CJC-1295 with DAC
Growth Hormone / IGF-1 AxisPhase 2Also known as: CJC w/ DAC, CJC DAC
CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a modified form of CJC-1295 that incorporates a maleimidopropionic acid (MPA) reactive group at the C-terminus. Once injected, this MPA group forms a covalent thioether bond with free cysteine residues on serum albumin, effectively turning the small peptide into a long-circulating albumin-peptide conjugate. The pharmacokinetic consequence is dramatic.
Overview
At A Glance
CJC-1295 with DAC has the same pharmacodynamic mechanism as the non-DAC variant (GHRH receptor agonism on pituitary somatotrophs) but radically different pharmacokinetics.…
Mechanism of Action
CJC-1295 with DAC has the same pharmacodynamic mechanism as the non-DAC variant (GHRH receptor agonism on pituitary somatotrophs) but radically different pharmacokinetics.
1. Albumin conjugation — the central pharmacokinetic feature
- The MPA (maleimidopropionic acid) group is highly reactive toward free thiol groups
- Serum albumin contains one free cysteine (Cys-34) per molecule
- Within hours of SC injection, CJC-1295 DAC forms a covalent thioether bond with Cys-34 on serum albumin
- The conjugate circulates for the full albumin half-life (~20 days)
- Effective drug half-life: ~8 days (shorter than albumin because GHRH portion is slowly cleaved/metabolized)
2. Sustained GHRH-receptor activation
Because the albumin-bound conjugate slowly releases GHRHR-active peptide fragments over days, pituitary GHRHR is continuously exposed to ligand rather than receiving discrete pulses. This:
- Eliminates the normal somatostatin-driven "off" periods between pulses
- Produces a GH/IGF-1 plateau rather than peaks
- May induce partial receptor desensitization with chronic dosing
- Suppresses the normal nocturnal GH pulse timing
3. Pharmacokinetic profile (Teichman Phase 1 data)
Single 60 mcg/kg SC dose:
- GH levels: 2-10x baseline, sustained for 6-14 days
- IGF-1: 1.5-3x baseline, sustained for up to 28 days with repeated weekly dosing
- IGFBP-3 proportionally elevated
4. No direct ghrelin-receptor activity
DAC does not bind GHS-R1a. If stacking with ipamorelin is desired, the two must be dosed separately — DAC weekly, ipamorelin daily. Many practitioners skip ipamorelin when using DAC because the sustained GH elevation already approaches pituitary capacity.
5. Downstream IGF-1 axis effects
- Hepatic JAK2/STAT5 signaling produces sustained IGF-1 mRNA transcription
- IGFBP-3 rises proportionally (binds 90% of circulating IGF-1)
- Free (bioactive) IGF-1 rises modestly
- Tissue IGF-1 (muscle, bone, cartilage) rises more substantially
6. What's different vs MOD-GRF 1-29 (without DAC)
| Parameter | CJC-1295 DAC | MOD-GRF 1-29 |
|---|---|---|
| Half-life | ~8 days | ~30 min |
| GH profile | Continuous plateau | Pulsatile peaks |
| IGF-1 magnitude | 1.5-3x baseline | 1.5-2x baseline |
| Dose frequency | Weekly | 2-3x daily |
| Receptor desensitization risk | Higher | Lower |
| Physiologic mimicry | Lower | Higher |
| Ipamorelin synergy | Limited (timing mismatch) | Strong |
This is why modern protocols favor the non-DAC form despite its inconvenience.
Overview
CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a modified form of CJC-1295 that incorporates a maleimidopropionic acid (MPA) reactive group at the C-terminus. Once injected, this MPA group forms a covalent thioether bond with free cysteine residues on serum albumin, effectively turning the small peptide into a long-circulating albumin-peptide conjugate.
The pharmacokinetic consequence is dramatic. Native GHRH has a half-life of <2 minutes. MOD-GRF 1-29 (CJC-1295 without DAC) has a half-life of ~30 minutes. CJC-1295 with DAC has a half-life of ~8 days and produces sustained IGF-1 elevation for up to 28 days after a single injection (Teichman et al., 2006, J Clin Endocrinol Metab).
This makes DAC the weekly-dosing variant: one subcutaneous injection of 1-2 mg per week, typically on the same day each week. Convenience is its headline advantage over MOD-GRF 1-29's 2-3x daily injections.
