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CJC-1295 with DAC

Last reviewed: April 18, 2026 by The Peptide Catalog Team

A long-acting growth hormone peptide for lean muscle, fat loss, and anti-aging. CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a long-acting GHRH analog that binds to albumin, extending its half-life to 6-8 days. This allows for less frequent dosing compared to CJC-1295 without DAC, providing sustained GH elevation rather than pulsatile release.

CategoryGrowth & Repair Peptides
ClassGH secretagogue
GoalMuscle Growth
Overview

Core Benefits

Key Advantages
Weekly GH pulse
DAC tail extends half-life to ~8 days for weekly dosing.
Sustained release advantage
Steady GH and IGF-1 elevation across the dosing week.
Recovery support
Smoother recovery and lean mass over 8–12 weeks.
Convenience over pulsatile
Once-weekly shot trades pulsatility for compliance.
Differs from no-DAC
Steady-state elevation — not natural pulsatile rhythm.
Weekly injection routine
One subcutaneous shot per week with paired GHRP.

These are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.

CJC-1295 with DAC Results Timeline

Progression
1
Week 1–2
Physical Changes
Early fat mobilization, muscle fullness
Performance & Recovery
Noticeably better sleep, faster post-workout recovery
Other Benefits
Increased energy, improved mood
2
Week 3–6
Physical Changes
Visible fat reduction (especially belly), increased muscle definition
Performance & Recovery
Greater workout endurance, reduced soreness
Other Benefits
Healthier skin tone, sharper mental focus
3
Month 2–4
Physical Changes
Significant lean muscle gain, accelerated fat loss
Performance & Recovery
Stronger recovery, noticeable strength gains
Other Benefits
Anti-aging effects: skin elasticity, hair quality, sustained energy
4
4+ Months
Physical Changes
Major body recomposition — lower fat % + more muscle
Performance & Recovery
Peak recovery, ability to train harder and more frequently
Other Benefits
Cumulative benefits with continued cycling (8 weeks on/off) or extended use

Timeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.

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Evidence at a glance

Two parallel grades per outcome — clinical RCT depth and real-world community adoption. See the Research Overview below for citations and detail.

OutcomeClinical EvidenceCommunity Evidence
Sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation (>1 week)ModerateModerate
Pulsatility preservation under continuous stimulationModerateModerate
Body composition / muscle gainPreliminaryModerate
How It WorksGHRH Analog — Long-Acting (Drug Affinity Complex)

Sequence → Stability → GH Pattern → Outcomes

1
Target

GHRH Receptor on Pituitary Somatotrophs

Same receptor as CJC-1295 (no DAC), Sermorelin, and Tesamorelin. The critical difference is duration of action — the DAC modification causes the peptide to bind albumin in the blood, keeping it active for 6-8 days.

2
Cellular Signal

Sustained cAMP/PKA Activation → Continuous GH Elevation

Rather than triggering discrete GH pulses, the long half-life creates sustained GH elevation(sometimes called "GH bleed"). The pituitary is continuously stimulated rather than pulsed, which differs from natural GH secretion patterns.

3
Systemic Effect

Steady GH/IGF-1 Elevation → Consistent Anabolic Signal

Sustained GH leads to consistently elevated IGF-1 levels. This provides a more constant anabolic environment but lacks the peaks and troughs of natural pulsatile release. Some researchers believe pulsatile patterns are more physiologically effective.

4
What You Notice

Convenience + Steady-State Effects

Weekly dosing convenience is the primary advantage. Effects are similar to other GHRH analogs — sleep, recovery, body composition — but the sustained release pattern may produce different quality of results compared to pulsatile versions. Water retention is more common.

What Makes This Peptide Different

CJC-1295 with DAC is the same modified GRF(1-29) base as CJC-1295 (no DAC), but with a Drug Affinity Complexthat covalently binds to serum albumin. This extends the half-life from ~30 minutes to 6-8 days. The tradeoff: convenience (1-2 injections per week) vs. non-pulsatile GH elevation that doesn't mimic natural patterns. Many prefer the no-DAC version for physiological reasons despite the daily dosing requirement.

GHRH Peptide Comparison

PeptideHalf-LifeGH PatternWhat's Unique
CJC-1295 (no DAC)~30 minNatural pulsatilePulsatile release — more physiological, requires daily dosing
CJC-1295 (DAC)6-8 daysSustained elevationAlbumin binding — weekly dosing, non-pulsatile "GH bleed"
Sermorelin~10-20 minBrief natural pulseNative GHRH(1-29) — most natural, least stable
Tesamorelin~26-38 minReliable pulseFull 44-AA — FDA-approved for visceral fat reduction

Research overview

Outcome-by-outcome look at what the evidence actually supports for CJC-1295 with DAC, including human vs. animal study counts and our editorial take on each.

Sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation

Clinical:ModerateCommunity:Moderate

Teichman 2006 (Phase 1, n=24 healthy adults) showed dose-dependent 2-10x GH increases and 1.5-3x IGF-1 increases lasting 6-11 days from a single subcutaneous dose, with multi-dose IGF-1 elevation persisting up to 28 days. Estimated half-life 5.8-8.1 days due to the maleimide DAC group binding albumin. Ionescu 2006 confirmed pulsatility was preserved despite continuous receptor stimulation.

2 human studies · 4 animal studies

Key findings & citations
  • Single-dose GH elevation 2-10x baseline for 6+ days; IGF-1 1.5-3x for 9-11 days.
  • Half-life 5.8-8.1 days enables once-weekly dosing.
  • Pulsatility preserved despite sustained ligand exposure — basal GH up 7.5-fold but rhythm intact.

Our take

Pharmacology is well-characterized at Phase 1. Composition and outcome trials never finished — the program ended for commercial reasons. Treat as a once-weekly sermorelin with extrapolated benefits.

Body composition / muscle gain

Clinical:PreliminaryCommunity:Moderate

ConjuChem advanced CJC-1295 to Phase 2 but development ended before primary outcome publications appeared. Community use rests on the sustained IGF-1 elevation logic plus practitioner reports — there is no peer-reviewed body-composition primary endpoint published.

0 human studies · 4 animal studies

Key findings & citations
  • No published Phase 2 body composition trial.
  • Mechanistic argument: sustained IGF-1 elevation should drive lean mass over months.
  • Clinical reports describe 8-12 week timelines, broadly consistent with sermorelin-class agents.

Our take

Unfinished homework. Effective at moving GH/IGF-1 numbers; whether that translates to a body-composition outcome the FDA would have accepted is unknown.

What CJC-1295 with DAC doesn't do

Claims that current evidence does not support. Worth knowing before you set expectations.

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Dosing ProtocolGrowth Hormone / Longevity

Educational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.

Vial Size
2 mg
Reconstitution
2 ml BAC water
Dose
1-2 mg (once or twice weekly)
Timing
PM
Frequency
1-2x per week
Duration
8 weeks on, 8 weeks off
Protocol Notes
Long half-life (6-8 days) means less frequent dosing. Provides sustained rather than pulsatile GH elevation.

Why This Dosing Protocol

Why weekly dosing? The DAC modification extends half-life to 6-8 days. A single injection provides sustained GH elevation throughout the week — no need for daily dosing.

Why some prefer no-DAC instead:The sustained GH elevation ("GH bleed") doesn't mimic natural pulsatile patterns. Some researchers believe the peaks and troughs of pulsatile release are more effective for fat loss and recovery. DAC trades physiological signaling for dosing convenience.
Full Dosing GuideReconstitution CalculatorCycle Cost Calculator
Popular Stack Protocols1 stack

Commonly paired protocols from the peptide research community. Educational reference only.

CJC-1295 DAC + Ipamorelin

Growth Hormone / Sustained Release
CJC-1295 DAC
Dose
1–2 mg
Vial Size
2 mg
Reconstitution
2 ml BAC water
Ipamorelin
Dose
300 mcg
Vial Size
10 mg
Reconstitution
3 ml BAC water
Timing
CJC DAC: 1–2x per week (PM). Ipamorelin: AM/PM daily.
Frequency
CJC DAC weekly + Ipamorelin 5 on / 2 off
Duration
8 weeks on, 8 weeks off
DAC version provides sustained GH elevation (6–8 day half-life) vs pulsatile release from no-DAC. Ipamorelin daily pulses ride on top of the elevated baseline. Less convenient injection schedule for CJC but more stable GH levels overall. Some prefer no-DAC for more natural pulsatile pattern.

Reconstitution Calculator

Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.

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Storage & Handling

Storage at a glance

Proper storage temperatures, shelf life, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.

Powder: Freezer
1+ year at -20°C
Reconstituted: Fridge
4 weeks max at 2-8°C
View Complete Storage Guide

Handling specifics

Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.

Powder storage (very stable)
  • Freezer (-20°C): 1+ year
  • Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1-3 months
  • Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
Reconstituted storage (fragile)
  • MUST refrigerate at 2-8°C
  • 4-week maximum shelf life
  • NEVER freeze after reconstitution
  • Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose
Molecular Structure

CJC-1295 with DAC sequence

Click any residue to see its properties.

