Also known as: CJC-1295 DAC, CJC-1295 no DAC, Modified GRF 1-29, Mod GRF, Tesamorelin analog
Half-life: ~30 minutes (no DAC) / 6-8 days (with DAC)
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and secrete growth hormone. It consists of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH with four amino acid substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 to improve metabolic stability and resistance to enzymatic degradation. The peptide exists in two primary forms: with and without a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC), which dramatically affects its pharmacokinetic profile.
The DAC version features a maleimidopropionic acid linker that enables covalent binding to serum albumin in vivo, extending the half-life from roughly 30 minutes to 6-8 days. This creates a sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1 levels over several days following a single injection. The no-DAC version, commonly referred to as Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF, has a much shorter half-life and produces a more acute, pulsatile GH release pattern that more closely mimics the body's natural GH secretion rhythm.
CJC-1295 is frequently combined with the growth hormone secretagogue Ipamorelin, as the two peptides work through complementary mechanisms. CJC-1295 amplifies the GHRH signal while Ipamorelin triggers GH release through the ghrelin receptor, producing a synergistic effect that results in greater GH output than either peptide alone. This combination has become one of the most popular protocols in the peptide community for anti-aging, body composition, and recovery purposes.
CJC-1295 was developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies (now Conjuchem LLC) of Montreal, Canada in the early 2000s. It was designed as a modified version of the first 29 amino acids of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH 1-29, also known as sermorelin) with amino acid substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 to improve metabolic stability. The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version features a maleimidopropionic acid linker that enables covalent binding to serum albumin, dramatically extending the half-life. Clinical trials by Teichman et al. (2006) demonstrated sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation. The "no DAC" version (Mod GRF 1-29) became more popular in the peptide community due to more physiological, pulsatile GH release patterns.
CJC-1295 is moderately well tolerated. The most common side effects include injection site irritation, water retention, and tingling in the extremities. The DAC version may produce more pronounced side effects due to its sustained activity over several days, creating a continuous rather than pulsatile GH elevation. The no-DAC version (Mod GRF) is generally better tolerated as it allows the body to maintain more natural GH secretion patterns. Side effects typically diminish after the first few weeks of use.
Dose Range
100 mcg
Frequency
Once to three times daily (SubQ)
Duration
8-12 weeks
Dose Range
100-300 mcg
Frequency
Two to three times daily
Duration
8-12 weeks
Dose Range
1000-2000 mcg
Frequency
Once or twice weekly
Duration
8-12 weeks
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Typical Vial Size
2 mg
Water Type
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
Mixing Volume
2 mL
Half-Life
~30 minutes (no DAC) / 6-8 days (with DAC)
Molecular Weight
3367.9 Da (Mod GRF 1-29)
Store reconstituted vial refrigerated at 2-8°C. Use within 28 days. The DAC version is more stable in solution than the no-DAC version.
FDA Status
Not FDA approved for human use.
Legal Status
Unregulated research chemical. Prohibited by WADA.
USA
Not approvedNot approved for human use
EU
Not approvedNot authorized as medicinal product
UK
Not approvedNot approved — research chemical
Australia
Not approvedTGA has not evaluated
Russia
Not approvedAvailable as research compound
Canada
Not approvedNot approved — despite being developed by Canadian company ConjuChem
Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, Gagnon C, Castaigne JP, Bhner LA
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2006)
Demonstrated that CJC-1295 produces sustained increases in GH and IGF-1 levels with multiple dose-dependent peaks over 6-14 days following a single subcutaneous injection.
View Study →Ionescu M, Frohman LA
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2006)
Showed that both daily and weekly CJC-1295 administration effectively stimulated the GH-IGF-1 axis, with weekly dosing producing more sustained IGF-1 elevation.
View Study →Selective growth hormone secretagogue with minimal side effects.
FDA-approved GHRH analog for HIV-associated lipodystrophy with potent GH-releasing activity.
Fat-metabolizing fragment of human growth hormone without growth-promoting effects.
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