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Register / LoginCJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) that has become one of the most widely studied peptides in the field of endocrine biology research. As a modified version of the naturally occurring GHRH molecule, the CJC-1295 peptide is designed to stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone in laboratory models, making it a subject of significant scientific interest.
One of the most important distinctions researchers must understand when working with CJC-1295 is the difference between its two primary variants: CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) and CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF 1-29). This guide provides a comprehensive research overview of the CJC1295 peptide, its two forms, and how each is studied in laboratory settings.
What Is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide that mimics the action of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH), a naturally occurring hormone produced in the hypothalamus. GHRH signals the anterior pituitary gland to produce and secrete growth hormone (GH). CJC-1295 replicates this signalling mechanism in laboratory models.
The original GHRH molecule is fragile and breaks down rapidly in biological systems due to enzymatic cleavage. CJC-1295 was developed to extend the biological activity of GHRH by modifying specific amino acid residues to resist this degradation, allowing researchers to study GHRH-like effects over longer timeframes in controlled settings.
Key molecular characteristics of CJC-1295:
- Synthetic analogue of GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone)
- 29 amino acid sequence (based on GHRH 1-29 fragment)
- Modified to resist enzymatic cleavage
- Available in two primary research variants: with DAC and without DAC
- Studied in relation to pituitary GH release and IGF-1 pathways
CJC-1295 DAC vs No-DAC: The Core Distinction
The most fundamental decision when working with CJC1295 peptide in laboratory research is whether to use the DAC or No-DAC variant. These two forms differ significantly in their half-life, administration frequency, and biological behaviour in research models.
What Is DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)?
DAC stands for Drug Affinity Complex — a chemical modification attached to the CJC-1295 molecule that allows it to bind to albumin, a protein naturally present in blood and biological fluids. This albumin binding dramatically extends the half-life of the peptide in biological systems.
CJC-1295 DAC binds to albumin in serum, effectively using albumin as a carrier molecule that protects the peptide from enzymatic degradation. This binding is reversible — the peptide is gradually released from albumin over time, producing a sustained release profile.
CJC-1295 With DAC — Research Profile
CJC-1295 with DAC (also referred to as CJC1295 DAC or CJC 1295 DAC) has the following research characteristics:
- Biological half-life: approximately 6–8 days in laboratory models
- Administration frequency in research: typically once or twice weekly
- Produces a prolonged, sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1 in studied models
- Albumin binding extends biological activity significantly beyond the unmodified molecule
- Commonly studied in long-duration research protocols due to its extended action
The extended half-life of CJC-1295 DAC makes it suitable for research designs that require consistent, sustained stimulation of growth hormone pathways over time. Researchers studying chronic GH axis modulation commonly work with this variant.
CJC-1295 Without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) — Research Profile
CJC-1295 without DAC — also known as Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF 1-29 — is the same base peptide sequence without the albumin-binding modification. Its research profile differs substantially:
- Biological half-life: approximately 30 minutes in laboratory models
- Administration frequency in research: typically daily or multiple times per day
- Produces acute, pulsatile GH release mimicking the natural GH secretion pattern
- Does not bind albumin — cleared more rapidly from biological systems
- Often studied in combination with GHRP compounds such as Ipamorelin
The shorter half-life of CJC-1295 without DAC makes it ideal for research examining pulsatile GH release patterns, which more closely mirrors natural physiological GH secretion. This variant is frequently paired with Ipamorelin in research protocols — see Article 6 for a full overview of the CJC-1295 with Ipamorelin combination.
How CJC-1295 Interacts With Biological Systems
GHRH Receptor Binding
CJC-1295 acts as a GHRH agonist — it binds to the GHRH receptor on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland. This binding stimulates the production and secretion of growth hormone (GH) in research models, mimicking the effect of naturally occurring GHRH.
Growth Hormone Release
Following receptor binding, CJC-1295 triggers the pituitary gland to release growth hormone into circulation in the research model. This GH release is the primary endpoint studied in most CJC-1295 research protocols. Researchers measure GH levels as a proxy for peptide activity.
