CJC-1295 DAC

CJC-1295 DAC is a long-acting GHRH analog studied for sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation through once-weekly dosing.

Profile · 01

Overview

CJC-1295 DAC is a modified GHRH analog that uses Drug Affinity Complex technology to bind serum albumin and extend circulating half-life into the 6-8 day range. It is not FDA-approved for any indication.

Compared with short-acting GHRH analogs, the DAC version is designed for once-weekly dosing and more sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation. Human studies do exist, but large-scale outcome data for body-composition or anti-aging claims remain limited.

At a Glance

Goal
Support GH and IGF-1 elevation, recovery, body composition, and sleep-related anabolic signaling
Categories
Growth Hormone OptimizationRecoveryBody CompositionAnti-Aging
Synergistic
Ipamorelin · GHRP-6 · GHRP-2 · MK-677
Profile · 02

Protocol

Once-weekly protocol built around the extended half-life provided by DAC technology.

Reconstitute
Add 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water to a 2 mg vial for 2.0 mg/mL concentration
Typical weekly range
1,000-2,000 mcg once weekly
Start
1,000 mcg weekly as a conservative option
Target
2,000 mcg weekly
Frequency
Once weekly (subcutaneous)
Cycle Length
8-12 weeks with optional time off between cycles
Timing
Evening, pre-bed, on an empty stomach is commonly recommended
Route
Subcutaneous
Cycle
8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off

Inject once weekly subcutaneously, ideally in the evening after a fasting window to align with endogenous GH biology. The source emphasizes a full-vial 2 mg weekly protocol, while also noting a 1 mg conservative option. Human studies confirm sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation with preserved pulsatility.

Dose progression

Weeks 1-12
2,000 mcg (2.0 mg) · 100 units (1.00 mL)

Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.

Science · 01

How CJC-1295 DAC works.

CJC-1295 DAC is a modified GHRH analog with amino-acid substitutions for stability plus Drug Affinity Complex technology that enables covalent albumin binding. The result is sustained exposure and long-duration stimulation of endogenous GH release.

Clinical studies reported meaningful GH and IGF-1 increases while preserving natural pulsatility rather than replacing GH directly. That distinction is a major conceptual difference from exogenous growth hormone use.

Science · 02

Effects

Observations from clinical or preclinical literature.

Supports sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation in human studies
May support recovery, body composition, and sleep-quality goals tied to GH-axis signaling
Preserves endogenous GH rhythm better than direct GH replacement
Transient flushing, headache, or water retention may occur
Mild injection-site irritation may occur
Long-term outcome data remain limited compared with the hormonal biomarker literature
Science · 03

Caution

Avoid in active cancer or significant cancer history because GH/IGF-1 signaling can be growth-promoting
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety data is insufficient
Use caution in diabetes, insulin resistance, or pituitary disorders
Fasting administration is commonly preferred because elevated blood sugar may blunt GH response

Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.

Lifestyle · 01

CoFactors

Arginine
Often discussed as supportive of GH release pathways.
Zinc
Supports GH and IGF-1 signaling biology.
Magnesium
Supports sleep quality and broader hormonal recovery.
Vitamin D
Relevant to hormonal balance and metabolic health.
Lifestyle · 02

Life Factors

Complementary strategies for best outcomes.

Maintain a balanced, protein-forward diet to support recovery goals
Use resistance training and aerobic activity to reinforce body-composition outcomes
Prioritize sleep because natural GH release is strongly tied to deep sleep
Avoid eating for at least a couple of hours before dosing if following the fasting-timing approach
Lifestyle · 03

Metrics

Day-to-day metrics worth tracking through the protocol.

  1. Body composition - track lean-mass and fat-mass trends
  2. Sleep quality - GH-axis support is tightly linked to deep sleep
  3. Recovery and exercise performance - track changes over the cycle
  4. Skin, energy, and other subjective anti-aging markers - track trends cautiously
Lifestyle · 04

Labs

Baseline and periodic bloodwork to monitor systemic health during the protocol.

IGF-1
Primary biomarker for GH-axis response.
Fasting glucose and HbA1c
Monitor metabolic effects of GH-axis stimulation.
Fasting insulin
Useful for insulin-sensitivity context.
CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
Assesses liver and kidney function during peptide use.
Lipid panel
Useful alongside body-composition tracking.
Calculators · 01

Supplies Calculator

Estimates assume the schedule defined for this peptide.

Length
Vial size
Bac. water
Syringe
Vials
0 × 2 mg each…
Syringes
0
Bac. water
0 mL
Swabs
02 per syringe
Calculators · 02

Dose Calculator

Dose Calculator

Vial
Bac. water
Syringe
Dose
Concentration
0mcg/mL
Volume per dose
0mL
…
Practice · 01

Preparation

Careful technique preserves potency. Solution should be clear — do not shake.

  1. Allow vial to reach room temperature for 15–20 minutes before reconstitution.
  2. Draw the chosen bacteriostatic water volume with a sterile syringe.
  3. Inject slowly down vial wall; avoid foaming.
  4. Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
  5. Label with reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
  6. Use within 30 days; discard any unused solution after 30 days.
Practice · 02

Technique

General subcutaneous guidance from clinical best-practice resources.

Clean the vial stopper and injection site with alcohol and allow them to dry
Pinch a skinfold at the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm and insert the needle at 45-90 degrees
Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily
Rotate sites weekly to avoid lipohypertrophy or local irritation
Discard used syringes immediately in a sharps container

Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.

Practice · 03

Storage

Lyophilized
Store at room temp in dry, dark conditions; minimize moisture exposure.
Reconstituted
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); avoid freeze–thaw cycles. Discard reconstituted vials after 30 days.

Notes

Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
Reference · 01

Notes

Use a new sterile insulin syringe for each injection and dispose of it safely
A 1 mg weekly conservative option exists, but the standard source protocol centers on 2 mg weekly
Take on an empty stomach if following the GH-optimization timing approach
Clinical literature supports GH and IGF-1 elevation more strongly than broad lifestyle-outcome claims
PepTribe is an educational platform. This information is for research and learning purposes only and is not medical advice.
Reference · 02

References

  1. J Clin Endocrinol Metab
    Teichman et al., prolonged GH and IGF-1 stimulation with CJC-1295.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17018659/
  2. Growth Hormone & IGF Research
    Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic discussion of CJC-1295 DAC.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
  3. Endocrine Reviews
    Growth hormone secretagogue and GHRH-analog review context.
    https://academic.oup.com/edrv
  4. CDC
    Subcutaneous injection route guidance.
    https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/downloads/YCTS-VaxAdmin-Subcut-injection.pdf
  5. WHO (NCBI Bookshelf)
    Injection-safety guidance for subcutaneous administration.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK390474/
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