CJC-1295 No DAC Dosing Guide (2026)

CJC-1295 no DAC — also known as modified GRF 1-29 (mod GRF 1-29) — is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with four amino acid substitutions that improve stability while maintaining short-acting pharmacokinetics. Unlike the DAC version, this form produces pulsatile GH release that closely mimics the body's natural secretion pattern.

A community protocol peptide without human clinical trials in this form: The clinical research on CJC-1295 primarily used the DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version. The no-DAC form is widely used in community protocols for its more physiological GH release pattern. This is not medical advice.

Quick Reference: Community Dosing

Critical: CJC-1295 no DAC is almost always paired with a GHRP (ipamorelin, GHRP-2, or GHRP-6) for synergistic GH release. Standalone use produces modest results.

For the full CJC-1295 peptide profile, vendor pricing, and stack protocols, see our CJC-1295 peptide page.

Loading vs Maintenance

CJC-1295 no DAC doesn't require a traditional loading phase, but protocol optimization matters:

Initial period (Weeks 1–2): Start at 100 mcg per injection, 2x daily (before bed and upon waking). Assess tolerance — particularly flushing and head rush, which are common initially.

Optimization (Weeks 3–16): Continue at 100 mcg 2–3x daily or increase to 150–200 mcg based on response and goals. Add post-workout injection if training intensely.

Cycling off: 4–8 weeks off allows natural GH axis recovery and assessment of retained benefits. IGF-1 blood work before, during, and after cycles helps gauge response.

Injection Timing Protocol

Timing is critical for CJC-1295 no DAC due to its short half-life (~30 minutes):

Fasting requirement: Inject on an empty stomach. Carbohydrates and fats suppress GH release via insulin and somatostatin. Wait at least 20–30 minutes before eating after injection.

Routes of Administration

Subcutaneous Injection (Standard)

The primary and preferred route for community use:

• Injection sites: Abdomen (periumbilical), love handles, thighs
• Volume: Very small — typically 0.05–0.2 mL per injection
• Needle: 29–31 gauge insulin syringe
• Rotation: Rotate sites to prevent lipodystrophy

Reconstitution

For standard 2 mg vials:

• 2 mg vial + 2 mL bacteriostatic water = 1,000 mcg/mL
• 100 mcg dose = 0.1 mL = 10 units on insulin syringe
• 150 mcg dose = 0.15 mL = 15 units
• 200 mcg dose = 0.2 mL = 20 units
• Swirl gently, refrigerate at 2–8°C, use within 28 days

For 5 mg vials:

• 5 mg vial + 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water = 2,000 mcg/mL
• 100 mcg dose = 0.05 mL = 5 units

Where These Numbers Come From: Clinical Context

CJC-1295 clinical research primarily used the DAC version, but the pharmacology informs no-DAC protocols.

CJC-1295 DAC Clinical Studies

The pivotal clinical study by Teichman et al. examined CJC-1295 (with DAC) in healthy adults aged 21–61, demonstrating dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-1 with a prolonged duration of action. After a single injection, mean IGF-1 levels increased 1.5–3 fold and remained elevated for 6–14 days (Teichman et al., 2006).

Pulsatile GH Secretion

A follow-up study confirmed that CJC-1295 DAC maintains pulsatile GH secretion despite continuous GHRH receptor stimulation. GH pulsatility was preserved with 2-fold increases in mean GH concentration and pulse mass (Ionescu & Bhatt, 2006).

GHRH Knockout Mouse Studies

Administration of CJC-1295 to GHRH knockout mice normalized growth with once-daily dosing, confirming its ability to fully replace endogenous GHRH signaling (Alba et al., 2006).

Why No-DAC Is Preferred by Many

Community preference for the no-DAC form is based on:

1. Pulsatile release — Short half-life (~30 min) produces GH pulses rather than sustained elevation
2. Physiological pattern — More closely mimics natural GHRH/GH secretion
3. Less GH bleed — Lower baseline GH between pulses compared to DAC version
4. Controllable timing — Can target specific windows (sleep, post-workout)
5. Synergy with GHRPs — Timed co-injection maximizes pulse amplitude

Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 no DAC is a modified GHRH (1-29) analog with four amino acid substitutions (Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27) that improve metabolic stability:

GHRH receptor activation — Binds to the growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR) on anterior pituitary somatotropes, activating Gαs-cAMP-PKA signaling that promotes GH gene transcription, synthesis, and secretion.

Pulsatile GH release — The ~30-minute half-life produces discrete GH pulses rather than sustained elevation. This mimics natural GHRH-driven GH secretion and preserves negative feedback mechanisms.

Synergy with GHRPs — GHRH and GH-releasing peptides (GHRPs) work through complementary mechanisms. GHRH activates the GHRHR while GHRPs activate the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR/ghrelin receptor). Co-stimulation produces GH release 5–10x greater than either alone.

Somatostatin interaction — GH release from CJC-1295 no DAC is inhibited by somatostatin, preserving the natural GH/somatostatin oscillatory cycle. This is a key difference from GHRPs, which partially override somatostatin inhibition.

