GHRH Analog (Long-Acting)

CJC-1295 (DAC)

A modified GHRH analog conjugated with a Drug Affinity Complex that binds albumin, extending its half-life to 6 – 8 days for sustained growth hormone elevation.

What Is CJC-1295 (DAC)?

CJC-1295 with Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) is a long-acting synthetic GHRH analog. It shares the same modified GRF (1-29) core as the No DAC version, but is conjugated with a reactive lysine linker called the Drug Affinity Complex. Once injected, this DAC moiety covalently bonds to circulating albumin, shielding the peptide from enzymatic degradation and extending its effective half-life from ~30 minutes to 6 – 8 days.

This produces a fundamentally different GH release pattern compared to the No DAC variant: instead of short, intense pulses, CJC-1295 (DAC) creates a sustained, steady-state elevation of growth hormone and IGF-1 levels throughout the week. This makes it the more convenient option for researchers who prefer less frequent dosing.

Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 (DAC) activates the same GHRH receptor pathway as endogenous GHRH and the No DAC variant, but its albumin-binding property changes the pharmacokinetic profile entirely:

DAC moiety forms a covalent bond with serum albumin after subcutaneous injection
Albumin binding protects against DPP-IV cleavage and renal clearance
Produces sustained GHRH receptor activation over 6 – 8 days per injection
Elevates baseline GH levels by 2 – 10x with a blunted pulsatile pattern
Raises IGF-1 levels steadily over the dosing period

Research Applications

Sustained GH elevation with minimal injection frequency
Long-term body composition and fat loss studies
IGF-1 optimization and anabolic signaling research
Comparison studies against pulsatile GH secretagogues
Recovery and connective tissue remodeling protocols
Sleep quality research (sustained GH supports deep sleep cycles)

Dosing Protocol

CJC-1295 (DAC) is administered once or twice weekly via subcutaneous injection. Its long half-life means precise timing is less critical than with the No DAC variant:

Protocol	Dose	Frequency	Notes
Standard	2 mg	Once weekly	Steady-state GH elevation
Aggressive	2 mg	Twice weekly	Higher sustained IGF-1

Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen or thigh. Unlike the No DAC version, timing relative to food is less critical due to the sustained release profile. Typical research cycles run 8 – 12 weeks.

Preparation & Storage

Reconstitution

Supplies: peptide vial, bacteriostatic water, insulin syringes (29–31 gauge), alcohol swabs.

Clean both vial tops with alcohol swabs and let dry
Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water into the syringe
Insert needle into peptide vial at an angle against the glass wall
Let water run slowly down the side – never squirt directly onto powder
Gently swirl until fully dissolved – never shake
Solution should be clear – discard if cloudy or contains particles

Concentration: 2 mg in 2 mL = 1,000 mcg/mL

Storage

Unreconstituted: Room temp or refrigerated, stable up to 24 months
Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8°C (36–46°F), use within 4–6 weeks
Protect from direct sunlight and heat
Do not freeze reconstituted solution

Cycling

Typical research cycle: 8–12 weeks. Results generally reported within 2–4 weeks.