In this guide
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) — a modified version of the GRF(1-29) fragment, the active core of the natural hormone. Its job in research is to prompt the pituitary to release growth hormone, and with sustained signaling, to raise downstream IGF-1, the mediator through which much of GH's activity is studied.
How the GHRH-analog mechanism works
Where a ghrelin mimetic like Ipamorelin works on the ghrelin receptor, CJC-1295 works on the GHRH receptor — the pituitary's natural "release GH" signal. The modifications built into the molecule make it far more stable than natural GHRH, which breaks down in minutes. A steadier signal means the pituitary is prompted to release GH over a longer window, which is what researchers are studying when they reach for it.
DAC vs no-DAC: the key distinction
This is the part that trips people up. CJC-1295 comes in two research forms:
- CJC-1295 with DAC — DAC stands for "Drug Affinity Complex," a chemical group that binds to serum albumin in the blood. That binding dramatically extends the molecule's half-life to days, producing a sustained elevation of the GH/IGF-1 signal.
- CJC-1295 without DAC — also called Mod GRF 1-29. Without the albumin-binding group, it's short-acting (on the order of ~30 minutes), producing a brief, sharp pulse rather than a plateau.
Neither is "better" — they're tools for different research questions. The DAC version is chosen for studying sustained signaling; the no-DAC version is chosen when a pulsatile, more natural-shaped release is the point.
Why it's paired with Ipamorelin
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are the classic research combination because they hit two different receptors: CJC-1295 on the GHRH receptor, Ipamorelin on the ghrelin receptor. Stimulating both at once produces a fuller GH response than either alone — one raises the amount released, the other amplifies the pulse. That's why the pre-mixed CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin blend exists, and why the two anchor our growth-hormone peptide guide.
Studying sustained GH signaling? CJC-1295 is available with DAC on its own or in a research blend with Ipamorelin — third-party tested, with a published COA.
View CJC-1295Frequently asked questions
What is CJC-1295? A stabilized analog of GHRH (growth-hormone-releasing hormone) studied for its ability to prompt sustained GH and IGF-1 release.
What's the difference between DAC and no-DAC? The DAC version binds serum albumin and lasts days for a sustained signal; the no-DAC version (Mod GRF 1-29) is short-acting for a brief pulse.
Why is it studied with Ipamorelin? They act on different receptors — GHRH and ghrelin — so together they generate a larger, more complete GH response.
Is CJC-1295 approved for human use? No. It is sold strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use only and is not intended for human consumption.
Research references
- Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799–805. PubMed ↗
For in-vitro research and laboratory use only. Not for human consumption. References are provided for scientific context and do not constitute a product claim.