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 substitutions that confer protease resistance. It binds and activates GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, acting on growth hormone synthesis and pulsatile release — the same signalling axis as endogenous GHRH, with a much longer duration.
- Selective GHRH receptor agonism
- GH synthesis measured 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. Once in circulation, it covalently bonds to Cys34 of 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 is followed by hepatic insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) production. IGF-1 remains elevated 9–11 days from a single administration, with cumulative elevation recorded across repeated administrations.
- IGF-1 elevated 1.5–3× above baseline
- Sustained 9–11 days from a single trial dose
- 28-day elevation on multi-dose protocol
What the research shows
Sustained GH Elevation
A single administration was followed by GH 2–10× above baseline for 6+ days. Repeated-administration studies recorded IGF-1 above baseline for 28 days in adult study populations.
Albumin-Depot Mechanism
DAC covalently binds serum albumin Cys34, creating an endogenous depot. Half-life measured at 5.8–8.1 days in published pharmacokinetic characterisation.
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.
Growth Normalization
In GHRH knockout mice, growth was restored toward wild-type, demonstrating in vivo GHRH receptor replacement activity in rodent models.
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 | -20°C for up to 24 months |
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
| 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. Once in circulation, this group covalently bonds to Cys34 of 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 is known about CJC-1295 DAC's pharmacokinetics?
Pharmacokinetic characterisation in adult study populations reported GH elevated 2–10× above baseline for 6+ days and IGF-1 elevated 1.5–3× for 9–11 days. Repeated-administration protocols 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, so a sustained GH signal requires frequent administration in research settings. CJC-1295 DAC's albumin binding extends the half-life to ~8 days - a markedly longer interval, 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. Published characterisation describes cortisol, thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH) and prolactin as unaffected across the range examined. This selectivity distinguishes it from non-selective GH secretagogues such as GHRP-6 and hexarelin, which elevate cortisol and prolactin.
Is CJC-1295 DAC FDA-approved?
No. CJC-1295 DAC was developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies (Canada), and 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. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and protect from light and heat. The DAC modification does not significantly affect peptide stability in lyophilized form.
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.