Primary Description

Also known as:Mod GRF 1-29Modified GRF (1-29)ModGRFCJC-1295 no DACSermorelin analogC152H252N44O42

CJC-1295 without DAC — also known as Modified GRF (1-29) or Mod GRF 1-29 — is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with a short half-life of approximately 30 minutes, designed to produce pulsatile GH release that closely mimics the body's natural secretion pattern. Unlike the DAC version, it lacks the albumin-binding modification, making it ideal for users who want to work within natural GH pulse physiology. It is almost universally stacked with Ipamorelin in the biohacker community for synergistic GH pulse amplification at the time of injection.

Key Benefits

Increased GH/IGF-1
Improved body composition
Better sleep quality

Storage & Stability

Four amino acid substitutions (Ala2→D-Ala, Gln8→Ala, Ala15→Ala, Leu27→Ala or similar) confer DPP-IV enzyme resistance, extending half-life from ~2 minutes (native GHRH) to approximately 30 minutes — sufficient for clinical pulsatile stimulation without prolonged tonic elevation.

Demonstrated Effects

Stimulates pulsatile GH release mimicking natural secretion patterns
Increases GH and IGF-1 levels supporting muscle protein synthesis
Supports lean muscle mass development over 8–16 week cycles
Promotes fat loss via GH-mediated lipolysis
Improved deep sleep quality and recovery
Faster recovery from training, injury, or physical stress
Enhanced collagen synthesis supporting joint, tendon, and skin health
Anti-aging effects via restoration of GH axis signaling

Proposed Mechanisms of Action

Proposed mechanisms based on available research

1. Pulsatile GHRH Receptor Stimulation

Description

CJC-1295 no-DAC binds to GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotroph cells, triggering a discrete, pulsatile release of endogenous GH. The 30-minute half-life means plasma levels return to baseline between doses, preserving the natural pulsatile rhythm.

Practical Impact

Produces physiologically appropriate GH pulse patterns rather than the sustained tonic elevation of the DAC version. Many practitioners consider pulsatile release more natural and less likely to cause receptor downregulation.

2. DPP-IV Enzyme Resistance

Description

Key amino acid substitutions (D-Ala at position 2, and others) render the peptide resistant to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-IV) and other proteolytic enzymes, extending its useful half-life from approximately 2 minutes (native GHRH) to 30 minutes.

Practical Impact

Makes the peptide practically usable — native GHRH(1-29) is too rapidly degraded for subcutaneous injection to be effective.

3. IGF-1 Axis Activation

Description

GH released from pituitary somatotrophs acts on the liver to stimulate IGF-1 production, which drives the majority of peripheral anabolic, reparative, and metabolic effects.

Practical Impact

IGF-1 is the primary mediator of muscle hypertrophy, bone formation, fat metabolism, and tissue repair downstream of GH elevation.

Research Evidence & Clinical Data

Review of available research evidence and clinical data

Investigated Applications

Muscle Growth and Performance

Anecdotal: High

Widely used in the fitness and biohacking community for lean mass improvement and body composition optimization. When stacked with Ipamorelin, the combined GH pulse is reported as producing the most physiologically natural GH stimulation available with research peptides.

Preclinical basis: Clinical data on the DAC version demonstrates 2–10 fold GH elevation. No-DAC produces the same receptor stimulation within the pulse window, with physiological return to baseline between doses.

Sleep Quality and Recovery

Anecdotal: High

The bedtime dosing protocol is one of the most consistently reported community uses. GH is predominantly secreted during slow-wave sleep, and CJC-1295 no-DAC administered 30–60 minutes before sleep amplifies this natural nocturnal pulse. Users report deeper, more restorative sleep within 1–2 weeks.

Preclinical basis: GH secretion is tightly coupled to slow-wave sleep. GHRH is the primary endogenous driver of this nocturnal pulse. Stimulating GHRH receptors at bedtime amplifies the physiological peak.

Anti-Aging and Longevity

Anecdotal: Moderate

As part of broader longevity protocols, CJC-1295 no-DAC is used to help restore the GH/IGF-1 axis that declines with age (somatopause). Community members over 40 report improvements in body composition, skin texture, energy, and joint comfort over 12–24 week cycles.

Preclinical basis: GH/IGF-1 decline begins in the mid-20s. GHRH analog administration restores stimulatory signaling without exogenous GH administration, preserving pituitary responsiveness.

Scientific References

1.
Wikipedia. CJC-1295
Wikipedia2024
Summarizes the molecular distinction between DAC and no-DAC versions and their pharmacokinetic profiles.

Safety Profile

Common Side Effects

Headache, particularly after initial doses
Flushing or warmth sensation shortly after injection
Water retention and mild edema — less pronounced than DAC version due to pulsatile profile
Transient fatigue or lethargy
Tingling or numbness in extremities (transient)
Injection site reactions: redness, mild pain
Transient increase in blood glucose (GH counter-regulatory effect, typically mild)
Injection site reactions
Water retention
Joint pain

Contraindications

Active malignancy — GH/IGF-1 elevation may stimulate tumor proliferation
Acromegaly or conditions of GH excess
Severe insulin resistance or uncontrolled type 2 diabetes
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Active diabetic retinopathy
Active malignancy
Diabetic retinopathy

Pre-Use Screening Checklist

Cancer historyDo NOT use

GH and IGF-1 are mitogenic. Active or recent cancer history is a contraindication.

