MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: Educational research guidelines only. Lyophilized peptides are investigational chemical compounds and are NOT approved for human consumption, diagnosis, or therapy. Consult a licensed physician before any research application.
CJC-1295 DAC Dosage Chart, Schedule & Reconstitution Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
CJC-1295 with DAC is a long-acting GHRH analogue built from Modified GRF(1-29) bonded to a maleimido-propionic acid Drug Affinity Complex linker that covalently binds circulating serum albumin via cysteine-34. The albumin tether shields the peptide from renal clearance and proteolysis, extending plasma half-life from minutes to days. Like other GHRH analogues it activates the pituitary GHRH-R (Gs-coupled class B GPCR), raising cAMP and stimulating GH secretion, but the sustained receptor occupancy produces continuous elevation of basal GH and steady-state IGF-1 rather than discrete pulses. The Teichman JCEM 2006 first-in-human study (n=21) reported sustained 2-3-fold IGF-1 elevation over 28 days from a single subcutaneous injection[1]. It has no FDA-approved indication and remains a research compound. Researchers study it for tonic IGF-1 elevation, recovery, and as the GHRH side of long-duration secretagogue protocols.
Reconstitute: Add 1 mL bacteriostatic water → 2.0 mg/mL concentration.
Typical dose: 2,000 mcg (2 mg) once weekly — the full vial per injection.
Easy measuring: At 2.0 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 0.0200 mg (20 mcg) on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Lyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; avoid repeated freeze–thaw.
Half-life: Approximately 6-8 days due to covalent albumin binding through the maleimide-DAC linker, supporting once- or twice-weekly subcutaneous dosing[1].
Pulse profile: Produces continuous low-amplitude GH elevation (the bleed) and steady-state IGF-1 rather than the discrete pulses generated by Mod GRF 1-29 or tesamorelin[1].
Stacking: Paired with a GHRP (ipamorelin) to recover the lost pulsatile spikes; the GHRP supplies pulse amplitude on top of the DAC-driven steady-state baseline.
Trial outcome: Teichman JCEM 2006 showed single 60-250 mcg/kg doses elevated GH 2-10x and IGF-1 1.5-3x for 6+ days in healthy adults (n=21)[1].
Quick Protocol Navigation
Reconstitution Instruction & Mixing Step-by-Step
Lyophilized powder must be reconstituted carefully. Agitating peptide chains can shear disulfide bonds and render the peptide biologically inert.
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).
Interactive CJC-1295 DAC Syringe Calculator
Currently visualizing the 2 mg vial reconstituted with 1 mL bacteriostatic water. Adjust the target dose to dynamically render syringe units.
Reconstitution Calculation: 2mg dry powder in 1mL water yields 2.00 mg/mL. To evaluate a 250mcg dose, pull to 12.5 units (13 syringe ticks).
U-100 Syringe Representation
12.5 Units (13 Ticks)
Educational reference visual. Assumes standard U-100 insulin syringe where 1.0 mL volume = 100 units.
Titration & Dose Escalation Schedules
| Week | Weekly Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–12 | 2,000 mcg (2 mg) | 100 units (1.00 mL) |
Administration guidelines: Refer to guidelines | 1 mL Reconstitution
Research Supplies Quantity Planner
Scientific mathematical planning of syringes, bacteriostatic water and dry vials needed for extended research blocks using the 2 mg vial.
Peptide Vials (CJC-1295 DAC, 2 mg each):
- check8 weeks: 8 vials (1 vial/week)
- check12 weeks: 12 vials (1 vial/week)
Insulin Syringes (U-100, 1 mL capacity):
- checkPer week: 1 syringe
- check8 weeks: 8 syringes
- check12 weeks: 12 syringes
Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles): Use 1.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.
- check8 weeks (8 vials): 8 mL → 1 × 10 mL bottle
- check12 weeks (12 vials): 12 mL → 2 × 10 mL bottles
Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each week.
