Peptide · Research Monograph · Modified GRF(1-29), protease-resistant synthetic GHRH(1-29) analog (no albumin-binding DAC)

CJC-1295

Boosts natural growth hormone in steady, natural pulses

CJC-1295 is a growth-hormone-releasing peptide researched for boosting the body's own growth hormone in natural pulses — commonly studied alongside ipamorelin.

For laboratory research use only — not for human or animal use

Available in the Eon catalog — CJC-1295 from $45.00 Certificate of analysis (PDF)

Molecular data

Molecular formulaC152H252N44O42
Molecular weight3367.97 Da
SequenceTyr-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
Sequence length29 residues
CAS / identifier863288-34-0
Physical formLyophilized Powder
Available sizes5mg

How it works

GHRH-R Agonist

GHRH Receptor Activation

CJC-1295 (without DAC) is a synthetic analog of GHRH(1-29) with four amino acid substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 that confer resistance to DPP-IV and other plasma proteases. It binds and activates GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs with high affinity, mimicking the action of endogenous GHRH.

  • Selective GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) agonism
  • DPP-IV resistance via Ala→Aib substitution at position 2
  • High-affinity pituitary somatotroph binding
Pulsatile GH

Pulsatile GH Secretion

Unlike CJC-1295 DAC, the no-DAC version has a ~30-minute half-life, producing discrete GH pulses rather than sustained elevation. This pulsatile pattern closely mirrors physiological GH secretion, which occurs in 6–12 pulses per day. Research protocols utilize this property to study natural GH pulse dynamics.

  • ~30-minute half-life without albumin binding
  • Produces discrete, physiologic GH pulses
  • Peak GH response within 15–30 minutes
IGF-1 Axis

GH/IGF-1 Axis Stimulation

Each GH pulse drives transient hepatic IGF-1 production. Unlike the prolonged IGF-1 elevation seen with CJC-1295 DAC, the no-DAC version produces IGF-1 responses timed to each injection, allowing more controlled study of GH pulse-to-IGF-1 relationships in research protocols.

  • Transient IGF-1 elevation per GH pulse
  • No cortisol or prolactin elevation
  • Synergistic with GH secretagogues (e.g., ipamorelin)

What the research shows

Endocrinology

Pulsatile GH Research

Short half-life makes CJC-1295 no-DAC the preferred GHRH analog for studying discrete GH pulse dynamics — allowing researchers to precisely time and measure individual GH pulses.

Teichman et al. 2006

Pharmacology

GHRH Analog Comparison

Used as a reference standard in comparative studies evaluating GHRH analog pharmacokinetics, receptor binding, and downstream GH/IGF-1 axis responses versus native GHRH and DAC-modified variants.

Frohman et al. 2003

Combination Research

CJC / Ipamorelin Synergy

GHRH-R (CJC-1295) and GHSR-1a (ipamorelin) act on complementary pituitary pathways. Combined protocols are studied for additive GH pulse amplitude without cortisol or prolactin co-elevation.

Raun et al. 1998

Animal Models

GHRH Axis Restoration

Modified GRF(1-29) used in GHRH-deficient and age-related GH decline animal models to study GHRH receptor replacement activity and GH secretory capacity restoration.

Alba et al. 2006

Specification

Strength5mg
Molecular FormulaC152H252N44O42
Molecular Weight3367.97 g/mol
Purity>99% (HPLC)
FormLyophilized Powder
Also Known AsModified GRF(1-29), Mod GRF, CJC-1295 no DAC
TypeSynthetic GHRH analog — no albumin-binding modification
CAS Number863288-34-0 (base peptide, no DAC)
Amino Acids29 (GHRH 1–29 analog, 4 substitutions)
Key SubstitutionsAla²→Aib, Arg8→Gln, Ala15→Aib, Leu27→Leu (various sources vary)
Plasma Half-Life~20–30 minutes
TestingThird-party HPLC, Mass Spec, Endotoxin
Storage (lyophilized)-20°C for up to 24 months
Storage (reconstituted)2–8°C, use within 30 days
SolubilityBacteriostatic water for reconstitution
COAIncluded with every order
AppearanceWhite to off-white powder

Frequently asked questions

What is CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29)?

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.

How is CJC-1295 (no DAC) different from CJC-1295 DAC?

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.

Why is pulsatile GH release considered important in research?

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.

Why is CJC-1295 (no DAC) often paired with ipamorelin?

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.

Is CJC-1295 without DAC FDA-approved?

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.

How should CJC-1295 (no DAC) be stored?

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.

Literature

  • PubMed Prolonged stimulation of GH and IGF-I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GHRH, in healthy adults Teichman SL et al. — 2006
  • PubMed GHRH analog sermorelin and modified GRF pharmacodynamic comparison — protease resistance and half-life Frohman LA et al. — 2003
  • PubMed Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue Raun K et al. — 1998
  • PubMed Once-daily CJC-1295 normalizes growth in GHRH knockout mice Alba M et al. — 2006

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.