CJC-1295

CJC-1295 without DAC — also called Modified GRF(1-29) or Mod GRF — is a synthetic 29-amino acid analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It incorporates four amino acid substitutions that resist DPP-IV protease cleavage, extending the half-life from ~7 minutes (native GHRH) to approximately 20–30 minutes. Unlike CJC-1295 DAC, it does not contain the albumin-binding Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) modification, so it produces pulsatile rather than sustained GH stimulation.

The sole structural difference is the presence or absence of the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) — a maleimidopropionic acid group on Lys8. Without DAC: half-life ~30 minutes, produces discrete GH pulses, requires multiple daily administrations for sustained effects, mirrors physiological GH pulse patterns. With DAC: half-life 5.8–8.1 days via albumin binding, produces sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation, enables once-weekly dosing in research protocols.

Endogenous growth hormone is secreted in 6–12 discrete pulses per day from the anterior pituitary, primarily during slow-wave sleep. Pulsatile GH secretion is associated with differential downstream effects compared to continuous exposure — affecting IGF-1 production, receptor sensitivity, and anabolic signaling differently. CJC-1295 without DAC's short half-life makes it useful for research protocols that need to preserve or study this physiological pulsatile pattern, rather than maintaining continuous elevated GH.

CJC-1295 (no DAC) activates GHRH receptors (GHRH-R) on pituitary somatotrophs, while ipamorelin activates Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor 1a (GHSR-1a). These are distinct receptor systems that work through complementary intracellular pathways. When both pathways are activated simultaneously, GH pulse amplitude is enhanced above what either compound produces alone. This synergistic mechanism is the scientific rationale behind the CJC-1295/Ipamorelin research blend.

No. CJC-1295 without DAC is not FDA-approved for any indication. It is a research compound available for in vitro laboratory use only. No standalone Phase 3 clinical trials have been completed for this specific form. It is not intended for human therapeutic use.

Lyophilized (powder) form should be stored at -20°C for long-term stability. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, store at 2–8°C and use within 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and protect from light. The absence of the DAC modification means the peptide is more susceptible to DPP-IV degradation once in solution — use reconstituted material promptly.