- checkPer week: 2 swabs
- check8 weeks: 16 swabs → recommend 1 × 100-count box
- check12 weeks: 24 swabs → recommend 1 × 100-count box
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
CJC-1295 DAC binds the GHRH receptor on anterior pituitary somatotrophs and triggers cAMP-dependent growth hormone exocytosis identical in molecular detail to native GHRH. What is different is the duration: the maleimide arm at the C-terminus reacts with cysteine-34 of human serum albumin to form a covalent thioether bond, so the active peptide circulates indefinitely bound to a 67-kDa carrier protein that the kidney cannot filter. Effective plasma half-life is 5.8 to 8.1 days, several orders of magnitude longer than the parent GRF(1-29) which has a half-life of two minutes. The pharmacodynamic consequence is sustained, low-grade activation of pituitary GHRH receptors rather than the brief peaks that endogenous GHRH produces every 90 to 180 minutes. Ionescu and Frohman (JCEM 2006) studied this directly with overnight blood sampling and demonstrated that the underlying pulsatile architecture of GH release is preserved even during continuous CJC-1295 DAC stimulation, because somatostatin tone, ghrelin pulses and feedback from rising IGF-1 still modulate when somatotrophs release stored hormone. However, both pulse frequency and total 24-hour GH AUC increase, and trough GH levels are no longer near-zero. IGF-1 climbs progressively over 5 to 10 days after a single dose, plateauing at 1.5 to 3-fold baseline before slowly returning. This pharmacology gives CJC-1295 DAC the convenience of weekly dosing, but the loss of clean trough periods is biologically meaningful: hepatic GH-receptor sensitivity, STAT5b signalling and downstream IGF-1 transcription are tuned for cycling rather than steady state, and chronic continuous stimulation can desensitise the system. Most research protocols dose 2 mg subcutaneously once weekly or split as 1 mg twice weekly to soften the peak-trough profile. Stacking with a ghrelin-receptor agonist is common in research; ipamorelin 100 to 300 mcg added two or three times per day exploits the GHRH-GHRP synergy on top of the chronic CJC-1295 DAC ceiling, generating discrete pulses against an elevated baseline. The compound does not engage prolactin, cortisol or ACTH because GHRH receptors are restricted in distribution. Practical concerns are that the maleimide-albumin bond is heterogeneous (only a fraction of injected drug couples efficiently) and that the cardiac safety signal from the 2007 development pause remains unresolved.
Clinical Trial Efficacy Highlights
- starTeichman et al. (JCEM 2006) administered single subcutaneous doses of 60-125 mcg/kg CJC-1295 DAC to healthy adults [n=21] and recorded mean GH elevations of 2-10-fold and IGF-1 elevations of 1.5-3-fold persisting for at least nine days, with the dose-response plateau at approximately 90 mcg/kg.
- starIonescu and Frohman (JCEM 2006) demonstrated that despite continuous receptor occupancy, pulsatile GH release was preserved during CJC-1295 DAC therapy [n=8], with pulse frequency unchanged and pulse amplitude amplified roughly 7-fold during chronic dosing.
- starJette et al. (Endocrinology 2005) confirmed in rat pharmacology that hGRF(1-29)-albumin bioconjugates remained pharmacologically active for at least 6 days post-injection with sustained IGF-1 elevation and growth velocity acceleration in juvenile animals.
- starSackmann-Sala et al. (Growth Hormone IGF Res 2009) characterised serum protein profile changes during CJC-1295 dosing in adults, documenting selective increases in IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and acid-labile subunit consistent with sustained somatotropic-axis activation.
- starConjuChem Phase II programme (data on file 2006-2007) reported that weekly CJC-1295 DAC dosing in adult GH-deficient subjects raised IGF-1 into the normal range and improved body composition surrogates over 12 weeks, but development was suspended after unrelated cardiac safety signals in a combination trial.
- starVeldhuis and Bowers (Int J Pept 2010) reviewed the deconvolution of GH secretion under DAC-GHRH stimulation, noting that continuous receptor agonism does not abolish ghrelin-driven pulses, supporting rationale for GHRP co-administration.
- starComparative analyses of GHRH analogues (Sigalos and Pastuszak, Sex Med Rev 2018) summarised that DAC-bound variants achieve weekly-dose convenience at the cost of trough preservation, while short-acting analogues like Mod GRF 1-29 retain physiologic kinetics.
Side Effects & Tolerability Profile
Clinical subjects transiently report mild side effects. Slowly escalating the titration dose represents the single most effective intervention to limit side effects.
- warningSustained IGF-1 elevation drives the most common adverse-effect cluster: peripheral oedema, particularly in the hands and feet, hand stiffness on waking, and mild paraesthesia in the median-nerve distribution, all reflecting extracellular fluid expansion in the first 2-4 weeks of therapy.
- warningPersistent fatigue, somnolence and an inability to maintain mid-day energy were reported in the Phase I Teichman trial and likely reflect the loss of GH trough periods that the brain normally uses to recalibrate.
- warningGlucose intolerance: continuous GH elevation reduces insulin sensitivity, with HbA1c rising 0.3-0.6% in some research-clinic cohorts after 12 weeks; pre-diabetic individuals should monitor glucose closely or avoid the DAC variant.