The trade-off is physiologic. DAC produces continuous, non-pulsatile GH elevation rather than the sharp pulses of natural secretion or MOD-GRF 1-29. In Teichman's Phase 1 trial, mean GH levels at 60 mcg/kg rose 2-10 fold above baseline and remained elevated continuously for 6-14 days after a single injection, with IGF-1 rising 1.5-3 fold and staying elevated for up to 28 days with repeated weekly dosing. This is an efficient way to raise IGF-1 but is not how the body normally operates.
Clinical development was halted at Phase 2 — ConjuChem Biotechnologies did not publicly detail the reason, though industry commentary has pointed to concerns about sustained non-pulsatile GH elevation, insulin resistance, and the general challenges of bringing a GH-axis drug to market. Tesamorelin (a shorter-acting GHRH analog) became the FDA-approved GHRH analog for HIV-associated lipodystrophy instead.
CJC-1295 with DAC is not FDA-approved and is used research-only or through compounding pharmacies. It is the less-favored of the two CJC-1295 forms in modern clinical protocols; most practitioners now prefer MOD-GRF 1-29 (without DAC) stacked with ipamorelin for the more physiologic pulsatile profile.
See /compound/cjc-1295 for the non-DAC variant, and our Reconstitution Tool for injection math.
Potential Research Fields
Chemical Information
IUPAC Name
CJC-1295 with Drug Affinity Complex
CAS Number
863288-34-0
Molecular Formula
C165H271N47O46
Molecular Mass
3647.1 g/mol
Dosing & Protocols
Unlock Dosing Protocols
Free account gets you:
- View beginner, intermediate & advanced protocols
- See weight-based dosing calculations
- Access cycle length & frequency data
2,800+ researchers already in
Research
Unlock Research Data
Free account gets you:
- Browse PubMed study summaries
- See clinical trial phases & results
- Access mechanism of action details
2,800+ researchers already in
Interactions
Interaction Matrix
Contraindications
Absolute contraindications
- Active malignancy of any type — sustained IGF-1 elevation is a stronger pro-tumorigenic concern than with pulsatile MOD-GRF 1-29
- History of cancer within 5 years — relative; discuss with oncologist
- Diabetic retinopathy (active or history)
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Children with open growth plates
- Critical illness requiring ICU care — Takala 1999 signal of increased mortality with sustained GH
- Severe uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c >8) — sustained GH worsens glucose
Relative contraindications
- Controlled type 2 diabetes — use non-DAC form preferentially
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Severe hypothyroidism
- Intracranial pathology
- Family history of acromegaly or pituitary adenoma
Drug interactions
- Glucocorticoids — may blunt response; minimize
- Somatostatin analogs — direct GH suppression; incompatible
- Insulin / insulin secretagogues — counter-regulatory; monitor glucose
- Oral estrogens (high-dose) — blunt hepatic IGF-1 response
- Chemotherapy agents — avoid concurrent use
Surgery considerations
- Hold 2-3 weeks before elective major surgery (due to longer washout)
- Disclose to all clinicians, especially oncology, endocrinology, ophthalmology
- Washout from DAC is 3-4 weeks due to ~8-day half-life plus albumin half-life
WADA prohibition
- GH-releasing peptides prohibited at all times for competitive athletes
- Urine testing can detect GH-axis manipulation via GH isoform ratios and IGF-1 measurements
Disclosure obligations
- All clinicians
- Insurance applications (material in some jurisdictions)
- Workers' compensation / disability evaluations
Cannot be rapidly reversed
Because of the 8-day half-life and 3-4 week washout, CJC-1295 with DAC cannot be rapidly discontinued in response to an acute side effect or contraindication change. Users and clinicians must be prepared for this.
Research Disclaimer
This interaction data is compiled from published research and community reports. It may not be exhaustive. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining compounds.
$34.99
up to $59.00
$7.9980
3
5
vial
Tracking since Mar 13, 2026 · 4 data points
Price History
3 data pointsVendors Selling CJC-1295 with DAC
VANDL Labs
BioMyst Labs
Ion Peptide
How we score these vendors
Every supplier above is graded 0–100 on COA verification, payment transparency, shipping, reviews, and active listings. Methodology published, no pay-to-rank.
Related Compounds
View AllCJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29)
Growth Hormone / IGF-1 AxisPreclinicalCJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or MOD-GRF 1-29) is a 30-amino-acid analog of the first 29 residues of endogenous Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH), with four strategic substitutions (D-Ala² for DPP-4 resistance, Gln⁸, Ala¹⁵, Leu²⁷) that extend its plasma half-life from <2 minutes (native GHRH) to ~30 minutes.
