Molecular data
| Molecular formula | C152H252N44O42 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 3367.97 Da |
| Sequence | Tyr-D-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Gln-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Ala-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Leu-Ser-Arg-Gln |
| Sequence length | 30 residues |
| CAS / identifier | 863288-34-0 |
| Physical form | Lyophilized Powder |
| Available sizes | 5mg |
How it works
GHRH Receptor Activation
CJC-1295 DAC is a 30-amino acid analog of GHRH(1–29) with four strategic substitutions that confer protease resistance. It binds and activates GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, directly stimulating growth hormone synthesis and pulsatile release — the same signaling axis as endogenous GHRH, but massively extended.
- Selective GHRH receptor agonism
- Stimulates GH synthesis in somatotrophs
- Preserves pulsatile GH secretion pattern
Albumin Binding — Half-Life Extension
The Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) is a maleimidopropionic acid group attached to Lys8 of the peptide. After injection, it covalently bonds to Cys34 of circulating serum albumin — eliminating DPP-IV cleavage and extending half-life from 7 minutes to 5.8–8.1 days. The albumin acts as a circulating depot, slowly releasing active peptide.
- Covalent bond to serum albumin Cys34
- Eliminates DPP-IV protease cleavage
- 1,650× longer half-life vs native GHRH
Downstream IGF-1 Elevation
Sustained GH elevation drives hepatic insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) production. IGF-1 mediates downstream effects and remains elevated 9–11 days from a single injection due to the sustained GH signal, with cumulative elevation demonstrated on multi-dose protocols.
- IGF-1 elevated 1.5–3× above baseline
- Sustained 9–11 days from single injection
- 28-day elevation on multi-dose protocol
What the research shows
Sustained GH Stimulation
Single SC injection elevates GH 2–10× for 6+ days. Multi-dose protocols maintain IGF-1 above baseline for 28 days in healthy adults.
Teichman et al. 2006
Albumin-Depot Mechanism
DAC covalently binds serum albumin Cys34, creating an endogenous depot. Half-life measured at 5.8–8.1 days — enabling once-weekly administration in research protocols.
Teichman et al. 2006
GHRH Axis Selectivity
Cortisol, thyroid hormones, and prolactin remain unaffected across all doses tested — confirming selective GHRH receptor agonism without hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activation.
Teichman et al. 2006
Growth Normalization
Once-daily CJC-1295 normalized growth in GHRH knockout mice, demonstrating in vivo GHRH receptor replacement activity with favorable tolerability in rodent models.
Alba et al. 2006
Specification
| Also Known As | DAC:GRF, CJC-1295 with DAC |
|---|---|
| Type | Synthetic GHRH analog with Drug Affinity Complex |
| CAS Number | 863288-34-0 |
| Molecular Weight | 3,647.1 g/mol |
| Amino Acids | 30 (GHRH 1–29 analog) |
| DAC Modification | Maleimidopropionic acid on Lys8 → covalent albumin Cys34 binding |
| Plasma Half-Life | 5.8–8.1 days (albumin-bound) |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Testing | Third-party HPLC, Mass Spec, Endotoxin |
| Storage (lyophilized) | -20°C for up to 24 months |
| Storage (reconstituted) | 2–8°C, use within 28 days |
| Solubility | Bacteriostatic water for reconstitution |
| COA | Included with every order |
| Strength | 5mg |
| Molecular Formula | C152H252N44O42 |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
Frequently asked questions
What is CJC-1295 DAC and how does the DAC modification work?
CJC-1295 DAC (also called DAC:GRF) is a 30-amino acid synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) modification — a maleimidopropionic acid group at Lys8. After injection, this group covalently bonds to Cys34 of circulating serum albumin. Albumin acts as a circulating depot, slowly releasing active peptide and extending the half-life from ~7 minutes (native GHRH) to 5.8–8.1 days.
What did the clinical research on CJC-1295 DAC show?
Teichman et al. (JCEM 2006) conducted two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in 57 healthy adults (ages 21–61). Results: a single 30–60 µg/kg SC injection elevated GH 2–10× above baseline for 6+ days and IGF-1 by 1.5–3× for 9–11 days. Multi-dose protocols (2–3 weekly/biweekly injections) maintained IGF-1 above baseline for up to 28 days with a cumulative effect. No serious adverse events were reported.
How is CJC-1295 DAC different from CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29)?
The sole structural difference is the DAC modification. CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29, "Mod GRF") has a half-life of approximately 20–30 minutes and must be administered multiple times daily for sustained GH stimulation. CJC-1295 DAC's albumin binding extends the half-life to ~8 days — enabling once-weekly dosing while preserving the same GHRH receptor selectivity.
Does CJC-1295 DAC affect cortisol or other stress hormones?
No. CJC-1295 DAC acts selectively on the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs. Clinical trial data confirmed that cortisol, thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH), and prolactin were unaffected across all doses tested. This selectivity distinguishes it from non-selective GH secretagogues such as GHRP-6 and hexarelin, which elevate cortisol and prolactin as known side effects.
Is CJC-1295 DAC FDA-approved?
No. CJC-1295 DAC was developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies (Canada). Phase 1/2 trials were completed in 2006, but Phase 3 development was never pursued after the company dissolved. It has never received FDA approval and is classified as a research compound. It is sold for in vitro research purposes only and is not intended for human therapeutic use.
How should CJC-1295 DAC be stored?
Lyophilized (powder) form should be stored at -20°C for up to 24 months. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, store at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and protect from light and heat. The DAC modification does not significantly affect peptide stability in lyophilized form.
Literature
- PubMed Prolonged stimulation of GH and IGF-I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GHRH, in healthy adults
- PubMed Once-daily administration of CJC-1295 normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse
- PubMed Drug Affinity Complex technology: extending peptide half-life via covalent albumin binding
- PubMed GHRH analog sermorelin and CJC-1295 pharmacodynamic comparison in GH deficiency models
For laboratory research use only. Not a drug, supplement, or medical product; not for human or animal use. All findings referenced are from published preclinical/laboratory research.