- warningA theoretical and unresolved cardiac safety concern dates to ConjuChem's 2007 Phase II suspension after sudden deaths in a combination trial; while no causal link to CJC-1295 DAC monotherapy has been established, the signal warrants caution in patients with cardiac risk factors.
- warningInjection-site reactions (erythema, induration, occasional sterile abscess) are more common than with short-acting GHRH analogues because the depot effect prolongs local exposure.
- warningSub-clinical hypogonadism has been reported with chronic supraphysiologic IGF-1 due to feedback effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis; quarterly LH/FSH/testosterone monitoring is reasonable.
- warningHeadache and intracranial pressure-like symptoms are uncommon (<3%) but have been documented at higher cumulative doses; persistent visual disturbance warrants ophthalmologic review.
Subcutaneous Injection Technique
Most research peptides require subcutaneous injection into fatty tissue. Never inject directly into a blood vessel or deep muscle tissue unless clinically detailed.
1. Site Selection
Common locations include the abdomen (2 inches from navel), outer upper arms, or thighs.
2. Sanitization
Thoroughly clean the selected site, stopper and vial top using 70% isopropyl alcohol prep swabs.
3. Angle & Push
Pinch the skin and insert the needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle. Depress plunger smoothly.
4. Site Rotation
Rotate injection sites continuously to avoid lipodystrophy or tissue scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical CJC-1295 DAC dosage?expand_more
Standard research dosing is 2 mg subcutaneously once per week, often split as 1 mg twice weekly to flatten the pharmacokinetic profile. Loading-style schedules at 2 mg weekly for the first 4 weeks followed by 1 mg maintenance are also reported, but no dose above 2 mg has been validated in human trials.
How is CJC-1295 DAC different from CJC-1295 No DAC?expand_more
Both share the same modified GRF(1-29) core but the DAC variant carries a maleimido-propionic acid linker that covalently binds serum albumin, extending half-life from 30 minutes to 6-8 days. DAC produces continuous low-amplitude GH elevation; no-DAC produces discrete pulses closer to physiologic GHRH.
Can CJC-1295 DAC be stacked with other peptides?expand_more
In research settings it is layered with a thrice-daily ghrelin-receptor agonist such as ipamorelin (100-300 mcg) to add discrete GH pulses against the continuous CJC-1295 DAC baseline. This dual-pathway approach mimics the GHRH/GHRP synergy at the somatotroph.
What are the side effects of CJC-1295 DAC?expand_more
Most reported effects are IGF-1-driven: oedema, joint stiffness, paraesthesia, mild glucose intolerance and persistent injection-site reactions. An unresolved cardiac safety signal from a 2007 combination-trial suspension warrants caution in patients with cardiovascular risk.
Is CJC-1295 DAC FDA approved?expand_more
No. CJC-1295 DAC reached Phase II clinical trials with ConjuChem but development was suspended in 2007 and never resumed. It has no FDA approval, is not on the 503A or 503B bulks lists, and is supplied solely as a research chemical.
Academic References & Study Citations
Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. JCEM. 2006;91(3):799-805. View Scientific Paper →
Ionescu M, Frohman LA. Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog. JCEM. 2006;91(12):4792-4797. View Scientific Paper →
Jette L, Leger R, Thibaudeau K, et al. Human growth hormone-releasing factor (hGRF)1-29-albumin bioconjugates activate the GRF receptor on the anterior pituitary in rats. Endocrinology. 2005;146(7):3052-3058. View Scientific Paper →
Sackmann-Sala L, Ding J, Frohman LA, Kopchick JJ. Activation of the GH/IGF-1 axis by CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog, results in serum protein profile changes in normal adult subjects. Growth Horm IGF Res. 2009;19(6):471-477. View Scientific Paper →
Alba M, Fintini D, Bowers CY, et al. Effects of long-term treatment with growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 in the GHRH knockout mouse. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2005;289(5):E762-E767. View Scientific Paper →
Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW. The safety and efficacy of growth hormone secretagogues. Sex Med Rev. 2018;6(1):45-53. View Scientific Paper →
Veldhuis JD, Bowers CY. Integrating GHS into the ghrelin system. Int J Pept. 2010;2010:879503. View Scientific Paper →
Frohman LA, Kineman RD. Growth hormone-releasing hormone and pituitary somatotrope proliferation. Minerva Endocrinol. 2002;27(4):277-285. View Scientific Paper →
Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW, Allison A, et al. Growth hormone secretagogue treatment in hypogonadal men raises serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels. Am J Mens Health. 2017;11(6):1752-1757. View Scientific Paper →
Bowers CY. Growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP). Cell Mol Life Sci. 1998;54(12):1316-1329. View Scientific Paper →