CJC-1295 Dac 5mg
CJC-1295 DAC Dragon Pharma — Overview
CJC-1295 DAC Dragon Pharma is a long-acting synthetic analogue of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) supplied as a 5 mg lyophilized vial. The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) modification extends its half-life to approximately 6–8 days by allowing the peptide to bind covalently to albumin in the bloodstream, enabling once or twice weekly dosing instead of the daily injections required by shorter-acting GHRH analogues.
CJC-1295 DAC works by stimulating the pituitary gland's GHRH receptors to increase the amount of growth hormone released with each natural GH pulse — raising GH pulse amplitude without directly suppressing the body's own GH regulation. Downstream, elevated GH drives increased IGF-1 production in the liver. This page covers how the GHRH receptor system works, CJC-1295 DAC's documented effects on GH and IGF-1, how it pairs with GHRP-class peptides, and the practical side effects of sustained GH elevation.
About the Compound: CJC-1295 DAC
Endogenous GHRH is a 44-amino-acid peptide produced in the hypothalamus that travels to the anterior pituitary and binds GHRH receptors on somatotroph cells, triggering GH synthesis and pulsatile release. CJC-1295 is a modified version of the biologically active first 29 amino acids of GHRH (GHRH 1-29, also called Mod GRF 1-29) with four amino acid substitutions that improve stability against enzymatic degradation. The unmodified GHRH 1-29 sequence has a plasma half-life of approximately 30 minutes due to rapid cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase IV and other serum peptidases.
The DAC component adds a reactive maleimide group to the C-terminus via a lysine linker. After injection, this group forms a stable covalent bond with the free thiol group on cysteine-34 of circulating serum albumin — the same albumin-binding strategy used in the engineering of long-acting fatty acid-conjugated peptides. The resulting drug-albumin complex dramatically extends the effective half-life to approximately 6–8 days and sustains elevated GH pulse amplitude throughout the dosing interval. The clinical consequence is that a single injection maintains meaningful GHRH receptor stimulation for approximately one week, making the twice-weekly or once-weekly schedule pharmacologically justified rather than merely convenient.
What CJC-1295 DAC Does
CJC-1295 DAC stimulates the pituitary to release more GH with each natural pulse, rather than creating a continuous flat GH elevation. The key effects:
- Increased GH pulse amplitude — GHRH receptor stimulation by CJC-1295 DAC raises the amount of GH released per pulse rather than the frequency of pulses; over the weekly dosing interval, mean 24-hour GH levels are elevated while the pulsatile release pattern is broadly maintained; clinical data shows sustained elevation of mean GH levels for 6 or more days following a single injection at 1–2 mg
- Elevated IGF-1 — circulating GH drives hepatic IGF-1 production; sustained GH elevation from weekly CJC-1295 DAC dosing produces a corresponding rise in serum IGF-1 that persists through the dosing interval; IGF-1 is the primary mediator of GH's anabolic effects on muscle protein synthesis, connective tissue, and bone
- Lean mass support and recovery — elevated GH and IGF-1 increase nitrogen retention, reduce protein catabolism, and accelerate soft tissue repair; these effects become more pronounced after 8–12 weeks of consistent use as IGF-1 levels stabilize at a new sustained baseline
- Fat oxidation — GH is lipolytic; it stimulates hormone-sensitive lipase in adipocytes and shifts substrate utilization toward fat oxidation; this effect is most evident during a caloric deficit and contributes to improved body composition over time
- Sleep quality and recovery — GH is primarily released during slow-wave sleep; elevated GH amplitude is associated with deeper, more restorative sleep and faster recovery from training; users commonly report improved sleep quality as one of the first subjectively noticeable effects
- Synergistic release with GHRP co-administration — GHRP-class peptides (ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, hexarelin) act on the ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptor, a completely separate receptor from the GHRH receptor that CJC-1295 DAC engages; because they operate through distinct pathways that both converge on somatotroph GH secretion, combining a GHRH analogue with a GHRP produces synergistic GH release that is substantially greater than either compound alone
DAC vs no DAC: CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) has a ~30-minute half-life and must be injected immediately before each GHRP dose, typically 2–3 times daily. CJC-1295 DAC provides sustained GHRH receptor stimulation throughout the week from a single or twice-weekly injection. The trade-off is that the very sustained elevation of GHRH signaling from DAC is less strictly pulsatile than the sharp, discrete peaks achieved with Mod GRF 1-29 + GHRP. Users who prioritize mimicking natural GH pulsatility often prefer Mod GRF 1-29; users who prioritize dosing convenience choose DAC.
