Health & Research Goals
CJC-1295 With DAC (DAC:GRF)
CJC-1295 Con DAC (DAC:GRF)
CJC-1295 with DAC is a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog modified with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) — a …
Primary Description
CJC-1295 with DAC is a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog modified with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) — a maleimidopropionyl-lysine moiety at position 30 — that enables covalent binding to serum albumin after injection, extending its half-life to approximately 6–8 days. Developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies, it produces sustained elevation of growth hormone and IGF-1 levels with just 1–2 injections per week. The biohacker and anti-aging community values it for muscle gain support, fat loss, and recovery, though many prefer the no-DAC version for more physiological pulsatile GH release.
Key Benefits
- Sustained GH elevation via albumin-binding DAC modification
- Weekly dosing convenience vs daily injections of no-DAC version
- Elevated IGF-1 over 7–14 days post-injection
DAC modification enables irreversible albumin binding post-injection, dramatically extending plasma half-life. This means adverse effects are also prolonged if they occur — an important consideration for titration.
Demonstrated Effects
- Sustained elevation of growth hormone levels by 2–10 fold for up to 6 days after a single injection
- IGF-1 elevation of 1.5–3 fold sustained for 9–11 days
- Supports lean muscle mass development and muscle protein synthesis
- Promotes lipolysis and fat loss, particularly visceral fat
- Improved recovery time from training and physical stress
- Enhanced deep sleep quality — GH is predominantly released during slow-wave sleep
- Anti-aging effects via GH/IGF-1 axis: improved skin collagen, joint health, bone density
- Convenient once or twice-weekly dosing due to extended half-life
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
1. GHRH Receptor Agonism
CJC-1295 with DAC binds to and activates GHRH receptors on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary, stimulating synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone. Unlike synthetic exogenous HGH, this preserves the natural GH pulse architecture.
Drives all downstream GH-mediated effects: IGF-1 production, lipolysis, protein synthesis, tissue repair, and sleep-stage deepening.
2. Albumin Binding via DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)
The maleimidopropionyl-lysine DAC moiety forms a covalent bond with cysteine-34 on serum albumin after injection. This dramatically extends the functional half-life from minutes (native GHRH) to 6–8 days, producing sustained tonic GH elevation.
Enables once-weekly dosing but produces non-pulsatile, sustained GH elevation — which differs from physiological GH secretion patterns and is the primary pharmacological distinction from CJC-1295 no-DAC.
3. IGF-1 Axis Activation
Elevated GH signals the liver to produce insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which mediates many of GH's anabolic and regenerative effects in peripheral tissues.
IGF-1 elevation supports muscle hypertrophy, bone density maintenance, connective tissue repair, and anti-aging cellular signaling.
Research Evidence & Clinical Data
Investigated Applications
Muscle Growth and Body Composition
Anecdotal: HighOne of the most popular uses in the performance and biohacking community. Users report gradual but sustained improvements in lean mass and reductions in body fat over 8–16 week cycles. Effects are typically described as slow and steady rather than dramatic, consistent with GH-mediated rather than anabolic steroid-mediated mechanisms.
Preclinical basis: Clinical trials demonstrated mean plasma GH increases of 2–10 fold and IGF-1 increases of 1.5–3 fold after single injections, with cumulative effects after multiple doses.
Anti-Aging and Longevity
Anecdotal: ModerateAging adults in the biohacker community use CJC-1295 with DAC to restore GH/IGF-1 levels toward more youthful baselines. Reported benefits include improved skin texture, better energy, reduced joint discomfort, and improved body composition.
Preclinical basis: GH and IGF-1 decline with age (somatopause). GHRH analog administration restores signaling through the somatotropic axis without direct exogenous HGH administration.
Recovery Enhancement
Anecdotal: ModerateAthletes and high-volume trainers report faster recovery from intense training sessions, reduced muscle soreness, and improved sleep quality on CJC-1295 DAC protocols.
Preclinical basis: GH drives collagen synthesis, satellite cell activation, and muscle fiber repair. IGF-1 potentiates mTOR and PI3K/Akt anabolic signaling pathways.
Scientific References
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Safety Profile
Common Side Effects
- Water retention and edema (especially hands, feet, wrists) — most common
- Headache and flushing, particularly after early doses
- Injection site reactions: redness, swelling, itching, induration
- Fatigue or lethargy — more common than with no-DAC version due to sustained GH elevation
- Tingling or numbness in extremities (carpal tunnel-like symptoms)
- Transient increase in blood glucose — GH is counter-regulatory to insulin
- Joint stiffness or pain
- Potential for GH receptor downregulation with prolonged continuous use
Contraindications
- Active malignancy — GH/IGF-1 elevation may stimulate tumor growth
- Diabetic retinopathy or progressive diabetic complications
- Acromegaly or other conditions of GH excess
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (may worsen with GH-induced fluid retention)
- Severe insulin resistance or uncontrolled diabetes
Pre-Use Screening Checklist
GH and IGF-1 can be mitogenic. Active cancer or recent cancer history is a contraindication. IGF-1 is a known cancer growth promoter.
Establish baseline IGF-1 level. High normal or elevated baseline may indicate less need or higher risk from further GH axis stimulation.
GH is insulin-antagonistic. Those with pre-existing insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome should monitor glucose closely during use.
GH can increase conversion of T4 to reverse T3 in some individuals. Baseline TSH and thyroid function recommended.
Legal & Regulatory Status
Not FDA approved. Reached Phase 2 clinical trials (lipodystrophy, GH deficiency) but development was discontinued by ConjuChem following a participant death attributed to pre-existing coronary artery disease. Research compound only.