IGF-1 Axis Stimulation
Growth hormone released in response to CJC-1295 stimulates the liver to produce Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is an important anabolic signalling molecule studied across a range of biological contexts including muscle biology, metabolic regulation, and cellular growth. Many CJC-1295 research protocols measure both GH and IGF-1 levels to assess the full extent of the peptide’s biological activity.
CJC-1295 in Research: Key Application Areas
Endocrine System Research
The primary research application of CJC1295 peptide is in endocrine biology, specifically in understanding how GHRH analogues interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-GH axis. Researchers use CJC-1295 to model and study GH secretion patterns in controlled laboratory environments.
Metabolic Research
Given that growth hormone is a critical regulator of metabolism, CJC-1295 is studied in laboratory models examining metabolic processes including lipid metabolism, glucose regulation, and energy homeostasis. The sustained GH stimulation produced by CJC-1295 DAC makes it particularly useful for chronic metabolic research models.
Body Composition Research
GH and IGF-1 both play important roles in regulating lean mass and adipose tissue. CJC-1295 is frequently used in laboratory models designed to investigate how sustained GH axis stimulation influences body composition parameters in controlled research settings.
Longevity and Ageing Biology
Some researchers study CJC-1295 in the context of ageing biology, given that GH secretion naturally declines with age. Laboratory models examining age-related changes in the GH/IGF-1 axis sometimes incorporate CJC-1295 as a research tool for modulating this system.
CJC-1295 DAC: Administration and Storage in Research
For laboratory protocols involving CJC-1295 with DAC or without DAC, correct handling is essential for research integrity:
Reconstitution Protocol
- Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water
- Add water slowly along the vial wall, do not agitate the powder
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved — never shake
- Use sterile technique at all stages
Storage Guidelines
- Store lyophilised CJC-1295 at -20°C for long-term preservation
- Store reconstituted solution at 2–8°C
- Use within recommended timeframe after reconstitution
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Protect from direct light and moisture
CJC-1295 vs Sermorelin: Brief Research Comparison
Researchers working in GH axis biology frequently compare CJC-1295 with Sermorelin, another GHRH analogue. The key differences from a research perspective:
- Sermorelin: 29 amino acid GHRH analogue (GHRH 1-29), shorter half-life, cleared quickly from biological systems
- CJC-1295 No-DAC: Modified 29 amino acid sequence with improved enzymatic resistance, slightly longer half-life than Sermorelin
- CJC-1295 DAC: Same base sequence with albumin-binding modification — dramatically extended half-life of 6–8 days
For a complete research comparison between Sermorelin and Tesamorelin — another GHRH-based peptide — see Article: Sermorelin Peptide vs Tesamorelin Research Comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions About CJC-1295
Q: What is CJC-1295 peptide?
A: CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) used in laboratory research. It stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone in research models, and is available in two variants: with DAC and without DAC.
Q: What is the difference between CJC-1295 DAC and CJC-1295 No-DAC?
A: CJC-1295 DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) binds to albumin in biological systems, extending its half-life to approximately 6–8 days. CJC-1295 without DAC has a shorter half-life of around 30 minutes and produces pulsatile GH release. Researchers choose between them based on their specific study design and GH release pattern requirements.
Q: What does CJC 1295 DAC stand for?
A: DAC stands for Drug Affinity Complex — a chemical modification that enables the peptide to bind to serum albumin, significantly extending its biological half-life compared to the unmodified version.
Q: Is CJC-1295 the same as Modified GRF 1-29?
A: CJC-1295 without DAC is commonly referred to as Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF 1-29. They refer to the same peptide — the modified 29 amino acid GHRH fragment without the albumin-binding DAC modification.
Q: Where can I source CJC-1295 for laboratory research?
A: Meta Molecule offers high-purity CJC-1295 peptide in both DAC and No-DAC variants, with Certificates of Analysis for every batch. Registration is required to access and purchase research products from our catalog.
DISCLAIMER – This article is intended for educational and informational purposes related to biochemical and laboratory research. The information provided does not constitute medical advice and is not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic use. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Research peptides are intended solely for laboratory study by professional researchers and are not intended for human consumption.