CJC-1295 with DAC
Long-acting growth hormone releaser that works around the clock to boost your body's natural GH production with just one or two injections per week.
Written by Michael Carroll — Owner, Director of Research · Reviewed by the Peptide Initiative Research Team · Editorial standards
Suggested dose
1 – 2 mg
Compound profile
Scientific & efficacy data
Growth Hormone
Peptide profile
Moderate human trials
CJC-1295 with DAC
1 mg (1000 mcg) · Twice weekly
Molecular formula
C165H269N47O46
- Mol. weight
- 3647.28 g/mol
- CAS number
- 863288-34-0
- PubChem
- 56841945
- Developed · 2005
- Louis Bhardwaj
ConjuChem Biotechnology
Amino acid sequence
Tyr-D-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Gln-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Ala-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Leu-Ser-Arg-Lys(Maleimidopropionyl-Lysine)GH Elevation
Sustained growth hormone increase lasting 6-8 days per injection with clinically documented 2-10 fold elevation
Convenience
Once or twice weekly dosing compared to daily injections required by shorter-acting peptides
Recovery Support
Enhanced workout recovery and improved sleep quality through sustained IGF-1 elevation
Dosing
How much do I take?
1 – 2 mg
1 – 2 mg
Covers all 3 documented dose levels · timing · dose-adjustment guidance.
Suitability
Is this right for me?
Best for boosting natural growth hormone production & building lean muscle mass
Best for
Growth Hormone Optimization
CJC-1295 with DAC excels at providing a sustained, steady elevation of growth hormone levels. Unlike shorter-acting peptides that create brief spikes, the DAC modification keeps GH elevated for days, mimicking a more youthful hormone profile.
Muscle Building and Recovery
By increasing both GH and IGF-1 levels, this peptide supports protein synthesis and muscle repair. Users often notice improved recovery between workouts and better ability to build and maintain lean muscle mass.
Anti-Aging and Longevity
Growth hormone naturally declines with age, contributing to many signs of aging. CJC-1295 with DAC helps restore more youthful GH levels, potentially supporting better skin quality, energy levels, and overall vitality.
Body Composition Improvement
The combination of increased GH and IGF-1 promotes fat metabolism while preserving muscle tissue. Many users experience gradual fat loss, particularly in stubborn areas, while maintaining or building lean mass.
Convenient Weekly Dosing
Unlike peptides requiring daily or twice-daily injections, the extended half-life of CJC-1295 with DAC means just one or two injections per week provide continuous benefits. Ideal for those who want results without daily protocols.
Consider alternatives if
Do not use if
Use with caution if
Not sure?
Compare CJC-1295 with DAC with similar peptides to find the best fit for your goals.
Administration
How do I use it?
Subcutaneous injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Best sites
Covers reconstitution · step-by-step technique · storage · a sample daily schedule.
Safety
Is it safe?
4 common side effects · 3 serious
CJC-1295 with DAC was evaluated in Phase 1-2 human clinical trials where it demonstrated a generally favorable safety profile.
The most common adverse events were mild injection site reactions including temporary pain, swelling, and redness. No serious adverse events were reported in the published clinical studies. The compound was being developed for HIV-associated lipodystrophy before the program was discontinued.
Safety data comes from limited Phase 1-2 clinical trials conducted in the mid-2000s. While no serious adverse events were reported, long-term safety data is not available. The clinical development program was discontinued, so large-scale safety studies were never completed.
Common side effects · experienced by some users
Injection site reactions
Redness, swelling, itching, or mild pain at injection site
Management: Rotate injection sites, apply ice before injection, ensure proper technique
Water retention
Mild bloating or puffiness, especially in hands and feet
Management: Reduce sodium intake, stay well hydrated, consider reducing dose if significant
Flushing
Temporary warmth or redness of skin, particularly face
Management: Usually subsides within 15-30 minutes, more common at higher doses
Tingling sensation
Pins and needles feeling, especially in hands
Management: Usually temporary, may indicate elevated GH - reduce dose if persistent
Less common
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and seek help if
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling)
- Persistent carpal tunnel symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness in hands)
- Significant or unexplained swelling in hands, feet, or face
- Sudden vision changes or new joint pain that doesn't resolve
- Blood glucose becoming consistently elevated
- Discovery of any tumor or malignancy
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any peptide protocol. These guidelines are for educational purposes and do not constitute medical advice.
With other peptides
- Safe:Ipamorelin — Excellent synergy - combine for amplified GH release. Inject together.
- Safe:GHRP-6 — Strong synergy but may increase hunger significantly. Use together if desired.
- Safe:GHRP-2 — Good synergy for GH release. Can be combined in same injection.
