Abstract.
CJC-1295 is a synthetic growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) analog designed to stimulate endogenous growth hormone (GH) secretion. Two main variants exist: CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex), which binds to albumin and has an extended half-life, and CJC-1295 without DAC, which has a shorter half-life but allows for physiologic pulsatile GH release. Understanding their differences in pharmacokinetics, biological activity, and research applications is essential for evaluating their potential in growth hormone deficiency, anti-aging, metabolic health, and tissue repair.
1. Mechanism of Action
- Both versions act as GHRH analogs, binding to pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate GH release.
- CJC-1295 DAC: Modified with a Drug Affinity Complex, it binds to serum albumin and resists degradation, resulting in a prolonged GH/IGF-1 response.
- CJC-1295 No DAC: Lacks this modification, leading to a rapid but short-lived GH spike (~30 min half-life). This mimics natural GH pulsatility more closely.
2. Pharmacokinetics Comparison
| Feature | CJC-1295 No DAC | CJC-1295 DAC |
|---|---|---|
| Half-life | ~30 minutes | 6–8 days |
| Dosing frequency (research) | Multiple daily | Weekly to biweekly |
| GH release | Pulsatile, short bursts | Sustained, flat elevation |
| IGF-1 levels | Moderate, transient | Elevated for 6–14 days |
| Physiologic mimicry | Closer to natural | Less physiologic (non-pulsatile) |
| Research combos | Often combined with GHRPs (e.g., Ipamorelin) | Typically used alone |
3. Research Benefits
CJC-1295 No DAC
- Supports natural pulsatile GH release.
- Potential applications in tissue repair, neuroprotection, and metabolic research.
- May be safer long-term by avoiding constant IGF-1 elevation.
CJC-1295 DAC
- Strong, long-lasting IGF-1 stimulation.
- Lower frequency of administration, easier for compliance in clinical trials.
- Investigated in GH deficiency and metabolic syndrome models.
4. Clinical & Preclinical Evidence
- CJC-1295 DAC: In a Phase I study, healthy adults given CJC-1295 DAC had significant, dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-1 lasting up to 14 days.
- CJC-1295 No DAC: Direct human trials are limited. Evidence is mostly inferred from other short-acting GHRH analogs (like Sermorelin), which have been shown to enhance pulsatile GH release.
5. Safety Considerations
- Shared risks: Injection site reactions, flushing, headache, water retention, potential insulin resistance.
- DAC-specific risks: Because of prolonged GH/IGF-1 elevation, there is a theoretical risk of promoting tumor growth in predisposed individuals.
- No DAC-specific risks: Requires multiple injections per day, which may lead to compliance and irritation issues.
6. Conclusions
- CJC-1295 No DAC is favored in research aiming to replicate physiologic GH pulses.
- CJC-1295 DAC is more convenient for long-term IGF-1 elevation and clinical trials.
- Future studies should compare metabolic, anabolic, and safety outcomes of pulsatile vs. sustained GH stimulation to determine optimal applications.
🔟 FAQ — CJC-1295 No DAC vs DAC
- What is the difference between DAC and no DAC?
DAC = long half-life (days); No DAC = short half-life (minutes). - Which mimics natural GH secretion better?
CJC-1295 no DAC, due to pulsatile release. - Which provides higher IGF-1 levels?
CJC-1295 DAC, with prolonged elevation. - Is either FDA-approved?
No — both are research peptides only. - Why use DAC in studies?
Convenience — weekly dosing vs multiple daily injections. - Why use no DAC in studies?
To preserve natural GH pulsatility and potentially reduce side effects. - Are there human trials?
DAC has published trials; no DAC data mostly extrapolated from Sermorelin and other short-acting GHRH analogs. - Which is safer?
Both require more study; DAC may carry greater risk of continuous IGF-1 exposure, while no DAC may be safer long-term. - Can they be combined with GHRPs?
Yes, especially CJC-1295 no DAC, often combined with Ipamorelin. - Which is better for research on aging?
Depends on the model — DAC for sustained IGF-1 elevation; no DAC for physiologic pulsatility.
📚 Key References
- 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
- Corpas E, Harman SM, Blackman MR. Human growth hormone and aging: Clinical studies. Endocr Rev. 1993. PMID: 8246842
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Primary keywords: CJC-1295 no DAC vs DAC, CJC-1295 research peptide, CJC-1295 growth hormone analog, GHRH analog comparison
Secondary keywords: CJC-1295 half-life, pulsatile GH release, CJC-1295 benefits, CJC-1295 IGF-1 effects
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for educational and research purposes only. Neither form of CJC-1295 is FDA-approved.
