Abstract.
CJC-1295 without DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a synthetic growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) analog designed to stimulate the pituitary gland to release endogenous growth hormone (GH). Unlike CJC-1295 with DAC, which is modified for extended half-life (up to 1 week), CJC-1295 no DAC has a much shorter half-life (~30 minutes) but retains high potency and physiologic pulsatility. Preclinical and early clinical data show that GHRH analogs like CJC-1295 can increase circulating GH and downstream insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), with potential applications in growth hormone deficiency, aging, metabolic disorders, wound healing, and muscle repair. However, CJC-1295 no DAC is not FDA-approved and remains a research peptide.
- Background & Mechanism of Action
GHRH physiology: The hypothalamus naturally secretes GHRH, which stimulates pituitary somatotrophs to release GH in pulses.
CJC-1295 design: CJC-1295 is a modified 30-amino-acid GHRH analog. The DAC version binds albumin, prolonging half-life to ~6–8 days. The no DAC version lacks this modification, resulting in rapid clearance but preserving pulsatile GH release.
Key distinction: CJC-1295 no DAC is often combined with GHRP peptides (e.g., Ipamorelin) to mimic physiologic GH release patterns.
- Pharmacokinetics & Dynamics
Half-life: ~30 minutes (vs. 5–8 days with DAC).
Action: Causes a rapid rise in GH, followed by a return to baseline, enabling multiple daily dosing to mimic natural pulsatility.
IGF-1 stimulation: Increases serum IGF-1 in a dose-dependent manner. IGF-1 mediates many of GH’s anabolic and metabolic effects (muscle growth, recovery, fat metabolism).
- Potential Research Benefits
Muscle growth & repair: GH/IGF-1 axis stimulation supports protein synthesis and recovery.
Wound healing & tissue repair: GH promotes collagen synthesis and angiogenesis.
Anti-aging & metabolic health: May improve fat metabolism, lean mass, and bone density.
GH deficiency research: GHRH analogs are being studied as alternatives to recombinant GH therapy.
Neuroprotection: Animal studies suggest GH/IGF-1 modulation may support neurogenesis and cognitive resilience.
- Clinical Evidence & Studies
CJC-1295 with DAC: A human Phase I trial (Teichman et al., 2006) showed significant increases in GH and IGF-1 for up to 1 week post-injection.
No DAC analogs: While fewer direct trials exist, short-acting GHRH analogs (e.g., Sermorelin) provide evidence that short bursts of GHRH analogs are effective at stimulating physiologic GH pulses.
Safety profile: Short-acting GHRH analogs are generally well tolerated; adverse events are usually mild (injection site reactions, flushing, headache).
- Limitations of Evidence
Human data gaps: Most published clinical trials involve CJC-1295 DAC, not the no DAC form.
Short half-life: Requires frequent dosing for sustained GH stimulation.
Regulatory status: Not FDA-approved for medical use; marketed only as a research peptide.
Potential risks: As with any GH-stimulating compound, theoretical risks include insulin resistance, edema, and accelerated tumor growth in predisposed individuals.
- Conclusions
CJC-1295 no DAC is a short-acting GHRH analog that mimics natural pulsatile GH release. Preclinical evidence and extrapolation from GHRH analogs suggest potential benefits in GH deficiency, tissue repair, and metabolic health. However, direct human clinical data remain limited, especially compared to its DAC counterpart. For now, CJC-1295 no DAC should be considered investigational, with research needed to establish dosing, long-term safety, and therapeutic value.
🔟 FAQ: CJC-1295 No DAC
What is CJC-1295 no DAC?
A short-acting GHRH analog designed to stimulate growth hormone release.
How does it differ from CJC-1295 DAC?
No DAC has a short half-life (~30 min), while DAC lasts up to 8 days.
Why use no DAC?
It better mimics physiologic GH pulsatility compared to the flat elevation from DAC.
What are its main benefits in research?
Studied for GH deficiency, wound healing, muscle recovery, fat metabolism, and aging.
Is it FDA approved?
No — it is a research peptide, not approved for medical or clinical use.
How is it usually studied?
Often in combination with GHRPs (like Ipamorelin) to amplify GH pulses.
Are there human trials?
Direct trials are limited. Most human data exist for CJC-1295 DAC and Sermorelin.
What are possible side effects?
Injection site reactions, flushing, water retention, headache, and theoretical insulin resistance.
Does it increase IGF-1?
Yes, via stimulation of endogenous GH release, though the rise is short-lived.
What research is still needed?
Long-term human studies comparing DAC vs. no DAC analogs for efficacy and safety.
📚 Key References (PubMed/PMC)
Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone and IGF-1 by CJC-1295 in humans: A Phase I study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006. PMID: 16522694
Walker RF, et al. Growth hormone–releasing hormone analogs in aging and endocrine disorders. Front Endocrinol. 2017. PMID: 28567071
Thorner MO. Pharmacology of GHRH and analogs. J Endocrinol. 2009. PMID: 19147685
Walker RF & Sattler FR. Short-acting GHRH analogs and metabolic benefits. Endocr Rev. 2015. PMID: 25901047
Corpas E, Harman SM, Blackman MR. Human growth hormone and aging: Clinical studies. Endocr Rev. 1993. PMID: 8246842
SEO & Keywords
Title tag: CJC-1295 No DAC (GHRH Analog) — Research, Benefits, and Clinical Evidence
Meta description: Research review of CJC-1295 no DAC: a short-acting GHRH analog that stimulates GH release. Learn its mechanism, benefits, safety, and FAQ.
Primary keywords: CJC-1295 no DAC, CJC-1295 research peptide, CJC-1295 GH release, CJC-1295 no DAC vs DAC
Secondary keywords: GHRH analog peptide, GH pulsatility, CJC-1295 peptide studies, CJC-1295 IGF-1 effects
⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational and research purposes only. CJC-1295 no DAC is not FDA-approved, and its use outside controlled studies is not recommended.
