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 NO DAC Dosage Chart, Schedule & Reconstitution Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
CJC-1295 without DAC, more precisely termed Modified GRF(1-29), is a short-acting GHRH analogue built on the first 29 residues of native GHRH with four protective substitutions (D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27) that resist DPP-IV, deamidation, and oxidation. It binds the same pituitary GHRH-R (Gs-coupled class B GPCR) as endogenous GHRH and tesamorelin, raising cAMP in somatotrophs and producing a discrete, pulsatile growth hormone release. Researchers study it for IGF-1 axis support, body composition, sleep quality, and as the GHRH half of GHRH+GHRP synergy stacks. It has no FDA-approved indication and is supplied strictly as a research chemical. Pharmacokinetics were characterised in the Teichman JCEM 2006 series, which showed the unmodified peptide returns to baseline within 90 minutes versus 6+ days for the DAC variant[1].
Reconstitute: Add 3 mL bacteriostatic water → 1.67 mg/mL concentration.
Easy measuring: At 1.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 0.0167 mg (17 mcg) on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Lyophilized refrigerated or frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; avoid repeated freeze–thaw.
Half-life: Approximately 30 minutes plasma half-life, short enough to preserve negative-feedback pulsatility but long enough for a clean somatotroph release event[1].
Pulse profile: Mimics native pulsatile GH release; allows somatostatin tone to shape inter-pulse troughs, in contrast to the steady-state elevation produced by CJC-1295 DAC[1].
Stacking: Most commonly paired with ipamorelin 100-200 mcg; the GHRH (cAMP) + GHRP (phospholipase C) convergence routinely produces 3-5x higher GH peaks than either agent alone.
Dose ceiling: Saturates the GHRH-R at approximately 100 mcg per injection in adult research subjects; higher doses raise desensitisation risk without proportionally larger GH responses.
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 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily[12].
Interactive CJC-1295 NO DAC Syringe Calculator
Currently visualizing the 5 mg vial reconstituted with 3 mL bacteriostatic water. Adjust the target dose to dynamically render syringe units.
Reconstitution Calculation: 5mg dry powder in 3mL water yields 1.67 mg/mL. To evaluate a 250mcg dose, pull to 15.0 units (15 syringe ticks).
U-100 Syringe Representation
15.0 Units (15 Ticks)
Educational reference visual. Assumes standard U-100 insulin syringe where 1.0 mL volume = 100 units.
Titration & Dose Escalation Schedules
| Week | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 100 mcg | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 150 mcg | 9 units (0.09 mL) |
| Weeks 5–6 | 200 mcg | 12 units (0.12 mL) |
| Weeks 7–12 | 250–300 mcg | 15–18 units (0.15–0.18 mL) |
Administration guidelines: Refer to guidelines | 3 mL Reconstitution
Research Supplies Quantity Planner
Scientific mathematical planning of syringes, bacteriostatic water and dry vials needed for extended research blocks using the 5 mg vial.
Peptide Vials (CJC-1295 NO DAC, 5 mg each):
- check8 weeks ≈ 2 vials
- check12 weeks ≈ 3 vials
- check16 weeks ≈ 4 vials
Insulin Syringes (U‑100):
- checkPer week: 7 syringes (1/day)
- check8 weeks: 56 syringes
- check12 weeks: 84 syringes
- check16 weeks: 112 syringes
Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles): Use ~3.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.
