Overview
CJC-1295 with DAC is a GHRH analog built on a modified GRF(1-29) backbone and conjugated to a Drug Affinity Complex, a maleimido group that forms a covalent bond with circulating serum albumin. This albumin binding has been studied as the mechanism behind its markedly prolonged half-life relative to native GHRH or the no-DAC form. The extended exposure has made it a subject of research interest for producing a sustained elevation of growth hormone and IGF-1.
Mechanism of action
Like other GHRH analogs, CJC-1295 DAC binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs to stimulate growth hormone synthesis and release. The defining feature is the DAC, which forms a covalent linkage with albumin in the bloodstream, protecting the peptide from rapid enzymatic degradation and renal clearance. The result studied in research is a long-lasting circulating reservoir that can sustain growth hormone stimulation over an extended period, in contrast to the brief action of native GHRH. The sustained exposure is noted in research as producing a more tonic, less pulsatile elevation of GH and IGF-1 compared with short-acting analogs.
Research findings
Research describes covalent binding to serum albumin via the DAC, dramatically extending circulating half-life.,Studies report sustained elevations of growth hormone and IGF-1 over extended periods relative to native GHRH.,The extended exposure is studied as producing a more tonic than pulsatile GH profile, a frequently discussed distinction from no-DAC forms.,It is often examined alongside ghrelin-receptor secretagogues to study combined GH-axis stimulation.,Its modified GRF(1-29) backbone shares the stability-enhancing substitutions of the no-DAC analog.
Research context
In the research literature, CJC-1295 DAC is distinguished by a half-life reported on the order of days, a direct consequence of its albumin-binding Drug Affinity Complex, which contrasts sharply with the minutes-scale half-life of native GHRH. Reported study protocols and exposure ranges vary across investigations and models, and the resulting pharmacodynamic profile (tonic versus pulsatile GH elevation) is model-dependent. High-level descriptors are discussed at the level of general findings rather than individualized parameters. This is a research reference only. Not approved for human use outside regulated settings; consult the primary literature.
Handling & storage
Lyophilized peptide is typically stored frozen and protected from light and moisture in a controlled laboratory setting; reconstituted material is generally kept refrigerated and handled under standard aseptic laboratory practice. Label for research use only, avoid heat and repeated freeze-thaw, and dispose of per institutional protocols.
Reported safety signals
Research notes effects consistent with growth hormone axis stimulation, including possible fluid retention, headache, flushing, injection-site reactions, and altered glucose handling; the sustained, less pulsatile GH elevation is discussed as a point of attention relative to short-acting analogs. Human safety data are limited.
Studied alongside
In research and discussion it is frequently paired conceptually with ghrelin-receptor secretagogues such as ipamorelin and GHRP-2 to study complementary GH-axis stimulation, and it is closely compared with its own no-DAC counterpart and with tesamorelin.
At a glance
Research strengths
- Greatly extended half-life via albumin-binding Drug Affinity Complex
- Sustained stimulation of the GH/IGF-1 axis in research models
- Acts upstream on the pituitary, preserving feedback regulation
- Stabilized modified GRF(1-29) backbone
Limitations & cautions
- Sustained exposure produces a more tonic, less physiologic pulsatile GH profile
- Effects depend on intact pituitary responsiveness
- GH-axis-related effects such as fluid retention and glucose changes
- Limited human safety data outside research