Baseline IGF-1Verify before use

Establish baseline IGF-1 to monitor response. Supraphysiological IGF-1 levels increase risk and should trigger dose reduction.

Fasting glucose / HbA1cVerify before use

GH opposes insulin. Baseline metabolic panel required. Those with impaired glucose tolerance should monitor carefully.

Legal & Regulatory Status

FDA

Not FDA approved for human therapeutic use. Placed on FDA Category 2 list in late 2023, then removed September 2024 when nominators withdrew submissions. Research compound status.

WADA

Prohibited. GHRH analogs are banned under WADA Prohibited List S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics), in and out of competition.

MEXICO

Not approved. Available as research peptide.

EU

Not approved by EMA. Research compound.

AUSTRALIA

Research use only. GH-related compounds fall under Schedule 4 classification.

Research Protocols

Dosing protocols based on available research data

Dosing Protocols

Muscle growth and body composition (with Ipamorelin)

Subcutaneous

Dose

0.1–0.3 mg (100–300 mcg) per dosemg

Frequency

1–2x daily, 5 days/week (weekends off). Most common: once nightly before bed.

Duration

—

Route

Subcutaneous

Note: Stack with Ipamorelin 100–300 mcg at the same time. Inject 30–90 minutes before bed in fasted state (no food for 1.5–2 hours prior). Cycle 8–16 weeks on, 4–8 weeks off. Beginner: 100 mcg; intermediate: 200 mcg; advanced: 300 mcg.

Recovery and sleep optimization

Subcutaneous

Dose

0.1–0.2 mg (100–200 mcg)mg

Frequency

Once nightly, 5 nights/week

Duration

—

Route

Subcutaneous

Note: Bedtime-only protocol. Inject 30–45 minutes before sleep onset. Most users report improved sleep depth and recovery within 1–2 weeks. Combine with Ipamorelin for maximal effect.

Routes of Administration

Subcutaneous injection

Most common

Injected subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm using a 27–31 gauge insulin syringe. Due to short half-life, injection timing is critical and should be precise relative to meals and sleep.

Short half-life makes timing highly relevant — unlike the DAC version. Fasted injection is essential for maximum GH pulse. Avoid injecting after carbohydrate-containing meals as elevated insulin blunts GH release.

Reconstitution Guide

Solvent / Vehicle

Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) preferred for multi-dose vials

Process

Slowly add BAC water to lyophilized powder. Direct the stream to the vial wall. Swirl gently until fully dissolved. Do not shake.

Concentration

For a 10 mg vial: add 10 mL BAC water = 1 mg/mL (1000 mcg/mL). For 100 mcg dose = 0.1 mL. For 200 mcg dose = 0.2 mL. For 300 mcg dose = 0.3 mL.

Storage (Reconstituted)

Refrigerate at 2–8°C. Use within 28 days. Do not freeze reconstituted solution.

Storage (Lyophilized)

Store lyophilized at -20°C long-term or 2–8°C short-term. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Timing Notes

Timing is critical with no-DAC version. Key rules: (1) Inject fasted — no food for at least 90–120 minutes prior. (2) Wait 30 minutes post-injection before eating. (3) Best windows: pre-bed (prime window), pre-workout on empty stomach, or upon waking fasted. (4) Use 5-on/2-off scheduling to prevent desensitization.

Pharmacokinetics

Half-Life	Approximately 30 minutes. Native GHRH(1-29) has a half-life of ~2 minutes; the four amino acid substitutions in Mod GRF 1-29 confer DPP-IV resistance, extending this to ~30 minutes — sufficient for pulsatile pituitary stimulation while returning to baseline before the next dose.
Absorption	Rapid subcutaneous absorption. Peak GH response typically occurs 15–30 minutes post-injection. The GH pulse window lasts approximately 2–3 hours.
Distribution	Systemic distribution reaching anterior pituitary GHRH receptors. No albumin binding (unlike DAC version).
Metabolism	Proteolytic degradation by DPP-IV and other serum peptidases. D-Ala substitution at position 2 provides primary protection against DPP-IV cleavage. Renal and hepatic clearance of breakdown products.
Molecular Structure	29 amino acid GHRH analog. Sequence: Tyr-D-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Gln-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Ala-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Leu-Ser-Arg-NH2. Molecular formula: C152H252N44O42. MW: 3368.7 g/mol.

Monitoring & Risk Management

Monitoring guidelines based on available data

Ongoing Monitoring Steps

IGF-1 levelsKeep IGF-1 in upper-normal physiological range for age. Supraphysiological elevation warrants dose reduction.Check: Every 4–6 weeks during active cycle
Sleep quality and recovery metricsImproved deep sleep is an early positive sign. Disrupted sleep or nighttime waking may indicate dosing or timing adjustments needed.Check: Ongoing (subjective or wearable tracking)

Critical Warning Signs

Persistent severe headache or visual disturbancesDiscontinue and seek medical evaluation for intracranial hypertension.Urgency: IMMEDIATE
Significant edema or carpal tunnel symptomsReduce dose by 50%. If symptoms persist, discontinue cycle.Urgency: Within 24-48 hours
Fasting glucose elevation above 126 mg/dLPause protocol and evaluate insulin resistance. GH-induced counter-regulatory effects are typically reversible.Urgency: Within 1 week if persistent

Health & Research Goals

CJC-1295 Without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29 / Mod GRF)