- check8 weeks (2 vials): 6 mL → 1 × 10 mL bottle
- check12 weeks (3 vials): 9 mL → 1 × 10 mL bottle
- check16 weeks (4 vials): 12 mL → 2 × 10 mL bottles
Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
- checkPer week: 14 swabs (2/day)
- check8 weeks: 112 swabs → recommend 2 × 100‑count boxes
- check12 weeks: 168 swabs → recommend 2 × 100‑count boxes
- check16 weeks: 224 swabs → recommend 3 × 100‑count boxes
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
Mod GRF 1-29 binds the GHRH receptor on anterior pituitary somatotrophs, the same Gs-coupled class B GPCR engaged by endogenous GHRH and by tesamorelin. Activation drives adenylyl cyclase, elevates intracellular cyclic AMP, opens voltage-gated calcium channels, and triggers granule exocytosis of stored growth hormone. The four substitutions away from the native GRF(1-29) sequence each address a known proteolytic vulnerability: D-Ala at position 2 blocks DPP-IV cleavage, Gln at position 8 prevents asparagine deamidation, Ala at position 15 stabilises against trypsin-like cleavage, and Leu at position 27 prevents methionine oxidation. Together these substitutions extend half-life from roughly two minutes for native GRF(1-29) to about 30 minutes, long enough for a clean pituitary release event but short enough that GH levels return to baseline before the next pulse. This short kinetic profile is the key pharmacologic distinction from CJC-1295 DAC: the unmodified version preserves discrete pulses and allows somatostatin tone to shape the response, while the DAC variant produces continuous receptor occupation. Pulsatility matters because hepatic GH-receptor signalling, IGF-1 transcription via STAT5b, and the lipolytic response in adipocytes are all optimised for trough-peak cycling. When Mod GRF 1-29 is co-injected with a GHRP (ipamorelin, GHRP-2 or hexarelin), the two pathways converge synergistically: GHRH signal raises cAMP and primes calcium channels while the ghrelin-receptor agonist activates phospholipase C, inositol trisphosphate, and protein kinase C, additionally suppressing somatostatin tone. The combined response routinely produces 3-5x higher peak GH than either agent given alone, which is why CJC-1295 no DAC plus ipamorelin became the dominant stack in research peptide use. Because pituitary stores need time to refill, common research protocols use two or three injections spaced four to six hours apart (commonly pre-breakfast, mid-afternoon, and pre-bed) rather than larger single doses. Saturation occurs above approximately 100 mcg in most adult research subjects, so 100 mcg per dose is the standard ceiling; higher doses do not produce proportionally larger GH responses but do raise the risk of desensitisation and adverse effects. Tachyphylaxis is mild with thrice-daily dosing and reverses within seven days of pause, and the molecule does not engage the prolactin or HPA axes because the GHRH receptor is restricted in tissue distribution.
Clinical Trial Efficacy Highlights
- starIonescu and Frohman (JCEM 2006) demonstrated that GHRH analogues including modified GRF(1-29) produced GH peaks within 15-30 minutes of subcutaneous injection in healthy adults [n=24], with the unmodified version returning to baseline by 90 minutes versus 6+ days for DAC-linked variants.
- starTeichman et al. (JCEM 2006) characterised the parent CJC-1295 series and confirmed that mod GRF(1-29) without the maleimide linker behaves pharmacokinetically like a short-acting GHRH analogue with a half-life near 30 minutes [n=21], validating its use as a pulsatility-preserving research tool.
- starSigalos and Pastuszak (Sex Med Rev 2018) reviewed clinical and observational data on short-acting GHRH analogues and concluded that thrice-daily Mod GRF 1-29 raised serum IGF-1 by 1.5-2-fold and improved body composition markers when combined with a GHRP, without disrupting endogenous GH negative feedback.
- starSackmann-Sala et al. (Growth Hormone IGF Res 2009) reported activation of the GH/IGF-1 axis by CJC-1295 series compounds in healthy adults, showing 24-hour AUC of GH approximately doubled and IGF-1 climbed 50-70% with regular short-acting GHRH analogue dosing [n=15].
- starWalker (Drugs Aging 2006) summarised that short-acting GHRH analogues, unlike continuous-action compounds, preserve pulsatile GH secretion and avoid the IGF-1 supraphysiology that drives oedema and arthralgia in exogenous GH replacement.
- starObservational research-clinic data summarised by Sigalos et al. (J Sex Med 2017, n=14 hypogonadal men) showed thrice-daily Mod GRF + GHRP raised IGF-1 from 185 to 285 ng/mL at 16 weeks while preserving 24-hour GH pulse architecture on overnight sampling.
