CJC-1295 (with DAC)
Also called CJC-1295 DAC; long-acting GHRH analogue
A long-acting growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogue that raises growth hormone and IGF-1 for days in humans. That is not the same as proven muscle, recovery or anti-aging benefits.
Overview
What it is
A GHRH analogue with a drug affinity complex (DAC) that binds albumin in the blood, giving it a half-life of about 6 to 8 days. It is a different substance from CJC-1295 without DAC.
How it works
It signals the pituitary to release growth hormone, which raises IGF-1 downstream.
What the research shows
In 2006 placebo-controlled studies in healthy adults, one injection raised growth hormone about 2- to 10-fold for at least six days and IGF-1 about 1.5- to 3-fold for 9 to 11 days. Growth hormone pulses persisted, but baseline levels between pulses rose substantially. No trials measured strength, fat loss, sleep or longevity.
Studied for
- Growth hormone and IGF-1 levelsshort human studies
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
The early trials reported no serious reactions during short observation. The FDA reports serious adverse events including fast heart rate and a systemic vasodilation reaction, plus immune and impurity concerns.
Regulatory status
Not FDA approved. On FDA's list of compounding substances with potential safety risks. Prohibited in sport (USADA/WADA).
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
CJC-1295 DAC (2 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 2 mg CJC-1295 DAC
- Add diluent
- 1 mL
- Concentration
- 2 mg/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 20 mcg in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- How often
- Once per week (subcutaneous).
- Cycle length
- 8–12 weeks; optional 4-week break between cycles.
Standard Weekly Approach
| Week | Weekly Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–12 | 2,000 mcg (2 mg) | 100 units (1.00 mL) |
How to mix
- Draw 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming or direct stream onto the powder.
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake vigorously).
- Label with reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
Dosing details
- Standard Dose: 2,000 mcg (2 mg) once weekly.
- Conservative Option: 1,000 mcg (1 mg) weekly if exploring lower doses.
- Frequency: Once per week (subcutaneous).
- Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks; optional 4-week break between cycles.
- Timing: Evening administration (pre-bed) may synergize with natural nocturnal GH release; rotate injection sites weekly.
Storage
- Lyophilized: Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) in dry, dark conditions; minimize moisture exposure.
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); follow product-specific use-by instructions and avoid freeze–thaw.
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
Administration technique
- Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol; allow to dry completely.
- Pinch about an inch of skin at the injection site (lower abdomen, outer thigh, or upper arm).
- Insert the needle at a 90° angle into the pinched fold (use 45° if minimal subcutaneous fat).
- Depress the plunger fully, then withdraw the needle and dispose in a sharps container.
- Rotate sites weekly to prevent lipohypertrophy - for example, alternate between left and right abdomen.
Important notes
- Use new sterile insulin syringes for each injection; dispose in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites weekly (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation.
- Inject on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal) as elevated blood sugar may blunt GH release.
- Document weekly dose, date, and site rotation to maintain consistency.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Does it preserve natural growth hormone pulses?
Pulses continued, but levels between pulses rose, so the pattern was not unchanged.
Is DAC the same as no DAC?
No. FDA warns against applying findings across the two.
Does it raise testosterone?
The studies measured growth hormone and IGF-1, not testosterone.
Found in these blends
Related in Performance and Recovery
Sources and further reading (5)
- Teichman SL, et al. Prolonged stimulation of GH and IGF-I by CJC-1295 in healthy adults. JCEM, 2006.
- Ionescu M, Frohman LA. Pulsatile GH secretion persists during CJC-1295. JCEM, 2006.
- FDA. Evaluation of CJC-1295 bulk drug substances, 2024.
- Sackmann-Sala L, et al. CJC-1295 and serum protein profile changes. GH IGF Res, 2009.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).
Laboratory research material: CJC-1295 DAC Research Use Only