HydrophobicPolarAcidic (−)Basic (+)Special

Sequence-derived properties

Length
29 residues
Molecular weight
3358.9 Da
backbone only
Avg hydrophobicity
-0.22
Kyte–Doolittle scale

Residue classes

Hydrophobic: 12 (41%)Polar: 9 (31%)Acidic (−): 2 (7%)Basic (+): 5 (17%)Special: 1 (3%)

Net charge distribution

Positive5 (17%)
Neutral22 (76%)
Negative2 (7%)

Amino acid frequency

L×4A×3R×3S×3D×2I×2K×2Q×2Y×2F×1

Modifications

  • D-Ala at position 2
  • DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) for albumin binding

Sequence and properties provided for educational reference. Not for clinical dosing decisions.

  • Length: 30 amino acids
    (Modified GRF(1-29) + DAC.)
  • Half-life: 6-8 days
    (vs. 30 min for CJC-1295 no DAC.)
  • Mechanism: GHRH agonist
    (Sustained GH elevation.)
  • Dosing: 1-2x weekly
    (Less frequent than no-DAC version.)
Key modification
Lysine-linked maleimidopropionic acid (MPA) for albumin binding
The DAC modification creates a covalent bond with albumin, providing sustained GH elevation rather than pulsatile release. Better for steady-state GH but less physiological.
Key takeaway: CJC-1295 with DAC provides sustained GH elevation with less frequent dosing, but the non-pulsatile release pattern differs from natural GH secretion.

FAQ

What are the most common side effects?

Most peptides cause mild injection site reactions, temporary water retention, and possible joint discomfort. CJC-1295 with DAC has minimal impact on cortisol and prolactin levels compared to other GH peptides.

Why do people stack CJC-1295 with Ipamorelin?

This combination works synergistically—CJC-1295 (GHRH pathway) increases the number of cells releasing GH, while Ipamorelin (GHRP pathway) increases GH release per cell. Together they produce stronger results with minimal side effects.

What is DAC and why does it matter?

DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a modification that allows CJC-1295 to bind to albumin in the blood. This extends the half-life from ~30 minutes to 6-8 days, meaning weekly injections instead of daily. The tradeoff is that it creates sustained GH elevation rather than natural pulsatile release.

Is CJC-1295 with DAC better than without DAC?

Neither is objectively "better" — they have different use cases. DAC version offers convenience (1-2 injections per week) but causes sustained GH elevation. No-DAC version requires daily dosing but produces more natural pulsatile GH patterns. Many prefer no-DAC for physiological reasons; DAC for simplicity.

What is the typical CJC-1295 DAC dosage?

Common research dosages range from 1-2 mg per week, often as a single weekly injection or split into two doses. Due to the long half-life, more frequent dosing isn't necessary. Some use it with a GHRP like Ipamorelin on non-injection days to add pulsatile release.

Does CJC-1295 DAC cause GH bleed?

Yes, the sustained release creates what's called "GH bleed" — consistently elevated GH rather than natural spikes. Some researchers believe pulsatile release is healthier and more effective. This is a key reason some prefer the no-DAC version despite the inconvenience of daily dosing.

What benefits does CJC-1295 DAC provide?

By elevating GH and IGF-1 levels, CJC-1295 DAC may support fat loss, muscle growth, improved sleep, faster recovery, and anti-aging effects. The sustained release may be particularly effective for consistent IGF-1 elevation. Results develop over weeks to months.

Can CJC-1295 DAC be combined with GHRPs?

Yes, many combine weekly CJC-1295 DAC with daily GHRP injections (like Ipamorelin). This provides baseline sustained GH elevation from the DAC plus natural pulsatile spikes from the GHRP. This approach tries to get benefits of both release patterns.

How long does reconstituted peptide last?

Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.

Is this peptide legal to purchase?

Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.

New to peptides?

Take our Peptide Match tool to find the best peptide for your goals. You can also read our Complete Guide to Peptides to learn the basics.

Scientific Sources

The following peer-reviewed studies and official resources provide additional scientific context for this peptide:

CJC-1295 with DAC Research Articles

dosing

CJC-1295 DAC Dosage Chart: 2mg Twice Weekly

The 8-day half-life changes everything about injection timing. Covers 1-4mg protocols, IGF-1 monitoring, and GHRP stacking.

results

CJC-1295 DAC Results: Week-by-Week Timeline

One injection elevates IGF-1 for over a week — but body composition lags. What the clinical data and community reports show, stage by stage.

side-effects

CJC-1295 DAC Side Effects: Sustained GH Risks

Albumin binding extends half-life to 5-8 days. Water retention, hand tingling, and IGF-1 elevation cluster. Full breakdown.

guides

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