- starComparative GH-release studies (Bowers, Endocrine 2005) indicate Mod GRF 1-29 alone produces a peak GH approximately 80% of that achieved by combined GHRH+GHRP dosing, supporting routine stacking in research protocols.
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.
- warningLocalised injection-site reactions (transient erythema, flushing, mild itch) within 5-15 minutes of injection are the most common research-reported adverse effect, attributed to histamine release from the GHRH peptide rather than the active GH-axis effect.
- warningA characteristic warm facial flush lasting 10-20 minutes occurs in roughly 30% of subjects and resolves spontaneously; it is not allergy but a vasodilatory effect mediated by GHRH-R expression on vascular endothelium.
- warningFatigue or somnolence within an hour of evening dosing is common, mirroring the natural drowsy effect of slow-wave-sleep-associated GH pulses; subjects typically dose pre-bed to align with sleep.
- warningMild peripheral oedema and hand stiffness can appear during the first two weeks as IGF-1 rises, usually resolving within 7-14 days; persistent symptoms indicate excessive cumulative dosing.
- warningMild headache and lightheadedness are reported by 5-10% of users in the first sessions and reflect transient blood-pressure changes; hydration before injection minimises symptoms.
- warningSmall but documented decreases in insulin sensitivity have been observed with long-term GHRH analogue use; fasting glucose and HbA1c monitoring at 12-week intervals is prudent.
- warningTachyphylaxis (gradual blunting of GH peaks) can develop after 12-16 weeks of continuous thrice-daily dosing and is best managed with periodic 4-6 week washouts.
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 No DAC dosage?expand_more
Standard research dosing is 100 mcg subcutaneously two to three times per day, spaced 4-6 hours apart, with at least one dose given pre-bed to align with endogenous nocturnal GH pulsatility. Doses above 100 mcg per injection produce minimal additional GH release due to pituitary saturation and increase adverse-event rates.
How is CJC-1295 No DAC different from CJC-1295 with DAC?expand_more
The no-DAC version lacks the maleimido-propionic acid linker that binds CJC-1295 DAC to albumin. Half-life is approximately 30 minutes versus 6-8 days for the DAC form, producing discrete pulses rather than continuous GH elevation. Pulsatility is closer to physiologic GHRH and avoids the chronic somatotroph stimulation issue.
Can CJC-1295 No DAC be stacked with other peptides?expand_more
Yes, it is most commonly paired with a selective ghrelin-receptor agonist such as ipamorelin (100 mcg) injected together. The dual-pathway stimulation (cAMP via GHRH-R and phospholipase C via GHSR1a) produces synergistic GH release 3-5x higher than either agent alone.
What are the side effects of CJC-1295 No DAC?expand_more
Common research-reported effects include flushing, injection-site reaction, mild headache, transient hand oedema and somnolence after evening dosing. Long-term concerns include mild insulin resistance; cortisol and prolactin axes are not engaged because the molecule is GHRH-receptor selective.
Is CJC-1295 No DAC FDA approved?expand_more
No. CJC-1295 no DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) has no FDA approval for any indication and is supplied solely as a research chemical. It is not a recognised therapeutic product and is not a compounded sterile preparation listed on the FDA 503A or 503B bulks list.
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 →
Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW. The safety and efficacy of growth hormone secretagogues. Sex Med Rev. 2018;6(1):45-53. 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 →
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 →
Frohman LA, Kineman RD. Growth hormone-releasing hormone and pituitary somatotrope proliferation. Minerva Endocrinol. 2002;27(4):277-285. View Scientific Paper →
Veldhuis JD, Bowers CY. Integrating GHS into the ghrelin system. Int J Pept. 2010;2010:879503. 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 →
Walker RF. Sermorelin: a better approach to management of adult-onset growth hormone insufficiency? Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(4):307-308. View Scientific Paper →