- Caution:CJC-1295 without DAC — Redundant - no benefit to combining both versions.
- Safe:BPC-157 — Safe to combine for recovery benefits. Different mechanisms.
With medications
- Caution:Insulin — CJC-1295 DAC can raise blood glucose - may need insulin adjustment. Monitor closely.
- Caution:Diabetes medications — May counteract blood sugar lowering effects. Requires monitoring.
- Caution:Thyroid medications — GH can affect thyroid function - monitor thyroid levels.
- Caution:Corticosteroids — May blunt GH response - avoid if possible or use cautiously.
- Safe:Blood pressure medications — Generally safe but monitor as body composition changes may affect BP.
With supplements
- Safe:Arginine — May enhance GH release - can be taken together for added benefit.
- Safe:Glutamine — May support GH release and recovery - safe to combine.
- Safe:GABA — May support sleep and GH release - safe combination.
- Safe:Melatonin — Safe to combine - may enhance sleep benefits of evening dosing.
Effectiveness
How do I know it's working?
Moderate human trials · first signs week 1-2
Evidence level
Moderate human trials
(Phase 1-2)
Regulatory status
Research compound
Onset of effects
Moderate
(1-2 weeks)
How it works
Your pituitary gland naturally releases growth hormone in pulses throughout the day, especially during deep sleep.
CJC-1295 with DAC is a modified version of the natural hormone (GHRH) that tells your pituitary to release more GH. The special DAC attachment lets it stick to proteins in your blood, keeping it active for days instead of minutes.
This means your body gets a gentle, sustained signal to produce more growth hormone around the clock, rather than brief spikes.
The deeper mechanism
CJC-1295 DAC is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) 1-29, modified with four amino acid substitutions (Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27) to enhance stability against dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) degradation.
The Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) consists of a maleimidopropionyl lysine group at the C-terminus that covalently binds to the Cys34 free thiol group on serum albumin in vivo. This bioconjugation extends the plasma half-life from minutes (native GHRH) to 5.8-8.1 days.
The compound activates GHRH receptors (GHRHR) on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary, stimulating adenylyl cyclase via Gs protein coupling, increasing intracellular cAMP, and promoting GH gene transcription and secretion.
The sustained receptor activation produces continuous GH elevation and subsequent hepatic IGF-1 production, though this chronic stimulation pattern differs from the natural pulsatile GH release and may potentially cause receptor downregulation with extended use.
What to expect
Week 1-2
What you might notice
- Mild injection site reactions (normal and temporary)
- Possible water retention or slight bloating
- May notice improved sleep quality beginning
- Some users feel slight fatigue as body adjusts
- Subtle increase in hunger in some individuals
What's normal
- Side effects like flushing or tingling are common and usually mild
- Benefits are subtle at first - GH builds up over time
- Sleep improvements are often the first noticeable effect
What's next
- Continue consistent dosing schedule
- Track sleep quality and recovery between workouts
- Note any side effects to discuss with provider if needed
Week 3-4
What you might notice
- Improved sleep quality becomes more consistent
- Better recovery after workouts
- Skin may start looking healthier or more hydrated
- Water retention typically stabilizes or decreases
- Energy levels may begin improving
What's normal
- IGF-1 levels are building in your system
- Body composition changes are starting but may not be visible yet
- Side effects often diminish as body adapts
What's next
- Consider increasing to standard twice-weekly dosing if not already
- Continue monitoring how you feel and recover
- Maintain consistent injection schedule
Week 5-8
What you might notice
- More noticeable improvements in recovery time
- Possible visible changes in body composition
- Improved skin elasticity and appearance
- Consistent deeper sleep and waking refreshed
- Better performance in workouts
- Some fat loss, especially in stubborn areas
What's normal
- Full effects are becoming established
- GH and IGF-1 levels are at steady elevated state
- Body has typically adapted to the peptide
What's next
- Continue current protocol if working well
- Consider lab work to check IGF-1 levels
- Assess whether dose adjustment is needed
Week 9-12+
What you might notice
- Sustained improvements in body composition
- Continued enhanced recovery and performance
- Maintained improvements in sleep and energy
- Possible continued gradual fat loss
- Overall sense of improved well-being and vitality
What's normal
- Benefits are cumulative and continue to build
- Some users plateau and may benefit from a break
- Results vary based on diet, exercise, and individual response
What's next
- Consider a 4-8 week break after 12 weeks to prevent desensitization
- Reassess goals and whether to continue another cycle
- Maintain healthy lifestyle habits to preserve gains
Signs it's working
Sleep and Recovery
- Falling asleep faster and sleeping more deeply
- Waking up feeling more refreshed and energized
- Reduced muscle soreness after intense workouts
