CJC-1295 no DAC
A short-acting GHRH analog studied for pulsatile growth hormone release, frequently investigated alongside ghrelin receptor agonists in research.
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What is CJC-1295 no DAC?
CJC-1295 no DAC, more accurately referred to as Modified GRF (1-29), is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It is structurally based on the bioactive 1-29 fragment of native GHRH with four amino acid substitutions that confer resistance to enzymatic degradation. The critical distinction from CJC-1295 with DAC is the absence of the maleimidopropionic acid (MPA) group that, in the DAC variant, covalently binds to albumin and extends half-life to approximately 8 days. Without that modification, the peptide retains a short half-life of approximately 30 minutes.
CJC-1295 no DAC is notable in research because its short half-life closely mimics the natural pulsatile pattern of endogenous GHRH signaling. After administration, plasma concentrations rise, stimulate a GH pulse from the pituitary, and decline within 1-2 hours, contrasting sharply with the sustained non-pulsatile elevation produced by CJC-1295 with DAC. This pulsatile pharmacokinetic profile makes the peptide a common research tool, particularly in combination with growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) such as ipamorelin, which act through a complementary ghrelin receptor pathway.
Mechanism of action
CJC-1295 no DAC’s mechanisms of action have been investigated across multiple pathways:
- GHRH receptor activation: The peptide binds and activates the growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR) on pituitary somatotrophs with potency comparable to native GHRH, triggering cAMP-dependent signaling that promotes GH synthesis and secretion.
- Pulsatile pharmacokinetics: The short half-life produces a GHRH signal that stimulates a GH pulse and returns to baseline within 1-2 hours, closely mimicking natural pulsatile GH release patterns.
- Protease resistance via amino acid substitutions: Four amino acid substitutions (D-Ala at position 2, Gln at position 8, Ala at position 15, Leu at position 27) protect against cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and trypsin-like proteases that rapidly degrade native GHRH.
- Synergistic combination with GHRPs: When co-administered with ghrelin receptor agonists (ipamorelin, GHRP-2), research has demonstrated synergistic GH release exceeding the sum of effects from either peptide alone, attributable to activation of two distinct receptor pathways.
- Downstream IGF-1 elevation: Pulsatile GH release produces gradual elevations in insulin-like growth factor 1, with sustained dosing producing measurable IGF-1 increases over days to weeks.
These pathways are characterized in both preclinical models and limited human research.
Research applications
CJC-1295 no DAC has been investigated across several research domains, with the most active areas including:
- Pulsatile growth hormone research: The peptide is widely used in research contexts where preservation of natural pulsatile GH secretion is preferred over sustained elevation, providing a research tool for studying physiological GH signaling patterns.
- Synergistic combination protocols: Modified GRF (1-29) is most commonly studied in combination with ghrelin receptor agonists such as ipamorelin, with research demonstrating synergistic rather than additive GH-releasing effects from dual receptor activation.
- Body composition research: Studies have examined effects on lean mass, fat mass, and metabolic parameters consistent with elevated GH/IGF-1 signaling, with effects generally more modest than exogenous growth hormone administration.
- Sleep and recovery research: Given the close relationship between pulsatile GH release and slow-wave sleep, research has examined whether timed administration affects sleep architecture and recovery markers.
- Comparative pharmacokinetic research: The compound has been studied alongside CJC-1295 with DAC and other GHRH analogs to characterize the effects of different pharmacokinetic profiles (pulsatile vs. sustained) on downstream GH/IGF-1 outcomes.
This compound is intended for laboratory research use only. It has not been approved for human therapeutic use by any regulatory agency.
Storage & reconstitution
In its lyophilized form, CJC-1295 no DAC tolerates ambient temperatures during shipping but should be stored long-term at -20°C, protected from light. Properly stored lyophilized peptide remains stable for 24 months or longer.
Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for injection, CJC-1295 no DAC solutions should be stored refrigerated at 2-8°C and used within 28 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can degrade peptide structure and reduce activity.
Visual inspection should be performed before each use. The reconstituted solution should be clear and colorless. Reject any solution that appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particulate matter.
For step-by-step reconstitution calculations, see our reconstitution calculator.
For laboratory research use only. The compound described on this page is intended exclusively for in vitro research and laboratory experimentation by qualified researchers and is not for human or veterinary use. It is not a drug, food, dietary supplement, or cosmetic, and has not been approved by the FDA, Health Canada, EMA, or any other regulatory authority for the diagnosis, treatment, cure, mitigation, or prevention of any disease or medical condition. The information provided on this page is for educational and reference purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. By accessing this content you confirm that you are a qualified researcher purchasing for legitimate laboratory purposes.