GHRP-2
Growth Hormone / IGF-1 AxisPhase 2GHRP-2 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-2), also known as pralmorelin and KP-102, is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that was among the first GHRPs developed in the seminal research of Cyril Bowers and colleagues at Tulane University in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
GHRP-6
Growth Hormone / IGF-1 AxisPhase 2GHRP-6 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide with the sequence His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 that binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) to stimulate endogenous growth hormone release.
Hexarelin
Growth Hormone / IGF-1 AxisPhase 2Hexarelin (also called examorelin) is a potent synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue with the sequence His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2.
IGF-1 LR3
Growth Hormone / IGF-1 AxisPhase 2IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 IGF-1) is a synthetic analog of human insulin-like growth factor 1 modified at two positions to dramatically extend its serum half-life and amplify its tissue bioactivity compared to native IGF-1.
Ipamorelin
Growth Hormone / IGF-1 AxisPreclinicalIpamorelin is a selective pentapeptide ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist — one of the most studied growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) in the biohacking community and the modern companion to CJC-1295 / MOD-GRF 1-29.
Side-by-Side Comparisons
All ComparisonsView Full Dosage Guide →
Protocols, calculator & safety for CJC-1295 with DAC
Related Articles
All PostsResearch Score
0 PubMed studies
Quality Indicators
Data Completeness
88%Quick Facts
Half-Life
6–8 days (due to albumin binding via DAC)
Molecular Weight
3647.1 g/mol
Administration
Subcutaneous
CAS Number
863288-34-0
Trial Phase
Phase 2
Safety Profile
Low RiskCommon Side Effects
- • Water retention
- • Headache
- • Injection site reactions
- • Increased appetite
Stop Use If
- Active malignancy
- Pituitary disorders
- Uncontrolled diabetes
Research Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes DAC different from regular CJC-1295?
The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a maleimidopropionic acid (MPA) reactive group at the C-terminus of the peptide. Once injected, it forms a covalent bond with free cysteine residues on circulating serum albumin, effectively turning the small peptide into a long-circulating albumin-peptide conjugate. This extends the half-life from ~30 minutes (non-DAC) to ~8 days (DAC), allowing weekly instead of multiple-times-daily dosing. The trade-off is that DAC produces continuous, non-pulsatile GH elevation rather than the sharp, physiologic GH pulses of the non-DAC form.
Why do most clinicians prefer the non-DAC version now?
Three main reasons. First, the non-DAC form (MOD-GRF 1-29) preserves the body's natural pulsatile GH release pattern, which most endocrinologists believe is safer and more physiologic. Second, stacking MOD-GRF 1-29 with ipamorelin produces a 3-5x synergistic GH pulse that DAC cannot match (DAC doesn't have effective synergy with daily ghrelin-receptor agonists due to timing mismatch). Third, side effects — edema, carpal tunnel, glucose intolerance — are more common and more severe with sustained GH elevation from DAC. Weekly convenience is DAC's headline advantage; for most users, that doesn't outweigh the physiologic trade-offs.
How long does DAC stay in my system after I stop?
The half-life is approximately 8 days, so expect 3-4 weeks for full washout after discontinuation. IGF-1 levels gradually return to baseline over 4-6 weeks after the last dose. This long tail has practical implications: if you develop side effects, they resolve slowly; if you need to stop for surgery, plan 2-3 weeks ahead; if you want to switch to MOD-GRF 1-29, wait until full washout before starting the new protocol. It's a major reason some users prefer the more reversible non-DAC form.
How much body composition change can I expect?
Modestly improved, not dramatic. The benchmark is rhGH in healthy older adults (Blackman 2002, JAMA): 1-3 kg lean mass gain and 2-3 kg fat loss over 6 months. CJC-1295 with DAC produces somewhat less robust changes because it's a secretagogue (depending on pituitary response) rather than direct GH administration. Realistic expectations: 2-5% improvement in lean mass, 5-10% improvement in body fat over 3-6 months with consistent training and nutrition. If you're expecting dramatic physique changes from the peptide alone, you'll be disappointed. The peptide optimizes baseline physiology; you still need the training and diet.
Do I need to inject on an empty stomach like with non-DAC?
