CJC-1295: Complete Guide
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-29) with modifications that significantly extend its half-life compared to natural GHRH. It exists in two forms: CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex), which has a half-life of 6-8 days due to albumin binding, and CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF), which has a half-life of approximately 30 minutes. The DAC version produces sustained GH elevation while the non-DAC version preserves pulsatile GH release.
Last updated: 2026-01-28
Quick Facts
- Category
- therapeutic
- Also Known As
- Modified GRF 1-29, CJC-1295 DAC
- Related Goals
- muscle growth, anti aging
Who Researches CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is researched by people looking to optimize growth hormone output for muscle growth, fat loss, better sleep, and anti-aging. It's one half of the most popular GH peptide stack — almost always paired with ipamorelin for synergistic results. If you're new to GH peptides, the CJC-1295 (no DAC) + ipamorelin combination is widely considered the standard starting point due to its effectiveness and favorable side effect profile. It's popular with fitness enthusiasts, aging adults noticing GH decline, and anyone looking to improve body composition and recovery without using direct GH injections.
Related Resources
- Stacks: GH Optimization Stack · Muscle Growth Stack
- Comparisons: Sermorelin vs CJC-1295 · CJC-1295 vs Tesamorelin
CJC 1295 / Ipamorelin Blend (10mg)
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What Is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 was developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies as an improvement over native GHRH and earlier analogs like sermorelin. The key innovation was amino acid substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 of the GHRH(1-29) sequence that resist enzymatic degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) — the primary enzyme that destroys circulating GHRH.
The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version adds a reactive chemical group that forms a covalent bond with serum albumin after injection. Since albumin has a half-life of ~20 days, this "piggybacking" dramatically extends CJC-1295's circulation time to 6-8 days, providing sustained GH stimulation from a single injection.
The non-DAC version (Mod GRF 1-29) has the same amino acid substitutions for DPP-IV resistance but lacks the albumin-binding group. Its half-life (~30 minutes) is longer than sermorelin (~10 minutes) but much shorter than the DAC version, producing GH pulses rather than sustained elevation.
Dosage Overview
| Form | Dose | Frequency | Often Combined With |
|---|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 with DAC | 1–2 mg | Once weekly | Standalone |
| CJC-1295 no DAC (Mod GRF) | 100–200 mcg | 2–3× daily | Ipamorelin 200 mcg |
The non-DAC version is typically dosed at bedtime (to amplify the nocturnal GH pulse) and optionally post-exercise. Fasted administration is important. Use the peptide calculator for reconstitution.
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Side Effects & Safety
- Injection site reactions: Common with both forms
- Water retention: GH-related fluid retention, particularly with DAC version
- Flushing/warmth: Transient sensation after injection
- Numbness/tingling: Related to GH-mediated fluid effects
- DAC-specific concern: Sustained (non-pulsatile) GH elevation may desensitize GH receptors and produce side effects similar to exogenous GH, including insulin resistance
The non-DAC version is generally considered to have a more favorable side effect profile due to preserving pulsatile GH release.