulatory Status
Investigational - Phase 2 clinical trials discontinued (2006).
Developer
ConjuChem Biotechnologies (Canada)
Key Stat
Single injection increases GH 2-10 fold for 6+ days and IGF-1 1.5-3 fold for 9-11 days (Teichman et al. 2006).
What Is CJC-1295 with DAC?
CJC-1295 with DAC dosing protocol centers on the longest-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog in the research peptide market. Also known as DAC:GRF, this synthetic peptide was developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies and is distinguished by its Drug Affinity Complex (DAC), a maleimidopropionyl-lysine modification at position 30 that enables covalent binding to serum albumin after injection.
Structurally, CJC-1295 with DAC consists of the same 29-amino acid GHRH(1-29) core as Modified GRF 1-29 (CJC-1295 No DAC), with stabilizing substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 (D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27), plus an additional C-terminal lysine at position 30 bearing the reactive maleimidopropionyl group. After subcutaneous injection this group conjugates to endogenous serum albumin, protecting the peptide from rapid renal clearance and degradation.
This albumin bioconjugation extends the functional half-life from minutes to approximately 6-8 days, making CJC-1295 with DAC the only GHRH analog with true once-weekly dosing capability in peptide research workflows.
CJC-1295 with DAC was the version used in formal ConjuChem clinical studies. Phase 1 data published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (2006) demonstrated sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation with a favorable short-term safety profile. A Phase 2 HIV lipodystrophy study was halted in 2006 after a participant death attributed by the attending physician to pre-existing coronary disease rather than study drug. Development was discontinued and there is no FDA approval pathway.
This compound is investigational and not FDA-approved. All information on this page is for educational and research reference purposes only.
How CJC-1295 with DAC Works: Long-Acting GHRH Receptor Stimulation via Albumin Bioconjugation
CJC-1295 with DAC stimulates endogenous GH release through the same GHRH receptor pathway as short-acting analogs, but DAC technology extends signaling duration by days rather than minutes.
GHRH Receptor Activation
CJC-1295 with DAC binds growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors on anterior pituitary somatotroph cells, activating cAMP signaling that stimulates both GH synthesis and release. The core receptor-binding sequence is equivalent to No DAC; DAC changes pharmacokinetics, not receptor potency.
Albumin Bioconjugation (DAC Technology)
The maleimidopropionyl group on Lys30 irreversibly binds the free thiol on albumin (Cys34) shortly after injection. This bioconjugation increases effective half-life to about 6-8 days, a roughly 700-fold increase versus No DAC and over 1,000-fold increase versus native GHRH.
Sustained GH and IGF-1 Elevation
In Teichman et al. Phase 1 data, single-dose CJC-1295 DAC increased plasma GH 2-10 fold for at least 6 days and IGF-1 1.5-3 fold for 9-11 days. Multiple-dose cohorts showed cumulative IGF-1 elevation lasting up to 28 days.
Downstream IGF-1 Pathway
Sustained GH stimulation drives hepatic IGF-1 production, supporting protein synthesis, collagen turnover, lipolysis, and tissue repair signaling. The prolonged IGF-1 profile differs from the shorter pulsatile output seen with No DAC dosing.
The Ionescu and Frohman companion data reported preserved GH pulsatility despite higher trough GH, supporting the interpretation that DAC extends exposure without fully flattening pituitary rhythm dynamics.
CJC-1295 with DAC Dosing Protocol & Weekly Injection Schedule
Initiation
Weeks 1-2
500-1,000 mcg once weekly
Start low to assess tolerance. Evening administration is common.
Therapeutic Range
Weeks 3-8
1,000 mcg once weekly
Most common maintenance dose in research/community workflows.
Elevated Dose
Weeks 3-12
2,000 mcg once weekly or 1 mg 2x/week
Split weekly dosing is used by some protocols for smoother GH/IGF-1 profile.
Maximum Studied
Clinical trial range
240 mcg/kg/week
Phase 2 HIV lipodystrophy protocol used much higher weight-based doses than typical community ranges.
Important Titration Notes
Why starting low matters: With a 6-8 day half-life, steady-state takes about 3-4 weeks. Side effects may persist for days rather than minutes.
Dose flexibility: Phase 1 data reported favorable tolerability around 30-60 mcg/kg. Community protocols usually stay in the 1-2 mg/week range.
Split vs single weekly dose: Once-weekly dosing is pharmacokinetically sufficient; split dosing (for example Monday/Thursday) is also used in practice.
Missed dose guidance: If missed, dose as soon as remembered unless the next dose is within about 2-3 days, then resume schedule.