Not strictly. DAC's sustained release profile largely overrides postprandial somatostatin-mediated blunting. You can inject with or without food. However, many experienced users inject pre-bed 2+ hours after dinner, which aligns with natural nocturnal GH pulsing and is convenient for weekly dosing. The fasted-state rule is mandatory for non-DAC (MOD-GRF 1-29); for DAC it's a preference, not a requirement.
Can I stack DAC with ipamorelin?
Opinions vary. The pharmacologic rationale (synergistic GH pulse from dual pathway activation) is the same as for non-DAC + ipamorelin. However, because DAC already produces sustained GH elevation, adding daily ipamorelin may push pituitary capacity to its limit without proportional benefit, and some clinicians worry about compounding desensitization. A reasonable approach: if using DAC alone and IGF-1 is mid-range but benefit is modest, adding ipamorelin is worth trying. If DAC alone produces adequate IGF-1 rise, adding ipamorelin is probably redundant. Don't stack if you're also experiencing significant DAC-related side effects.
Is DAC safe for long-term use?
Honestly, the long-term safety data is limited. The Phase 1 trials were short (single-dose and multi-week). Clinical development halted at Phase 2. No multi-year surveillance data exists. Extrapolating from sermorelin (the FDA-approved analog with similar receptor activity), multi-year use appears tolerable in appropriately selected patients. The main long-term concerns are: (1) sustained elevated IGF-1 as a potential pro-tumorigenic signal (Renehan 2004 meta-analysis); (2) glucose dysregulation; (3) receptor desensitization. Use with quarterly lab monitoring, annual cancer screening, and willingness to stop or cycle if signals emerge. Don't assume long-term safety from short-term tolerability.
What if I miss a weekly dose?
Because DAC has an 8-day half-life, you have 2-3 days of grace built in — missing the weekly dose by a day or two doesn't substantially change your plasma levels. If you remember within 48 hours, take the missed dose and continue your normal schedule. If more than 48 hours late, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled one — don't double-up. Chronic pattern of missed doses defeats the purpose and indicates DAC may not be the right protocol for you (consider the non-DAC form with daily reminders if adherence is an issue).
Can I switch between DAC and non-DAC forms?
Yes, but with a washout between. If transitioning DAC → MOD-GRF 1-29: wait 3-4 weeks after last DAC dose for full washout before starting MOD-GRF 1-29, to avoid receptor saturation and prolonged supraphysiologic IGF-1. If transitioning MOD-GRF 1-29 → DAC: you can start DAC within 48 hours of stopping MOD-GRF 1-29 (the non-DAC form clears quickly). Don't use both simultaneously — they target the same receptor and stacking is redundant and increases side effects without benefit. Most clinicians who use both forms do so in different phases of a protocol, not concurrently.
Research Tools
Related Compounds
View AllCJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29)
Growth Hormone / IGF-1 AxisPreclinicalCJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or MOD-GRF 1-29) is a 30-amino-acid analog of the first 29 residues of endogenous Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH), with four strategic substitutions (D-Ala² for DPP-4 resistance, Gln⁸, Ala¹⁵, Leu²⁷) that extend its plasma half-life from <2 minutes (native GHRH) to ~30 minutes.
GHRP-2
Growth Hormone / IGF-1 AxisPhase 2GHRP-2 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-2), also known as pralmorelin and KP-102, is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that was among the first GHRPs developed in the seminal research of Cyril Bowers and colleagues at Tulane University in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
GHRP-6
Growth Hormone / IGF-1 AxisPhase 2GHRP-6 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide with the sequence His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 that binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) to stimulate endogenous growth hormone release.
Hexarelin
Growth Hormone / IGF-1 AxisPhase 2Hexarelin (also called examorelin) is a potent synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue with the sequence His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2.
IGF-1 LR3
Growth Hormone / IGF-1 AxisPhase 2IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 IGF-1) is a synthetic analog of human insulin-like growth factor 1 modified at two positions to dramatically extend its serum half-life and amplify its tissue bioactivity compared to native IGF-1.
Ipamorelin
Growth Hormone / IGF-1 AxisPreclinicalIpamorelin is a selective pentapeptide ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist — one of the most studied growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) in the biohacking community and the modern companion to CJC-1295 / MOD-GRF 1-29.
Side-by-Side Comparisons
All ComparisonsCompare CJC-1295 with DAC head-to-head: mechanism, half-life, dosing, safety, and live pricing.
Free 2026 Peptide Cheat Sheet — 50 pages, PDF
Dosing, reconstitution, stacks, half-lives, and vendor trust tiers. The reference we wish we had on day one.