Who It's For
- Athletes seeking long-term body composition improvement — CJC-1295 DAC's effects on IGF-1, lean mass, and fat oxidation develop gradually over 12–24 weeks; it is most suitable for users running extended protocols rather than short-cycle approaches; the once or twice weekly injection schedule makes long protocols manageable
- Users who want GH-axis support without exogenous HGH — CJC-1295 DAC stimulates endogenous GH production through the natural pituitary pathway; it does not suppress the body's own GHRH-GH-IGF-1 axis in the way exogenous HGH can when used continuously; it is a preferred alternative for users who want GH-related benefits with lower suppression risk
- GHRP users looking for a GHRH base — ipamorelin, GHRP-2, and GHRP-6 users can add CJC-1295 DAC as a GHRH backbone; the combined protocol produces significantly more GH release per dose event than either compound alone, without needing to inject the GHRH component separately with each GHRP dose
- Older athletes and those prioritizing recovery — GHRH/GH axis activity naturally declines with age; CJC-1295 DAC partially restores youthful GH pulsatility; the recovery and sleep benefits are particularly valued by athletes over 35 whose natural GH output has declined meaningfully
Context & Related Products
CJC-1295 DAC acts on the GHRH receptor to increase GH pulse amplitude. It pairs with GHRP-class peptides that act on the separate ghrelin receptor to increase GH pulse frequency. The combination is synergistic by design:
| Product | Receptor / Class | Role in a GH Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 DAC (this product) | GHRH receptor / GHRH analogue | Increases GH pulse amplitude; once or twice weekly dosing maintains elevated GHRH tone throughout the week; the foundation of a GH secretagogue protocol |
| Ipamorelin Dragon Pharma | Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) / GHRP | Increases GH pulse frequency via a separate receptor; the cleanest GHRP — minimal cortisol or prolactin elevation; injected daily or multiple times daily to match each natural GH pulse window; combining with CJC-1295 DAC produces synergistic GH release |
| CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Blend Dragon Pharma | GHRH receptor + ghrelin receptor | Pre-mixed combination of CJC-1295 and ipamorelin in a single vial; convenient for users running the standard CJC + ipamorelin protocol without separate reconstitution; each injection delivers both the GHRH and GHRP components simultaneously |
| GHRP-2 Dragon Pharma | Ghrelin receptor / GHRP | More potent GH pulse stimulation than ipamorelin; produces more pronounced GH release per injection; some cortisol and prolactin elevation at higher doses; preferred by users prioritizing maximum GH output over side effect profile |
| Sermorelin Dragon Pharma | GHRH receptor / GHRH analogue | Shorter-acting GHRH analogue (no DAC); requires daily or twice-daily dosing; more strictly mimics the natural pulsatile GHRH pattern than DAC; preferred by users who want tighter control over GH pulse timing at the cost of daily injection frequency |
Reconstitution supply:
| Product | Why It's Needed |
|---|---|
| Bacteriostatic Water Dragon Pharma | Required for reconstitution of lyophilized CJC-1295 DAC. Add 2 mL per vial; inject down the side of the vial slowly and swirl gently — do not shake. At 2 mL per 5 mg vial, each 0.4 mL (40 units on an insulin syringe) delivers 1 mg. Bacteriostatic water preserves the reconstituted solution refrigerated for 28–30 days |
Side Effects & Management
CJC-1295 DAC's side effects are primarily consequences of elevated GH and IGF-1. They are generally mild at standard doses and dose-dependent.
