CJC-1295 is sold in two versions, and the names are easy to confuse. Both are analogs of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). The version with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) carries a linker that binds albumin in the blood, extending its half-life to several days. The version without DAC is the one usually paired with ipamorelin. Neither is FDA-approved.
At a glance
| CJC-1295 (no DAC) | CJC-1295 with DAC | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | GHRH analog that extends the body's natural growth hormone pulse; almost always paired with ipamorelin | GHRH analog with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that binds albumin in the blood, extending its half-life to several days |
| How it's thought to work | Amplifies and extends the natural growth hormone pulse, studied as working synergistically with ghrelin-mimetics like ipamorelin | Acts on the GHRH receptor; a human study found GH pulses persisted while baseline GH rose about 7.5-fold, with IGF-1 elevated for days |
| Regulatory status | Not FDA-approved | Not FDA-approved; prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency |
| Strength of evidence | Studies show amplified GH release combined with GHRP compounds; human data on the combination is limited | Two small randomized, placebo-controlled trials in healthy adults measured GH and IGF-1; no long-term outcome trials |
| Reported side effects | Water retention, flushing, headache, and dizziness, similar to the profile reported for ipamorelin | Water retention, tingling or numbness in the hands, joint aches, headache, injection site reactions |
| Common vial sizes | 2mg, 5mg | 2mg, 5mg |
| Mixing math example | 5 mg + 2 mL BAC water = 2,500 mcg/mL, 25 mcg per unit | 5 mg + 2 mL BAC water = 2,500 mcg/mL, 25 mcg per unit |
Key differences
CJC-1295 without DAC is studied for amplifying and extending the body's natural growth hormone pulse. CJC-1295 with DAC keeps GH and IGF-1 raised for days: one human study found that GH pulses persisted after a single injection while baseline GH levels rose about 7.5-fold.
Both are reported to cause water retention. CJC-1295 without DAC reports also include flushing, headache and dizziness. CJC-1295 with DAC reports include tingling or numbness in the hands, joint aches, headache and injection site reactions.
Neither version is FDA-approved. CJC-1295 with DAC is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
What the research covers
CJC-1295 with DAC has two small randomized, placebo-controlled trials in healthy adults that measured GH and IGF-1 and reported no serious adverse reactions; there are no long-term human outcome trials. Human data specific to the no-DAC version is limited, and research on it mostly concerns its combination with GHRP-class compounds such as ipamorelin.
Sources
- Growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide stimulates GH release in normal men and acts synergistically with GH-releasing hormone. Bowers CY et al. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 1990. Human trial
- Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Raun K et al. European Journal of Endocrinology, 1998. Preclinical
- Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. Teichman SL et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006. Human trial
- Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog. Ionescu M et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006. Human trial
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CJC-1295 and CJC-1295 with DAC?
Both are GHRH analogs. The DAC version binds albumin in the blood, extending its half-life to several days, so GH and IGF-1 stay raised for days rather than in short pulses alone.
What does DAC stand for?
DAC stands for Drug Affinity Complex, a modification that lets the molecule bind albumin in the bloodstream and extends its half-life.
Is CJC-1295 FDA-approved?
No. Neither CJC-1295 without DAC nor CJC-1295 with DAC is FDA-approved.
Which version is paired with ipamorelin?
CJC-1295 without DAC is the version most often discussed paired with ipamorelin.
Both entries, plus the calculator
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