Prohibited. GHRH analogs are listed on the WADA Prohibited List under S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics). Banned in and out of competition.
Not approved. Available as a research peptide through research chemical channels.
Not approved by EMA. Research compound.
Schedule 4 (Prescription Only Medicine) classification for GH-related compounds. Research use only.
Research Protocols
Dosing Protocols
Muscle growth and body composition
SubcutaneousAnti-aging and GH restoration
SubcutaneousRoutes of Administration
Subcutaneous injection
Most commonInjected into subcutaneous fat of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm using a 27–31 gauge insulin syringe.
Rotate injection sites. Due to extended half-life, injection timing relative to meals is less critical than with CJC-1295 no-DAC, but fasting state maximizes GH pulse amplitude.
Reconstitution Guide
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) preferred for multi-use vials
Add BAC water slowly to lyophilized powder by directing the stream to the glass wall rather than the powder directly. Swirl gently to dissolve. Do not shake vigorously.
For a 2 mg vial: add 2 mL BAC water = 1 mg/mL (1000 mcg/mL). A 500 mcg dose = 0.5 mL drawn.
Refrigerate at 2–8°C. Use within 28 days. Never freeze reconstituted peptide.
Store lyophilized at -20°C for long-term or 2–8°C short-term. Protect from light.
Timing flexibility is a key advantage of the DAC version — inject any time of day or week as the extended half-life maintains constant plasma levels. However, many users still prefer evening dosing to align with natural GH secretion rhythms during sleep.
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-Life | Approximately 6–8 days (range 5.8–8.1 days per clinical trials). Achieved through covalent albumin binding via the DAC moiety. This is the longest half-life of any GHRH analog. |
| Absorption | Subcutaneous absorption followed by rapid DAC-mediated albumin binding in systemic circulation. Peak GH elevation typically occurs within 2 hours of injection and remains elevated for days. |
| Distribution | Distributed throughout systemic circulation bound to albumin. Reaches pituitary GHRH receptors via systemic circulation to trigger GH release. |
| Metabolism | Protease-resistant amino acid substitutions confer extended stability. The DAC-albumin complex is slowly released and peptide undergoes normal proteolytic degradation after albumin unbinding. |
| Molecular Structure | 30 amino acid GHRH analog with maleimidopropionyl-lysine (DAC) at position 30 for albumin covalent binding. Key substitutions vs native GHRH(1-29): Ala2→D-Ala (DPP-IV resistance), Leu27→Gln, Met-OL at C-terminus, plus C-terminus DAC extension. |
Monitoring & Risk Management
Ongoing Monitoring Steps
- IGF-1 levelsTarget IGF-1 in upper-normal range for age. Supraphysiological elevation increases risk of side effects and long-term complications.Check: Every 4–6 weeks during cycle
- Water retention / edemaHands, wrists, ankles. Persistent significant edema warrants dose reduction.Check: Weekly
- Fasting glucoseGH is counter-regulatory to insulin. Monitor for impaired fasting glucose during cycle.Check: Every 4 weeks
Critical Warning Signs
- Severe joint pain, significant edema, or carpal tunnel symptomsReduce dose by 50% or temporarily discontinue. These are dose-dependent effects.Urgency: Within 24-48 hours
- Persistent headache or visual changesEvaluate for signs of intracranial hypertension. Discontinue use and consult physician.Urgency: Within 24-48 hours
- Elevated fasting glucose >126 mg/dL or symptoms of hyperglycemiaReduce or discontinue. GH-induced insulin resistance is reversible but should not be ignored.Urgency: Within 1 week if persistent
Featured in Stacking Protocols
Community-researched combinations involving this compound
Ipamorelin
CJC-1295 DAC / Ipamorelin StackSynergistic GH pulse amplification — the most popular peptide stack in the community
CJC-1295 DAC provides sustained GHRH receptor stimulation (increasing somatotroph responsiveness), while Ipamorelin mimics ghrelin at GHSR-1a receptors to amplify the GH pulse magnitude. Combined GH release is 3–5x greater than either alone, without significant cortisol or prolactin elevation.
CJC-1295 DAC 500–1000 mcg once weekly sub-Q; Ipamorelin 200–300 mcg 1–3x daily sub-Q (before bed and/or pre-workout). Cycle 8–16 weeks on, 4–8 weeks off.
GHRP-2
GHRP-2 Synergy StackMaximum GH secretion for muscle growth and recovery
GHRP-2 is a more potent GH secretagogue than Ipamorelin but also elevates cortisol and prolactin. Combined with CJC-1295 DAC, produces the highest absolute GH pulses. Preferred by those prioritizing maximum anabolic effect over clean side effect profile.
CJC-1295 DAC 500–1000 mcg once weekly; GHRP-2 100–300 mcg 1–3x daily sub-Q.
BPC-157
BPC-157 Recovery StackCombined systemic GH elevation with targeted tissue repair
CJC-1295 DAC drives systemic GH/IGF-1 elevation supporting overall recovery; BPC-157 adds direct local tissue repair through VEGFR2 and nitric oxide pathways. The stack is used for injury recovery and post-surgery rehabilitation.
CJC-1295 DAC 500 mcg once weekly; BPC-157 250–500 mcg daily or near injury site.
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) Synergy StackOral GH secretagogue added to extend GH stimulation between injections
MK-677 is an oral ghrelin mimetic that provides sustained daily GH stimulation. Adding it to CJC-1295 DAC fills in any valleys in the GH stimulus curve and provides daily oral dosing convenience.
CJC-1295 DAC 500 mcg once weekly; MK-677 10–25 mg orally before bed daily.