Written by the Core Power Peptides Research Team — biochemists and laboratory specialists compiling and verifying peptide research data. Learn about our quality standards →
CJC-1295 is really two research tools sharing a name. The Drug Affinity Complex modification — an albumin-binding group that creates a depot effect — stretches half-life from under an hour to roughly a week, changing not just dosing frequency but the entire character of the GH response a protocol will observe. Choosing between them is a study design decision rather than a convenience one.
CJC-1295: One Peptide, Two Pharmacokinetic Profiles
CJC-1295 is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue that has become one of the most widely researched peptides for growth hormone secretion studies. Available in two primary formulations—with and without Drug Affinity Complex (DAC)—this compound offers different pharmacokinetic profiles suited to varying research protocols. Understanding the distinctions between CJC-1295 with DAC and without DAC is essential for designing effective research studies.
What is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a 30-amino acid synthetic peptide that mimics the physiological action of endogenous GHRH, developed to overcome the limitations of native GHRH (short half-life, rapid degradation) by introducing modifications that extend bioavailability while maintaining receptor specificity.
- Amino Acid Count: 30 amino acids
- Peptide Class: GHRH analogue (tetrasubstituted)
- Receptor Target: GH-releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR)
- Primary Effect: Stimulates pituitary GH secretion
CJC-1295 Without DAC vs. With DAC: Key Differences
CJC-1295 Without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29)
- Half-Life: 30-60 minutes
- Peak GH Response: 30-90 minutes post-injection
- Duration of Action: 2-4 hours
- Advantages: More physiological pulse pattern; flexible dosing; rapid onset; suitable for combination studies with ipamorelin
CJC-1295 With DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)
DAC is an albumin-binding modification that extends peptide half-life by attaching to serum albumin, creating a depot effect.
- Half-Life: 6-8 days
- Peak GH Response: 1-4 days post-injection
- Duration of Action: Continuous elevation for 7-14 days
- Advantages: Once-weekly dosing; sustained baseline GH elevation; superior long-term protocol compliance
Research Data
- Without DAC: 2-5x baseline GH elevation; peaks at 30-90 minutes
- With DAC: Sustained 1.5-3x baseline GH elevation for 7-14 days post-injection
- Both formulations show dose-dependent effects (2-100 µg/kg range)
- Combination with ipamorelin: Synergistic GH response 5-10× above baseline via dual GHRHR + GHS-R1a pathway activation
Pharmacokinetic Summary
| Parameter |
Without DAC |
With DAC |
| Half-life |
30–60 min |
6–8 days |
| GH peak |
30–90 min post-dose |
1–4 days post-dose |
| GH duration |
2–4 hours |
7–14 days |
| Dosing frequency |
1–3× daily |
Once weekly |
| GH pattern |
Pulsatile |
Sustained baseline elevation |
| Best for |
Acute studies, combination stacks |
Chronic exposure protocols |
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin Synergy
A common research strategy combines CJC-1295 (GHRH pathway via GHRHR) with ipamorelin (ghrelin pathway via GHS-R1a) for synergistic GH stimulation. Dual pathway stimulation increases GH secretion 5–10× over baseline, dramatically exceeding either compound alone. Pre-mixed blends are available for convenience.
Where to Buy CJC-1295 for Research
- HPLC purity ≥99% with sequence-confirmed COA
- Mass spectrometry identity confirmation
- Both DAC and non-DAC variants from same supplier for comparative studies
CJC-1295 Research Products
HPLC Verified
CJC-1295 Without DAC 5mg
Purity: 99%+ HPLC
Half-Life: 30–60 min
Format: Lyophilized
$45
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HPLC Verified
CJC-1295 With DAC 10mg
Purity: 99%+ HPLC
Half-Life: 6–8 days
Format: Lyophilized
$65
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HPLC Verified
Ipamorelin / CJC-1295 Blend 10mg
Purity: 99%+ HPLC
Synergy: Dual pathway
Format: Lyophilized
$120
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which version should a protocol use?
It depends on the GH pattern being studied. Without DAC produces pulsatile release with GH returning to baseline in 2–4 hours, suiting acute studies and combination work. With DAC sustains elevation for 7–14 days from a single weekly dose, suiting chronic exposure protocols. The non-DAC guide covers the short-acting form in more depth.
How does DAC actually extend half-life?
It binds serum albumin, creating a depot from which the peptide releases gradually — extending half-life from 30–60 minutes to 6–8 days.
How does CJC-1295 compare to tesamorelin?
Both are GHRH analogs, but tesamorelin holds FDA approval with a completed Phase 3 program, while CJC-1295 has Phase 1/2 data only. Tesamorelin is also the full 44-residue GHRH sequence, versus CJC-1295’s modified 30-amino acid structure.
Laboratory reference material. CJC-1295 from Core Power Peptides is supplied for in vitro and research use exclusively — not for human consumption, and carrying no medical claims.