Cycle length: Typical cycles run 8-12 weeks, sometimes 16, followed by 4-6 weeks off to reduce desensitization risk.
Timing: Timing is less critical than No DAC due to long half-life, but evening dosing is still common.
CJC-1295 with DAC Reconstitution Guide
Vial Size: 2mg
BAC Water: 1.0 mL
Concentration: 2,000 mcg/mL
500 mcg: 0.25 mL (25 units)
1,000 mcg: 0.50 mL (50 units)
2,000 mcg: 1.0 mL (100 units) - full vial
Vial Size: 2mg
BAC Water: 2.0 mL
Concentration: 1,000 mcg/mL
500 mcg: 0.50 mL (50 units)
1,000 mcg: 1.0 mL (100 units) - full vial
2,000 mcg: N/A - exceeds vial
Vial Size: 5mg
BAC Water: 2.0 mL
Concentration: 2,500 mcg/mL
500 mcg: 0.20 mL (20 units)
1,000 mcg: 0.40 mL (40 units)
2,000 mcg: 0.80 mL (80 units)
Vial Size: 5mg
BAC Water: 2.5 mL
Concentration: 2,000 mcg/mL
500 mcg: 0.25 mL (25 units)
1,000 mcg: 0.50 mL (50 units)
2,000 mcg: 1.0 mL (100 units)
Vial Size: 5mg
BAC Water: 5.0 mL
Concentration: 1,000 mcg/mL
500 mcg: 0.50 mL (50 units)
1,000 mcg: 1.0 mL (100 units)
2,000 mcg: 2.0 mL (exceeds standard syringe)
Step-by-Step Reconstitution Instructions
- Gather supplies: CJC-1295 DAC vial, bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, and a U-100 insulin syringe.
- Clean both vial stoppers with separate alcohol swabs and let them dry.
- Draw the planned BAC water volume.
- Inject slowly down the inside vial wall, not directly onto powder.
- Gently swirl or roll the vial. Do not shake vigorously.
- Confirm solution is clear and colorless with no particles.
- Label vial with concentration/date and refrigerate at 2-8C. Use within 3-4 weeks.
CJC-1295 with DAC Side Effects - What Clinical Trials Show
Phase 1 data described CJC-1295 DAC as relatively well tolerated at lower dose ranges, with adverse events increasing at higher exposure.
Common side effects: Injection-site reactions (pain, erythema, itching, induration, swelling), transient flushing/vasodilation, headache, and GI events were reported.
Dose-dependent pattern: Higher dose cohorts had more frequent tolerability issues. Lower 30-60 mcg/kg ranges were reported as better tolerated in Phase 1.
DAC-specific considerations: Long half-life means adverse effects can persist for days, titration is slower, and water retention can be more pronounced than short-acting GHRH analogs.
Cardiovascular signal: A 2006 Phase 2 HIV lipodystrophy trial was halted after one MI death deemed most likely related to pre-existing coronary disease by attending physician; development was discontinued as a precaution.
Discontinuation rates: Phase 1 studies reported no discontinuations from adverse events and no serious adverse events in those cohorts.
Contraindication context: Risk-screening commonly excludes active malignancy, major cardiovascular disease, diabetes/prediabetes, pregnancy, and peptide hypersensitivity.
CJC-1295 with DAC Clinical Trial Results
Teichman et al. 2006 (JCEM) - Study 1
Phase 1 • 28 days
Healthy adults (single ascending dose)
GH increased 2-10 fold for 6+ days; IGF-1 increased 1.5-3 fold for 9-11 days; half-life 5.8-8.1 days.
Teichman et al. 2006 (JCEM) - Study 2
Phase 1 • 49 days
Healthy adults (multiple dose)
Weekly/biweekly dosing maintained IGF-1 above baseline up to 28 days with cumulative effect.
Ionescu and Frohman 2006 (JCEM)
Phase 1 • Single dose overnight PK
Healthy men
Preserved pulsatile GH secretion; trough GH +7.5 fold; mean GH +46%; IGF-1 +45%.
ConjuChem Phase 2 2006
Phase 2 • 12 weeks (halted)
192 HIV patients with visceral obesity
Dose-escalation protocol halted after one MI death deemed unrelated by attending physician.
Alba et al. 2006
Preclinical • 5 weeks
GHRH knockout mice
Daily CJC-1295 normalized body weight/length/body composition and supported somatotroph proliferation.
Sackmann-Sala et al. 2009
Phase 1 follow-up • -
Normal adult subjects
GH/IGF-1 axis activation produced serum protein profile changes consistent with GH action.
Jette et al. 2005
Preclinical • -
Rats
Identified CJC-1295 as long-lasting GRF analog with stronger GH AUC and plasma persistence.
