CJC-1295 (with DAC)
Long-acting GHRH analogue (Drug Affinity Complex), not sold by Peptiva
GHRH is the hormone that triggers growth hormone release. The DAC is a chemical anchor that extends the action for several days.
In healthy volunteers, a single injection of CJC-1295 with DAC raised growth hormone 2 to 10 times for six days or more, and IGF-1 1.5 to 3 times (Teichman, 2006).
Its DAC (drug affinity complex) binds it to albumin in the blood: its half-life goes from a few minutes to 5.8 to 8.1 days.
Peptiva sells the No DAC version, whose action lasts for one pulse. This entry explains the difference.
- Half-life
- Six to eight days, thanks to albumin binding.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection, spaced out thanks to its very long half-life.
Technical sheet
- Family
- Long-acting GHRH analogue (Drug Affinity Complex), not sold by Peptiva
- Half-life
- Six to eight days, thanks to albumin binding.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection, spaced out thanks to its very long half-life.
- Time to effect
- GH elevated from the first few hours onward; IGF-1 elevated for one to two weeks after a single injection.
- Level of evidence
- Documented in humans
Not sold by Peptiva: see the CJC-1295 (No DAC) entry and the combined formula with ipamorelin.
The GHRH receptor, stimulated for days
Like the No DAC version, it reproduces GHRH on the pituitary. Its DAC (drug affinity complex) forms a stable bond with albumin, the blood's transport protein: the peptide thus escapes the enzymes and the kidneys, and circulates for days.
Background stimulation, pulses preserved
It stimulates the pituitary continuously, and yet the GH pulses are preserved: their amplitude increases, their frequency doesn't change, because somatostatin continues to set the pace of release.
Why Peptiva chose the No DAC version
A continuous rise in GH and IGF-1 moves away from physiology, where GH is released in pulses. The No DAC version, with ipamorelin, reproduces that rhythm and leaves the body its feedback control. It's a choice about rhythm, not about strength.
Effects and realistic timelines
Sustained growth hormone: raised 2 to 10 times for six days or more
Days
Recovery and body composition: IGF-1 raised 1.5 to 3 times
Weeks to months
What you may feel
- Flushing, facial redness, and headache right after the injection.
- Water retention and tingling in the hands, more frequent than with the short-acting version because of the continuous stimulation.
- Reaction at the injection site.
Stop and consult if
- Persistent tingling or joint pain.
- Intense thirst, heavy urination.
When to abstain
- Active cancer or a recent history of it.
- Uncontrolled diabetes.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- A known pituitary disorder.
- Minors.
Anti-doping : Prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (growth hormone-releasing factors, S2).
This sheet is educational. It replaces neither a diagnosis nor follow-up: for any medical condition, pregnancy, breastfeeding or current medication, talk to a health professional.
To avoid
- Another GHRH analogue at the same time: continuous double stimulation of the same receptor.
Trials in healthy volunteers, published in endocrinology: GH raised two- to tenfold and IGF-1 1.5- to threefold for six days or more after one injection, pulses preserved, good tolerability across repeated injections.
2006 · Teichman et al., Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
Healthy human volunteers, single or repeated injection
GH elevated two- to tenfold and IGF-1 elevated 1.5- to threefold for six days or more after an injection; good tolerability.
2006 · Ionescu and Frohman, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
Healthy human volunteers, GH measured every 10 minutes over 24 hours
Amplitude of GH pulses increased, frequency unchanged: natural pulsatility is preserved despite the extended action.
2005 · Jetté et al., Endocrinology
Pharmacology of albumin binding (cells and an experimental model)
The DAC forms a stable bond with albumin and extends the action of the GHRH analogue from a few minutes to several days.
Why an entry for a product Peptiva doesn't sell?
Because the question “with or without DAC?” comes up constantly: the published trials concern the DAC version, and knowing it is what explains why Peptiva offers the No DAC version.
Is DAC stronger?
It's longer-lasting, not stronger: the stimulation lasts for days instead of a single pulse, hence a less natural rhythm and more water retention.
Which version for sleep?
The No DAC version, injected at bedtime: it amplifies the pulse at the start of the night without stimulating during the day.
Glossary (5)
- DAC
- Drug affinity complex: a chemical anchor that binds a molecule to albumin to extend its action.
- Albumin
- The most abundant protein in the blood; it transports hormones, medications, and fatty acids.
- Half-life
- The time it takes for half of the product to clear from the blood.
- Pulsatility
- Release in waves rather than continuously; the natural rhythm of growth hormone.
- Feedback control
- The mechanism by which the body reins in a hormone once its effect (here, IGF-1) has been achieved.