- Faster recovery between training sessions
- More vivid dreams (indicates deeper REM sleep)
Body Composition
- Gradual reduction in body fat, especially abdominal area
- Increased muscle fullness and definition
- Clothes fitting differently (looser in waist, tighter in shoulders)
- Improved muscle pumps during workouts
- Better ability to maintain muscle during calorie restriction
Skin and Appearance
- Improved skin hydration and elasticity
- Reduction in fine lines or wrinkles
- Healthier-looking complexion
- Faster healing of minor cuts or blemishes
- Stronger, healthier-looking hair and nails
Energy and Performance
- More consistent energy throughout the day
- Improved exercise endurance and capacity
- Better mental clarity and focus
- Increased motivation for physical activity
- Reduced fatigue during demanding tasks
Not seeing results? Common reasons
- Dose too low - consider increasing to standard 2mg twice weekly protocol
- Inconsistent dosing - the long half-life requires regular administration for sustained levels
- Not enough time - full effects take 6-8 weeks to become apparent
- Poor quality peptide - source from reputable suppliers with third-party testing
- Improper storage - degraded peptide will not work; ensure proper refrigeration
- Taking with food - fats and carbs can blunt GH release; take on empty stomach
- Unrealistic expectations - this is a gentle, gradual approach, not overnight transformation
- Lifestyle factors - poor sleep, diet, or lack of exercise can limit results
Key research
Clinical trials
Tested in people
1 registered study, none currently enrolling.
By phase
A trial spanning two phases is counted in both, so these can sum above the total. Observational studies carry no phase.
What kind of research
About 120 people took part in the studies that actually administered CJC-1295 with DAC. Observational studies analyse the records of people already taking it — nobody was given anything for the study, so they are counted separately and cannot show cause and effect.
Most recent
A Study to Evaluate CJC 1295 in HIV Patients With Visceral Obesity
ConjuChem
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, the EU Clinical Trials Information System and ISRCTN, deduplicated so a study registered twice is counted once. A study is counted when CJC-1295 with DAC is named as an intervention; studies that only mention it in passing are not.
Questions
Frequently asked
What's the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and without DAC?
The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) attachment dramatically extends the half-life from about 30 minutes to 6-8 days. This means CJC-1295 with DAC can be injected just once or twice per week, while the version without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) requires daily or multiple daily injections. The trade-off is that the DAC version provides constant GH elevation rather than natural pulsing.
How long until I see results?
Most people notice improved sleep quality within the first 1-2 weeks. Recovery benefits typically become apparent by weeks 3-4. Visible changes in body composition usually take 6-8 weeks of consistent use. Full benefits continue to build over 8-12 weeks.
Should I stack CJC-1295 DAC with Ipamorelin?
This is a popular combination because they work synergistically. CJC-1295 DAC stimulates the pituitary to release GH (like pressing the accelerator), while Ipamorelin amplifies that signal (like pressing harder). Together they produce a stronger GH response than either alone. They can be injected together in the same syringe.
Can CJC-1295 DAC help with weight loss?
Yes, indirectly. Elevated GH and IGF-1 levels support fat metabolism and help preserve lean muscle mass. Users often see gradual fat loss, particularly from stubborn areas like the abdomen. However, it's not a rapid weight loss solution - it works best combined with proper diet and exercise.
Is CJC-1295 DAC the same as HGH?
No, they're quite different. HGH (human growth hormone) is the actual hormone that you inject directly. CJC-1295 DAC stimulates your own pituitary gland to produce more of your natural growth hormone. This approach is considered more physiological and typically has fewer side effects, though the GH increase is more modest.
Why was the clinical development discontinued?
ConjuChem was developing CJC-1295 for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. A Phase 2 trial was terminated in 2006 after a patient death, though the cause was not publicly attributed to the drug. The company subsequently discontinued the development program. The peptide remains available as a research compound.
Do I need to cycle CJC-1295 DAC?
Most protocols recommend cycling to prevent receptor desensitization. A typical approach is 8-12 weeks on, followed by 4-8 weeks off. Some users prefer continuous use at lower doses with periodic breaks. Listen to your body and consider getting IGF-1 levels tested periodically.
Is CJC-1295 DAC legal?
CJC-1295 DAC is not FDA-approved for any medical use and is sold as a research compound. It is banned by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) and most sports organizations. Legal status varies by jurisdiction. Always check your local laws and sporting regulations before considering use.
Ready for the protocol?
Every dosing tier, administration route, timing note, and dose-adjustment rule for CJC-1295 with DAC, on one page.