CJC-1295 DAC advanced from strong preclinical albumin-conjugation findings into Phase 1 human studies demonstrating durable GH/IGF-1 elevation and then into a Phase 2 HIV-associated visceral adiposity study (NCT00267527). Following a 2006 cardiovascular event within that study, development was discontinued and no active FDA pathway remains.
Storage & Handling
Lyophilized (powder)
-20C (-4F) or below
12-24+ months
Lyophilized (powder)
2-8C (36-46F)
Several months
Lyophilized (powder)
Room temperature
Weeks (shipping window)
Reconstituted
2-8C (36-46F)
3-4 weeks
Reconstituted (frozen aliquots)
-20C (-4F)
3-4 months
Protect from light, avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose workflows, and discard cloudy/discolored solutions. Handle gently to preserve DAC peptide integrity.
CJC-1295 with DAC vs. CJC-1295 No DAC vs. Tesamorelin vs. Ipamorelin
Peptide Class
CJC-1295 with DAC: GHRH Analog (albumin-binding)
CJC-1295 No DAC: GHRH Analog
Tesamorelin: GHRH Analog
Ipamorelin: GHRP (ghrelin mimetic)
Half-Life
CJC-1295 with DAC: 6-8 days
CJC-1295 No DAC: ~30 minutes
Tesamorelin: ~26 minutes
Ipamorelin: ~2 hours
Dosing Frequency
CJC-1295 with DAC: 1-2x per week
CJC-1295 No DAC: 1-3x daily
Tesamorelin: Once daily
Ipamorelin: 1-3x daily
Dose Range
CJC-1295 with DAC: 1,000-2,000 mcg/week
CJC-1295 No DAC: 100-300 mcg/injection
Tesamorelin: 1-2 mg daily
Ipamorelin: 100-300 mcg/injection
GH Pattern
CJC-1295 with DAC: Sustained elevation
CJC-1295 No DAC: Pulsatile
Tesamorelin: Pulsatile
Ipamorelin: Pulsatile brief pulse
FDA Status
CJC-1295 with DAC: Not approved
CJC-1295 No DAC: Not approved
Tesamorelin: FDA-approved for HIV lipodystrophy
Ipamorelin: Not approved
Unique Advantage
CJC-1295 with DAC: Weekly convenience and strongest long-acting PK
CJC-1295 No DAC: Fast titration and physiologic pulse profile
Tesamorelin: Only approved GHRH analog
Ipamorelin: Selective GH pulse with minimal cortisol/prolactin impact
CJC-1295 DAC offers the longest half-life and easiest dosing cadence, but sustained exposure can make adverse effects harder to reverse and may increase desensitization concerns over long cycles.
Tesamorelin remains the only FDA-approved comparator in this class for a specific indication, while CJC variants remain research-only compounds.
Reconstitution concentration and syringe math differ across these compounds; use calculator support before protocol execution.
See the CJC-1295 No DAC, Tesamorelin and Ipamorelin for compound-specific guides.
CJC-1295 with DAC Stacking Protocols
Stack 1
CJC-1295 DAC + Ipamorelin (Sustained GH Stack)
CJC-1295 DAC (1 mg weekly) plus Ipamorelin (200 mcg daily, 5 days/week).
Rationale: sustained GHRH baseline from DAC plus daily ghrelin-pathway pulses for complementary GH signaling.
View stack protocolStack 2
CJC-1295 DAC + BPC-157 + TB-500 (Recovery Stack)
CJC-1295 DAC (1 mg weekly) with BPC-157 (250-500 mcg daily) and TB-500 (2-5 mg twice weekly).
Rationale: anabolic GH/IGF support from CJC-1295 DAC with targeted tissue-repair signaling from BPC-157 and TB-500.
View stack protocolStack 3
CJC-1295 DAC + MK-677 (GH Optimization Stack)
CJC-1295 DAC (1 mg weekly) with MK-677 (10-25 mg daily, oral).
Rationale: dual-pathway GH support with minimal injection burden by combining long-acting GHRH stimulation and oral ghrelin-mimetic signaling.
View stack protocolFrequently Asked Questions - CJC-1295 with DAC
Q1: What is the starting dose of CJC-1295 with DAC?
Most protocols start at 500-1,000 mcg (0.5-1 mg) once weekly by subcutaneous injection. Many users begin at 1 mg weekly for 2-3 weeks before considering escalation to 2 mg weekly. Because half-life is 6-8 days, steady state takes roughly 3-4 weeks, so conservative starts are used to evaluate side effects that may persist for days.
Q2: What is CJC-1295 with DAC's half-life?
