CJC-1295 (no DAC)
One of the most popular growth hormone peptides, often called Mod GRF 1-29. Instead of injecting growth hormone directly, this tells your pituitary gland to release more of its own GH naturally. This is considered healthier than injecting GH directly because your body keeps its normal feedback systems intact. Usually combined with Ipamorelin for much stronger effects — the two work together better than either alone.
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) consisting of 29 amino acids with modifications that dramatically extend its biological activity. It is available in two forms: CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29), which has a half-life of about 30 minutes, and CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex), which has a half-life of 6-8 days due to its ability to bind to albumin in the blood.
CJC-1295 works by binding to GHRH receptors on the pituitary gland, amplifying the body's natural growth hormone pulses rather than creating artificial ones. This distinction matters for long-term health: pulsatile GH release is how the body naturally operates, and maintaining this pattern avoids the metabolic disruptions associated with constant GH elevation.
The no-DAC version is strongly preferred in most protocols because it preserves natural GH pulsatility. It is almost always combined with Ipamorelin (a GHRP) for synergistic effects — CJC-1295 amplifies the pulse height while Ipamorelin triggers its timing. The DAC version, while more convenient (once-weekly dosing), creates a sustained GH elevation that can lead to desensitization and disruption of natural GH rhythm over time.
Dosage
100-300 mcg subcutaneous 1-3x daily
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Administration
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Getting Started — Here's What You'll Need
Effects
GH Release
Stimulates pulsatile growth hormone release preserving natural feedback regulation.
Muscle Growth
Indirect anabolic effects through sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation.
Fat Loss
GH-mediated lipolysis supports body composition improvement.
Recovery
Enhanced GH pulses support tissue repair and sleep quality.
Mechanism of Action
CJC-1295 (no DAC), also known as Mod GRF 1-29, is a synthetic analogue of the first 29 amino acids of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Four amino acid substitutions (at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27) have been made to increase resistance to enzymatic degradation while preserving full biological activity at the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R), a G protein-coupled receptor expressed on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary.
When CJC-1295 binds the GHRH receptor, it activates the Gs alpha subunit, which stimulates adenylyl cyclase to produce cyclic AMP (cAMP). Rising cAMP levels activate protein kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) and other transcription factors that drive GH gene expression and secretion. Importantly, this mechanism preserves the natural pulsatile pattern of GH release because it works within the existing hypothalamic-pituitary feedback loop — somatostatin still provides inhibitory regulation between pulses.
The key advantage of the no-DAC version over the DAC version is this preservation of pulsatility. Because its half-life is approximately 30 minutes, it produces a discrete GH pulse that rises and falls naturally, mimicking the body's own secretory pattern. This pulsatile pattern is believed to be physiologically superior to sustained elevation because GH receptor sensitivity is maintained between pulses, and the liver's IGF-1 production response is optimized by intermittent rather than continuous GH stimulation. This is why CJC-1295 (no DAC) is often preferred by practitioners despite requiring more frequent dosing.
Regulatory Status
Not FDA approved. Available through compounding pharmacies and peptide clinics. Subject to FDA scrutiny on compounded peptides.
Risks & Safety
Common
facial flushing, headache, dizziness, injection site irritation.
Serious
overworking the pituitary gland with excessive doses, theoretical risk of promoting existing tumours through elevated growth hormone.
Rare
allergic reactions, fainting.
Compare CJC-1295 (no DAC) With
Research Papers
No research papers indexed yet. Papers are fetched from PubMed weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CJC-1295 (no DAC)?
One of the most popular growth hormone peptides, often called Mod GRF 1-29. Instead of injecting growth hormone directly, this tells your pituitary gland to release more of its own GH naturally. This is considered healthier than injecting GH directly because your body keeps its normal feedback systems intact. Usually combined with Ipamorelin for much stronger effects — the two work together better than either alone.
What is CJC-1295 (no DAC) used for?
One of the most popular growth hormone peptides, often called Mod GRF 1-29. Instead of injecting growth hormone directly, this tells your pituitary gland to release more of its own GH naturally. This is considered healthier than injecting GH directly because your body keeps its normal feedback systems intact. Usually combined with Ipamorelin for much stronger effects — the two work together better than either alone.
What is the dosage for CJC-1295 (no DAC)?
Standard: 100-300 mcg subcutaneous once to three times daily, typically before bed and/or upon waking. Often combined with Ipamorelin 200-300 mcg in the same injection. Cycled 5 days on, 2 days off, or continuously for 8-12 weeks.
What are the side effects of CJC-1295 (no DAC)?
Common: facial flushing, headache, dizziness, injection site irritation. Serious: overworking the pituitary gland with excessive doses, theoretical risk of promoting existing tumours through elevated growth hormone. Rare: allergic reactions, fainting.
How does CJC-1295 (no DAC) work?
CJC-1295 (no DAC), also known as Mod GRF 1-29, is a synthetic analogue of the first 29 amino acids of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Four amino acid substitutions (at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27) have been made to increase resistance to enzymatic degradation while preserving full biological activity at the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R), a G protein-coupled receptor expressed on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary. When CJC-1295 binds the GHRH receptor, it activates the Gs alpha subunit, which stimulates adenylyl cyclase to produce cyclic AMP (cAMP). Rising cAMP levels activate protein kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) and other transcription factors that drive GH gene expression and secretion. Importantly, this mechanism preserves the natural pulsatile pattern of GH release because it works within the existing hypothalamic-pituitary feedback loop — somatostatin still provides inhibitory regulation between pulses. The key advantage of the no-DAC version over the DAC version is this preservation of pulsatility. Because its half-life is approximately 30 minutes, it produces a discrete GH pulse that rises and falls naturally, mimicking the body's own secretory pattern. This pulsatile pattern is believed to be physiologically superior to sustained elevation because GH receptor sensitivity is maintained between pulses, and the liver's IGF-1 production response is optimized by intermittent rather than continuous GH stimulation. This is why CJC-1295 (no DAC) is often preferred by practitioners despite requiring more frequent dosing.
How is CJC-1295 (no DAC) administered?
CJC-1295 (no DAC) is administered via subcutaneous injection.
What is the half-life of CJC-1295 (no DAC)?
The half-life of CJC-1295 (no DAC) is 0.5 hours.
Is CJC-1295 (no DAC) legal?
Not FDA approved. Available through compounding pharmacies and peptide clinics. Subject to FDA scrutiny on compounded peptides.
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