CJC-1295 Guide
The GHRH Analogue at the Center of Modern GH Peptide Protocols
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of GHRH — the hypothalamic signal that tells the pituitary to release GH. It comes in two critically different forms: a short-acting pulsatile version (No DAC) and a long-acting weekly version (DAC). Understanding the difference is the most important question in GH peptide use.
What Is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide analogue of GHRH — Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone — the endogenous signal produced by the hypothalamus that travels to the pituitary gland to stimulate GH synthesis and pulsatile release. The natural GHRH molecule (GHRH 1-44) is fragile and rapidly degraded by blood enzymes, giving it a half-life of only 5–7 minutes after injection.
CJC-1295 was engineered to solve this degradation problem. The base structure uses GHRH(1-29) — the biologically active fragment — with four amino acid substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 that protect key proteolytic cleavage sites. This gives CJC-1295 significantly improved resistance to serum enzymes compared to native GHRH. The No DAC form achieves approximately a 30-minute half-life; the With DAC form extends this to approximately 8 days through albumin binding.
A critical practical note: in the peptide research market, vendors frequently sell products labeled only as "CJC-1295" without specifying whether DAC is present. Always confirm which form you have. A rough guide: CJC-1295 No DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) has a molecular weight of approximately 3.3 kDa; CJC-1295 With DAC is approximately 3.6 kDa. If injection frequency is unclear from your source's labeling, treat it as No DAC until confirmed.
Short-acting form produces pulsatile GH release — injected 1–3x daily alongside a GHRP for physiologic pulsatility.
Drug Affinity Complex binds serum albumin, extending half-life dramatically. Injected 1–2x per week for continuous GHRH signaling.
CJC-1295 DAC + ipamorelin can raise IGF-1 over 50% from baseline — monitor IGF-1 levels to stay within reference range.
CJC-1295 No DAC vs With DAC: The Core Decision
CJC-1295 No DAC (Mod GRF 1-29)
The pulsatile form. With a 30-minute half-life, each injection produces a discrete burst of pituitary GH stimulation that mirrors natural physiology. Used 1–3x daily, typically at each GHRP injection window. This is the preferred form for users who want to preserve physiologic GH pulsatility — important because the amplitude and pattern of GH pulses influence downstream signaling differently than flat tonic GH elevation.
- • Injection frequency: 1–3x daily
- • Dose: 100–200mcg per injection
- • Must be co-administered with a GHRP
- • Best for: pulsatile GH, anti-aging, performance stacks
CJC-1295 With DAC
The long-acting form. The Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) — a maleimide-lysine linker — covalently binds CJC-1295 to serum albumin in the blood, extending its effective half-life to approximately 8 days. One or two injections per week maintain a steady GHRH signal at the pituitary. This produces higher and more sustained IGF-1 elevation than the No DAC form, but at the cost of continuous (rather than pulsatile) GHRH stimulation.
- • Injection frequency: 1–2x per week
- • Dose: 1–2mg per injection
- • Can be used with or without GHRP
- • Best for: maximum IGF-1 elevation, convenience
Blot test note (DAC form): Some users experience temporary redness, swelling, or warmth at the injection site within hours of CJC-1295 DAC administration. This is a known reaction to the DAC moiety and is typically benign and self-resolving. It is not an allergic reaction in most cases but is worth noting when evaluating tolerance on first use.
The CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Stack
The combination of CJC-1295 (No DAC) + ipamorelin is the most widely used and most mechanistically sound GH peptide stack available. CJC-1295 acts on the GHRH receptor to prime somatotroph cells for GH release and amplify GH gene transcription. Ipamorelin simultaneously activates the GHSR-1a receptor via a complementary intracellular pathway (calcium signaling vs cAMP). Because both pathways are required for maximal GH secretion, co-stimulation is synergistic — not merely additive.
Standard Protocol (No DAC Stack)
- CJC-1295 No DAC: 200mcg per injection
- Ipamorelin: 300mcg per injection
- Frequency: 1–3x daily (pre-sleep is mandatory dose)
- Mix: Can combine in same insulin syringe
- Cycle: 12–16 weeks; 4 weeks off
- Monitor: IGF-1 at 0 and 12 weeks
DAC + Ipamorelin Protocol
- CJC-1295 DAC: 1–2mg once or twice per week
- Ipamorelin: 300mcg pre-sleep and morning
- Injected separately (different schedule)
- Expect higher IGF-1 — monitor more carefully
- Note blot test at DAC injection site
- Best for: maximum IGF-1 with fewer total injections
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and without DAC?
CJC-1295 Without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) has a half-life of approximately 30 minutes and produces pulsatile GH release — injected 1–3x daily alongside a GHRP like ipamorelin. CJC-1295 With DAC contains a Drug Affinity Complex that covalently binds the peptide to serum albumin, extending the half-life to approximately 8 days. The DAC form is injected 1–2x weekly and produces higher sustained IGF-1 elevation, but with continuous rather than pulsatile GHRH stimulation. The No DAC form is preferred by users prioritizing physiologic GH pulsatility.
What is the standard CJC-1295 No DAC dosage for the ipamorelin stack?
The standard dose of CJC-1295 No DAC in the ipamorelin stack is 100–200mcg per injection, co-administered at each ipamorelin dose window. Most protocols use 200mcg CJC-1295 No DAC + 300mcg ipamorelin — mixed in the same syringe — injected pre-sleep (mandatory) and optionally again in the morning fasted. Both compounds should be injected on an empty stomach or at least 90 minutes after eating.
How much does CJC-1295 raise IGF-1?
CJC-1295 No DAC stacked with ipamorelin typically raises IGF-1 30–50% from baseline with regular 2x daily use over 12 weeks. CJC-1295 With DAC tends to produce higher sustained IGF-1 elevation — often 50% or more from baseline — due to continuous GHRH receptor stimulation. Monitoring IGF-1 at baseline and at 12 weeks is strongly recommended to ensure levels remain within the physiologic reference range.
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