Description

CJC-1295 DAC (Drug Affinity Complex Modified GHRH Analog)

For Research & Laboratory Use Only

Overview

CJC-1295 DAC is a synthetic 29–amino acid analog of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH). It was engineered to mimic native GHRH activity and may influence endogenous growth hormone (GH) release from pituitary somatotroph cells. Although truncated, the 1–29 fragment retains functionality necessary for GH stimulation.(1)

CJC-1295 DAC contains four amino acid substitutions designed to enhance stability and reduce enzymatic degradation. The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) component further prolongs activity by enabling the peptide to bind plasma proteins through attachment of an N-epsilon-3-maleimidopropionamide lysine derivative.(2) This modification is widely cited as enabling a biological half-life of approximately 6–8 days while maintaining high affinity for GHRH receptors.

CJC-1295 without DAC remains relevant in research—especially in combination with ghrelin receptor agonists such as Ipamorelin, where studies propose synergistic GH-releasing effects.(3)

Potential Research Areas

CJC-1295 DAC has been studied under several names, including long-acting GHRH analogs and DAC:GRF. Experimental exploration includes its potential roles in:

• Mobilizing fat as an energy substrate

• Supporting muscle protein synthesis and lean mass development

• Promoting bone and connective tissue integrity through GH/IGF-1 pathways

• Influencing sleep architecture through neuroendocrine mechanisms(4)

Chemical Makeup

• Molecular Formula: C₁₅₂H₂₅₂N₄₄O₄₂

• Molecular Weight: 3367.95 g/mol

• Other Names: Tetrasubstituted GRF 1-29 with DAC, CJC-1295 (long-acting GHRH analog)

Research and Experimental Findings

1. CJC-1295 DAC – Mechanism of Action

Two clinical studies published in 2006 examined the actions of CJC-1295 DAC.(5)

Reported results included:

• Elevation of GH levels 2–10× baseline for ~6 days

• IGF-1 elevation 1.5–3× baseline for 9–11 days

• Persistently elevated IGF-1 levels for up to 2 weeks

• With repeated weekly exposure, IGF-1 remained above baseline for 28 days, suggesting cumulative activity

Proposed GH → IGF-1 Signaling Pathway

• CJC-1295 DAC binds the GHRH receptor

• Activates G-protein signaling pathways(7)

• Stimulates second messengers such as cAMP and IP₃(8)

• Activates protein kinases

• Promotes GH gene transcription inside pituitary somatotroph cells

GH then stimulates IGF-1 production primarily in the liver via the JAK-STAT pathway.(5)

A separate 2006 study found:

• ~50% increase in mean GH secretion

• IGF-1 rises following a single exposure

• GH peak amplitudes increased up to 7.5× baseline(6)

2. CJC-1295 DAC in Animal Models

In GHRH knockout (GHRHKO) mice, exposure to CJC-1295 DAC produced several notable effects:(9)

• Daily exposure restored normal growth patterns

• Administration every 2–3 days produced intermediate outcomes

• Lean mass remained consistent with controls

• Fat mass did not increase, unlike untreated GHRHKO mice

• Pituitary total RNA and GH mRNA increased, indicating somatotroph cell proliferation

Immunohistochemistry supported an increased presence of GH-producing cells following peptide exposure.

3. Structural Modifications & Half-Life

Native GHRH has a short half-life (~7 minutes). CJC-1295 DAC addresses this via four substitutions:

• Position 2: L-Ala → D-Ala

• Position 8: Asn → Gln

• Position 15: Gly → Ala

• Position 27: Met → Leu

These are believed to improve:

• Resistance to DPP-IV degradation

• Structural stability

• Bioactivity

With DAC technology, the half-life extends to 6–8 days.(10)

4. Ancillary Research

A clinical study intended to evaluate CJC-1295 DAC in HIV-associated visceral adiposity was terminated before data collection.(11)

Separately, the Norwegian Doping Control Laboratory identified CJC-1295 DAC in a confiscated pharmaceutical preparation and confirmed it functioned as a growth-hormone–releasing factor analog.(1)

Research-Use Only Disclaimer

CJC-1295 DAC from OptiBuild Peptides is intended strictly for laboratory and scientific research.
Not for human use, medical treatment, or diagnostic procedures.
All customers must follow our Terms & Conditions and applicable regulations.

References

1. Henninge J, Pepaj M, Hullstein I, Hemmersbach P. Identification of CJC-1295, a growth-hormone-releasing peptide, in an unknown pharmaceutical preparation. Drug Testing and Analysis. 2010.

2. Jetté L, Léger R, Thibaudeau K, et al. Activation of GRF receptors by hGRF1-29-albumin bioconjugates: identification of CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analog. Endocrinology. 2005.

3. Sinha DK, Balasubramanian A, et al. Growth hormone secretagogues in body composition management. Transl Androl Urol. 2020.

4. Steiger A, Holsboer F. Neuropeptides and human sleep. Sleep. 1997.

5. Teichman SL, et al. Prolonged stimulation of GH and IGF-I by CJC-1295 in healthy adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006.

6. Ionescu M, Frohman LA. GH pulsatility during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006.

7. Martin B, et al. Class II GPCRs and their ligands in neuronal function. Neuromolecular Med. 2005.

8. Newton AC, Bootman MD, Scott JD. Second Messengers. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology. 2016.

9. Alba M, et al. CJC-1295 normalizes growth in GHRHKO mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2006.

10. Van Hout MC, Hearne E. Netnography of female use of CJC-1295. Subst Use Misuse. 2016.

11. ClinicalTrials.gov – NCT00267527.