Estimated half-life is approximately 5.8-8.1 days based on Teichman et al. 2006 PK data. The DAC modification enables albumin binding, extending activity far beyond No DAC (~30 minutes) and native GHRH (~7 minutes).
Q3: What results can be expected from CJC-1295 with DAC?
Phase 1 data showed GH elevation of roughly 2-10 fold for at least 6 days and IGF-1 elevation 1.5-3 fold for 9-11 days after a single dose. Community reports commonly describe changes in recovery, sleep, and body-composition metrics over 8-12 week windows.
Q4: How do you reconstitute CJC-1295 with DAC?
For a 5mg vial, adding 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water yields 2,500 mcg/mL where a 1 mg dose equals 40 units on a U-100 syringe. Inject diluent slowly down the vial wall, gently swirl, and avoid vigorous shaking. Use the calculator for custom math: https://www.peppal.app/calculator
Q5: Is CJC-1295 with DAC FDA-approved?
No. CJC-1295 DAC is not FDA-approved. It reached Phase 2 development but was discontinued in 2006 and has no active approval pathway.
Q6: What are the most common side effects?
Most reported effects include injection-site reactions, flushing, headache, GI symptoms, and water retention. Due to long half-life, adverse effects can persist longer than with No DAC analogs.
Q7: How does CJC-1295 with DAC compare to CJC-1295 No DAC?
Core receptor activity is similar, but DAC extends half-life from ~30 minutes to about 6-8 days. DAC enables weekly dosing but produces more sustained exposure; No DAC requires frequent dosing and is easier to titrate rapidly.
Q8: What vial sizes are available for CJC-1295 with DAC?
The most common research vials are 2mg and 5mg formats. At 1 mg/week, a 5mg vial often covers about five weeks depending on concentration setup.
Q9: How much bacteriostatic water should be added to CJC-1295 with DAC?
Common mixes: 2mg vial with 1.0 mL or 2.0 mL BAC water; 5mg vial with 2.0 mL, 2.5 mL, or 5.0 mL BAC water. Choose concentration based on clean syringe-unit math for your target weekly dose. Calculator: https://www.peppal.app/calculator
Q10: What is the maximum dose of CJC-1295 with DAC studied?
Clinical studies reported single-dose exposure up to 250 mcg/kg and weekly Phase 2 ranges up to 240 mcg/kg/week, substantially above common community 1-2 mg/week protocols.
Q11: How should reconstituted CJC-1295 with DAC be stored?
Store reconstituted solution refrigerated at 2-8C and generally use within 3-4 weeks. For longer storage, single-use frozen aliquots are used to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Q12: What clinical trials have been conducted on CJC-1295 with DAC?
Published data includes two Phase 1 randomized controlled studies and a pulsatility companion analysis in 2006, plus a halted Phase 2 HIV lipodystrophy study (NCT00267527). No active modern trials are currently registered.
Sources & Research
- Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al. "Prolonged Stimulation of GH and IGF-1 Secretion by CJC-1295 in Healthy Adults." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2006 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2005-1536.
- Ionescu M, Frohman LA. "Pulsatile Secretion of GH Persists during Continuous Stimulation by CJC-1295." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2006 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2006-1702.
- Jette L, Leger R, Thibaudeau K, et al. "Identification of CJC-1295 as a Long-Lasting GRF Analog." Endocrinology, 2005 DOI: 10.1210/en.2004-1286.
- Alba M, Fintini D, Sagazio A, et al. "Once-daily CJC-1295 normalizes growth in GHRH knockout mouse." Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, 2006 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00201.2006.
- Sackmann-Sala L, Ding J, Frohman LA, Kopchick JJ. "GH/IGF-1 axis activation by CJC-1295 and serum protein changes." Growth Hormone and IGF Research, 2009 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2009.03.001.
- Clemmons DR. "Long-Acting Forms of GHRH and GH: Effects in Normal Volunteers and Adults with GHD." Hormone Research, 2007 DOI: 10.1159/000110620.
- Henninge J, et al. "Identification of CJC-1295 in an unknown pharmaceutical preparation." Drug Testing and Analysis, 2010 DOI: 10.1002/dta.233.
- ClinicalTrials.gov — (NCT00267527).
- Aidsmap - Lipodystrophy study halted after patient death. Link.
- FDA-2024-N-4777-0009 attachment 6. PDF.
- Wikipedia - CJC-1295. Link.
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View protocolDisclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational and research reference purposes only. CJC-1295 with DAC is an investigational compound that reached Phase 2 clinical trials but is not FDA-approved for any indication. No compounds discussed on this site are intended for human consumption. This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any peptide protocol.
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