IGF-1 downstream effects — GH release stimulates hepatic IGF-1 production, which mediates many of the anabolic, recovery, and body composition effects users seek (fat loss, muscle recovery, improved sleep quality, skin/hair improvements).

Side Effects & Safety

CJC-1295 no DAC is generally well-tolerated in community use but lacks human clinical safety data for the no-DAC form.

Common Side Effects

• Flushing/warmth — Very common in first 1–2 weeks, usually transient (15–30 minutes post-injection)
• Head rush/dizziness — Brief sensation after injection, typically resolves quickly
• Injection site reactions — Mild redness, occasional irritation
• Water retention — Mild, related to GH-mediated sodium retention
• Tingling/numbness in extremities — Occasional, related to GH effects

Less Common Side Effects

• Increased hunger — More common when paired with GHRP-6
• Fatigue/lethargy — Usually when dosing too high
• Joint discomfort — At higher doses, related to GH-mediated fluid retention
• Vivid dreams — Frequently reported, likely from enhanced deep sleep

Potential Concerns

GH-related risks:

• Insulin resistance — Chronic GH elevation can impair glucose tolerance
• Carpal tunnel-like symptoms — At high doses or with prolonged use
• Theoretical cancer risk — Elevated IGF-1 is associated with cancer risk in epidemiological studies

Monitoring:

• IGF-1 levels — Check baseline and at 4–6 weeks to confirm response and avoid supraphysiological levels
• Fasting glucose — Monitor periodically for insulin resistance
• CBC — Routine monitoring recommended

Contraindications

• Active malignancy (elevated IGF-1 may promote tumor growth)
• Diabetic retinopathy (GH may worsen)
• Pregnancy and lactation
• Known hypersensitivity

Stacking CJC-1295 No DAC

CJC-1295 no DAC is almost always stacked with a GHRP — standalone use is uncommon.

CJC-1295 No DAC + Ipamorelin (Gold Standard Stack)

The most popular and well-tolerated GH secretagogue combination:

• CJC-1295 no DAC → GHRH receptor activation (amplitude)
• Ipamorelin → GHSR activation (frequency), minimal side effects

CJC-1295 No DAC + GHRP-2 (Higher Potency)

More aggressive GH release with slightly more side effects:

• CJC-1295 no DAC → GHRH receptor activation
• GHRP-2 → Stronger GH release, moderate hunger increase, slight cortisol/prolactin elevation

CJC-1295 No DAC + Hexarelin (Maximum GH)

Highest GH output combination but more side effects:

• CJC-1295 no DAC → GHRH stimulation
• Hexarelin → Strongest GHRP, significant GH pulse, notable desensitization risk

CJC-1295 No DAC + Sermorelin

Double GHRH approach (less common):

• Both activate the GHRH receptor — diminishing returns compared to GHRH + GHRP combination
• Sermorelin is sometimes substituted rather than stacked

Stacking Considerations

• Always inject GHRH + GHRP simultaneously for synergistic effect
• Same syringe is fine — can draw both peptides into one insulin syringe
• Fasted state critical — insulin/somatostatin blunt GH response
• Pre-bed injection is most important — amplifies the largest natural GH pulse

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard CJC-1295 no DAC dose?

100 mcg subcutaneous, 2–3 times daily (pre-bed, morning fasted, optionally post-workout), almost always combined with a GHRP. Doses up to 200–300 mcg per injection are used in more aggressive protocols.

What's the difference between CJC-1295 with and without DAC?

Without DAC: ~30-minute half-life, pulsatile GH release, multiple daily injections, mimics natural pattern. With DAC: ~8-day half-life, sustained GH elevation, weekly injection, less physiological but more convenient.

Should I take CJC-1295 no DAC alone?

It works alone but produces modest results. Pairing with a GHRP (ipamorelin is most popular) produces 5–10x greater GH release through synergistic receptor activation. Solo use is uncommon in the community.

When should I inject CJC-1295 no DAC?

Pre-bed (most important — amplifies natural nocturnal GH surge), upon waking (fasted), and optionally post-workout. Always on an empty stomach. Wait 20–30 minutes before eating.

How long does a CJC-1295 no DAC cycle last?

12–16 weeks on, 4–8 weeks off is standard. Monitor IGF-1 levels to confirm response. Some users run longer cycles at conservative doses, but cycling is recommended given limited long-term safety data.

What results can I expect from CJC-1295 no DAC?

Most users report improved sleep quality (first 1–2 weeks), gradual fat loss (4–8 weeks), improved recovery from training, better skin quality, and modest body composition improvements. Effects are subtle and cumulative, not dramatic.

Related Guides

• CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Dosing Guide — Detailed stack protocol for the gold standard combination
• CJC-1295 DAC Dosing Guide — Long-acting version with weekly dosing
• Ipamorelin Dosing Guide — Primary GHRP pairing partner
• Sermorelin Dosing Guide — Alternative GHRH analog comparison
• GHRP-2 Dosing Guide — Higher-potency GHRP for aggressive stacks

References

For educational and research purposes only. This is not medical advice. CJC-1295 without DAC has no human clinical trials in this specific form. Community protocols are based on GHRH pharmacology and the DAC version's clinical data.