| What May Occur | Background | How to Handle It |
|---|---|---|
| Water retention and bloating | GH promotes sodium and water reabsorption in the kidney; elevated GH from CJC-1295 DAC causes subcutaneous water retention, particularly in the face, hands, and lower extremities; this is the most commonly reported side effect and is transient — typically resolving within a few weeks as the body adapts to the new GH level | Moderate sodium intake; ensure adequate hydration (counterintuitively, low water intake worsens retention); the effect tends to be dose-dependent and diminishes after the initial adaptation phase |
| Carpal tunnel symptoms | Fluid accumulation in the wrist's carpal tunnel compresses the median nerve; tingling and numbness in the fingers is a well-documented consequence of elevated GH, including from GHRH analogues; more common at higher doses (2 mg) or in users prone to fluid retention | Reduce dose to 1 mg if symptoms appear; wrist splinting at night can relieve nighttime symptoms; symptoms typically resolve when the dose is reduced or the protocol ends |
| Transient injection site redness or discomfort | Mild local reaction at the SC injection site; more common than with many other peptides because the DAC modification slightly increases injection site reactivity; not an infection or systemic reaction | Rotate injection sites; allow the reconstituted solution to reach room temperature before injecting; use a fine-gauge needle (29–31G) |
| Headache (post-injection) | Transient headache in the 30–60 minutes following injection; attributed to acute GH pulse and associated changes in cerebral blood flow; typically brief and self-limiting | Usually resolves without intervention; ensure adequate hydration on injection days; if persistent, reduce dose and reassess |
| Elevated fasting blood glucose | GH is counter-regulatory to insulin and reduces peripheral insulin sensitivity at elevated levels; sustained GH elevation from DAC's long half-life can raise fasting glucose, particularly in users who are already glucose-intolerant or who combine CJC-1295 DAC with other GH-axis stimulants | Monitor fasting glucose periodically on long protocols; avoid very high doses; users with pre-existing insulin resistance should start at the lower end of the dose range (1 mg) |
References
| Source | Topic | Link |
|---|---|---|
| PubMed / J Clin Endocrinol Metab | CJC-1295 clinical pharmacology — long-acting GHRH analog with dose-dependent sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1 in healthy adults, pharmacokinetics, and short-term safety profile across tested doses | Teichman et al., 2006 ↗ |
| NCBI Bookshelf / Endotext | Growth hormone releasing hormone physiology — GHRH stimulation of somatotroph GH production and release, somatostatin inhibition, IGF-1 feedback, ghrelin interaction, and pulsatile GH regulation | Endotext: Normal Physiology of Growth Hormone in Normal Adults ↗ |
| PubMed / J Clin Endocrinol Metab | GHRH and GHRP synergy — human evidence that growth hormone-releasing peptide stimulates GH release and acts synergistically with GH-releasing hormone | Bowers et al., 1990 ↗ |
| PubMed / Endocrine Reviews | Growth hormone secretagogue mechanisms — peptidomimetic regulation of GH secretion, GHS receptor biology, and mechanistic basis for GHRP-class secretagogue activity | Smith et al., 1997 ↗ |
What is CJC-1295 with DAC?
CJC-1295 with DAC is a peptide that stimulates prolonged growth hormone release; see What is Tetrasubstituted 30-Amino Acid Peptide Hormone. It enhances recovery—consult professionals for safe use.
What does CJC-1295 with DAC do?
It boosts GH and IGF-1 for muscle recovery and fat loss; see Mechanism of Action. It supports vitality—monitor with professional guidance.
How to take CJC-1295 Dac?
Inject 1-2 mg weekly via subcutaneous shots; see How to Use. Reconstitute properly—consult for injection technique.
How often to inject CJC-1295 Dac?
Inject 2-3 times weekly for sustained GH release; see How to Use. Timing optimizes results—consult for tailored plans.
What is CJC-1295 No DAC?
CJC-1295 No DAC has a shorter half-life, requiring daily injections; see Comparisons & Alternatives. DAC version is longer-acting—consult for best choice.
What are the possible side effects of CJC-1295 with DAC?
Reported effects may include water retention, mild lethargy, tingling sensations, or temporary changes in insulin sensitivity depending on individual response.
Can CJC-1295 with DAC be stacked with other peptides?
It is often discussed in combination with other peptides like GHRP-class compounds to enhance growth hormone pulsation, depending on protocol design.
What are the potential benefits of CJC-1295 with DAC?
Commonly discussed benefits include improved recovery, better sleep quality, enhanced body composition support, and increased overall anabolic signaling through GH/IGF-1 pathways.
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