Overview
CJC-1295 with DAC is a growth hormone-related peptide. GHRH analog with Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) extending half-life to approximately 8 days.
With a half-life of ~8 days (192 hours), CJC-1295 with DAC supports less frequent dosing schedules. Administered via SubQ injection, it has a bioavailability of approximately 95% via its primary route.
DAC binds to albumin, dramatically slowing clearance compared to the non-DAC variant. One-compartment model.
Mechanism of Action
CJC-1295 with DAC's pharmacological activity involves the following key pathways:
GHRH Receptor Activation
CJC-1295 with DAC binds to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) receptors on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary, stimulating GH synthesis and secretion.
Pulsatile GH Release
Activation of GHRH receptors promotes GH release in a pulsatile pattern that more closely mimics physiological secretion compared to exogenous GH administration.
Dosing Protocols
The following protocols represent commonly observed dosing patterns. These are observational summaries, not recommendations.
Dose
1000 mcg/week
Route
Subcutaneous
Frequency
Once weekly
Duration
4-12 weeks
Dose
2000 mcg/week
Route
Subcutaneous
Frequency
Once weekly
Duration
4-12 weeks
Reconstitution Steps
CJC-1295 is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and requires reconstitution before use. Common vial sizes: 2 mg, 5 mg.
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1
Gather supplies
You will need the lyophilised CJC-1295 (with DAC) vial, bacteriostatic water (BAC water), an insulin syringe (U-100), and an alcohol swab. BAC water is essential — its benzyl alcohol content preserves the reconstituted peptide for up to 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator.
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2
Clean both vial tops
Wipe the rubber septum of both the peptide vial and the BAC water vial with a fresh alcohol swab and allow to air-dry for 10–15 seconds before inserting any needle.
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3
Draw the bacteriostatic water
For a 2 mg vial, draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water. This yields a concentration of 1,000 mcg/mL, where a 1 mg (1,000 mcg) dose equals 100 units (1.0 mL) and a 500 mcg dose equals 50 units on a U-100 syringe.
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4
Inject the water slowly along the vial wall
Tilt the vial slightly and direct the stream of water gently down the inside glass wall rather than onto the powder cake. This prevents foaming and mechanical shear that can fragment the peptide structure.
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5
Swirl gently to dissolve
Roll the vial gently between your palms for 20–30 seconds until the powder is fully dissolved and the solution appears clear and colourless. Avoid vigorous shaking — the DAC modification makes this peptide somewhat more sensitive to mechanical agitation than shorter analogs.
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6
Store and label
Refrigerate at 2–8°C immediately after reconstitution. Label with the reconstitution date and discard unused solution after 28 days.
Quick Reconstitution Math
2 mg vial + 2.0 mL BAC water = 1,000 mcg/mL. A 1 mg (1,000 mcg) dose = 100 units on a U-100 syringe. A 500 mcg dose = 50 units. Use the Milligram reconstitution calculator for custom vial sizes.
Reconstituted solution stable refrigerated at 2–8°C for up to 28 days. Lyophilised powder stores frozen at –20°C for up to 3 years. Avoid freeze–thaw cycles after reconstitution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CJC-1295 with DAC and how does it differ from the no-DAC version?
CJC-1295 with DAC is a long-acting GHRH analog that incorporates a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) – a reactive lysine–maleimide moiety that covalently binds the peptide to circulating serum albumin after injection. This albumin binding dramatically extends the half-life to approximately 6–8 days (compared to ~30 minutes for the no-DAC version), allowing a single weekly injection to sustain elevated GH and IGF-1 levels throughout the week. The trade-off is a continuous, blunted GH elevation rather than the sharper, pulsatile pattern produced by the no-DAC form.
What does the clinical research show about CJC-1295 with DAC?
In human clinical trials published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, a single injection of CJC-1295 (with DAC) produced dose–dependent increases in mean plasma GH concentrations of 2– to 10–fold lasting 6 or more days, and elevated IGF-1 levels by 1.5– to 3–fold for 9–11 days. After multiple weekly doses, mean IGF-1 levels remained above baseline for up to 28 days, and the estimated half-life in healthy adults was reported as 5.8–8.1 days.
How is CJC-1295 with DAC typically dosed?
Due to its 6–8 day half-life, CJC-1295 with DAC is commonly observed dosed once weekly at 1,000–2,000 mcg (1–2 mg) via subcutaneous injection. Some protocols use twice-weekly dosing at lower amounts to distribute the GH elevation more evenly across the week. Consistent dosing on the same day(s) each week is the standard approach reported in both clinical literature and observational protocols.
What are the reported effects of CJC-1295 with DAC?
Observed effects in research and user reports include sustained increases in GH and IGF-1, improved sleep quality, enhanced recovery, gradual improvements in body composition (lean mass and fat reduction), and increased connective tissue resilience. Because GH elevation is continuous rather than pulsatile, some users report a degree of fluid retention – a known consequence of prolonged GH receptor activation – that is typically less pronounced with the pulsatile no-DAC version.
Can CJC-1295 with DAC be stacked with Ipamorelin?
CJC-1295 with DAC and Ipamorelin are commonly combined, though their pharmacokinetics differ significantly. The DAC version is typically dosed once weekly, while Ipamorelin is dosed daily or multiple times per day. When stacked, Ipamorelin provides daily GHRP-mediated GH pulses while the DAC version maintains an elevated GHRH signal baseline throughout the week. The combination produces higher mean GH output than either compound alone.
How should CJC-1295 with DAC be stored?
Lyophilised powder should be stored frozen at –20°C for long–term stability; some sources recommend –50°C or colder for storage beyond 6 months, with reported stability of up to 3 years frozen. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, the solution should be refrigerated at 2–8°C and used within 3–4 weeks. Freeze–thaw cycles after reconstitution should be avoided.