CJC-1295 (No DAC): GHRH Analogue for Growth Hormone Research

Overview

CJC-1295 (No DAC) is a tetra-substituted 30-amino acid peptide analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Unlike the DAC-modified version, it does not incorporate a Drug Affinity Complex and therefore does not bind albumin. Its plasma half-life is approximately 30 minutes, producing a more physiologically pulsatile pattern of GH secretion.

> Note: Pure Pharm Peptides carries CJC-1295 (No DAC). This is the no-DAC formulation with a ~30-minute half-life. For information on the DAC-modified version (half-life 6–8 days), see the comparison section below.

The peptide's molecular weight is approximately 3,368 Da (no-DAC form). It is commonly used in research protocols alongside GHRPs such as ipamorelin to produce synergistic, pulsatile GH secretion.

Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 without DAC binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating the synthesis and pulsatile secretion of endogenous growth hormone. Because it lacks the albumin-binding DAC modification, it is cleared more rapidly from circulation, producing a shorter but more physiologically pulsatile GH release pattern.

The resulting GH pulses stimulate hepatic IGF-1 production, mediating downstream effects including protein synthesis, lipolysis, and tissue repair. Because CJC-1295 acts on the pituitary rather than delivering exogenous GH, the hypothalamic-pituitary feedback axis remains intact. The no-DAC formulation is typically dosed more frequently (e.g., twice daily) to maintain consistent GH axis stimulation.

Key Research Findings

A Phase 2 clinical study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2006) demonstrated that CJC-1295 produced dose-dependent increases in mean plasma GH concentrations (2-10 fold above baseline) and IGF-1 levels (1.5-3 fold above baseline) that were sustained for 6 days following a single injection. Multiple doses produced cumulative increases in IGF-1 that persisted for up to 28 days.

Research in animal models has explored CJC-1295's effects on body composition, demonstrating reductions in fat mass and increases in lean mass consistent with GH axis stimulation. Studies have also investigated its potential in models of GH deficiency, aging-associated GH decline, and muscle wasting conditions. The combination of CJC-1295 with GHRP peptides (particularly ipamorelin) has been studied as a synergistic approach to GH axis stimulation.

Chemical Properties

| Property | Value | |---|---| | Molecular Weight | ~3,647 Da | | CAS Number | 863288-34-0 | | Modification | None (no DAC) — CJC-1295 (No DAC) | | Form | Lyophilized powder | | Purity (research grade) | >=99% HPLC | | Storage | -20 degreesC, protect from light |

Research Considerations

CJC-1295 without DAC is supplied as a lyophilized powder requiring reconstitution with bacteriostatic water. Its shorter half-life (~30 minutes) means dosing frequency must be accounted for in research protocol design, particularly when measuring GH pulse patterns or IGF-1 kinetics. Researchers should note that the pulsatile GH stimulation produced by CJC-1295 without DAC differs mechanistically from the sustained GH elevation produced by the DAC-modified version, and study endpoints should be selected accordingly.

CJC-1295 with DAC vs. without DAC: The DAC-modified version incorporates a maleimidoproprionic acid (MPA) moiety that covalently binds serum albumin, extending half-life to approximately 6–8 days. Pure Pharm Peptides does not carry the DAC-modified version. All CJC-1295 products available here are the no-DAC formulation (CJC-1295 (No DAC)).

Research Use Only. This article is for scientific and educational reference. All products are sold for research purposes only and are not intended for human or animal consumption.

Shop Research Grade: View CJC-1295 Research Grade →