CJC-1295 with Drug Affinity Complex
PeptideThe medical_score (42) is substantially lower than the community_score (70), as the clinical studies [s1, s2] are small and outdated and did not investigate patient-relevant endpoints. Forum users [c1, c2], however, report subjectively perceptible effects on recovery and body composition that were not measured in formal RCTs. This discrepancy reflects the typical gap between biomarker data (GH/IGF-1) and subjective user experience.
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TL;DR
CJC-1295 DAC demonstrably raises GH and IGF-1 levels for several days — confirmed by two RCTs, but only at the biomarker level, with no clinical endpoints such as body composition or quality of life. A Phase II trial was terminated following a fatality; long-term data are entirely absent. In the community, weekly dosing combined with Ipamorelin is the standard protocol, though diminishing effects after 3–4 months are consistently reported. No EMA or FDA approval; human use without a prescription is illegal in Germany.
Description
CJC-1295 DAC is a long-acting GHRH analogue with albumin binding that increases GH and IGF-1 levels in a dose-dependent manner for several days [s1, s2].
CJC-1295 DAC is a synthetic analogue of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It consists of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH (like Mod GRF 1-29), but has been stabilized by four amino acid substitutions and modified at the C-terminus with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) [s3, s4]. The DAC modification enables covalent binding to serum albumin in the blood. Since albumin has a half-life of approximately 20 days, the plasma half-life of CJC-1295 DAC is extended to approximately 6–8 days — compared to approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours for the DAC-free variant (Mod GRF 1-29) [s3, s4, s5]. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase I/II study (Walker et al., 2006) in healthy adults, a single subcutaneous injection of CJC-1295 DAC produced a dose-dependent increase in mean plasma GH of 2- to 10-fold over at least 6 days, and an increase in mean IGF-1 of 1.5- to 3-fold over 9–11 days [s1]. In a separate multiple-dose study (Teichman et al., 2006), GH and IGF-1 levels remained elevated for weeks [s2]. CJC-1295 DAC is frequently combined with the GH secretagogue ipamorelin in the biohacking and anti-aging community, as both substances act synergistically via complementary receptors (GHRH receptor and ghrelin/GHS receptor, respectively) and are reported to produce substantially larger GH pulses in combination [s9, s10]. CJC-1295 DAC is approved by neither the FDA nor the EMA and is subject to the AMG in Germany. It is listed on the WADA prohibited list [s6, s7, s8]. Long-term human data are largely absent.
Legal Status (DE)
{'notes': {'amg_de': '§21 AMG (Medicinal Products Act Germany): Direct link to the legislative text page on gesetze.de — https://www.gesetze-im-gesetze.de/amg_1976/__21.html (Note: Full-text URL could not be directly verified in this search; standard reference is https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/amg_1976/__21.html) ', 'amg_at': 'Austria: Medicinal Products Act (AMG), BGBl. No. 185/1983 as amended. §1 AMG-AT defines medicinal products; §8 governs placing on the market without authorization. Unlisted peptides without AGES approval are considered unauthorized medicinal products. Source: https://www.ris.bka.gv.at [NOTE: Specific AT-AMG provision for research chemicals not directly retrievable in this search — manual AGES query recommended.] ', 'hmg_ch': 'Switzerland: Therapeutic Products Act (HMG), SR 812.21. Art. 9 HMG: Medicinal products require authorization from Swissmedic. Art. 4 para. 1 lit. a HMG defines "medicinal products" broadly and covers peptides with physiological effects. Peptides marketed as research chemicals fall under Art. 9 HMG unless a Swissmedic exemption (Art. 9 para. 2 HMG) applies. Source: https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2001/422/de [NOTE: Swissmedic-specific document on CJC-1295 not found — no authorization in Switzerland confirmed.] ', 'wada_section': {'claimed': 'S2.2.4', 'verified': False, 'note': 'WADA Prohibited List 2025 PDF not directly retrieved in this search. Section S2.2.4 could not be verified. Current PDF URL: https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/2025list_en_0.pdf (to be confirmed). Recommendation: Manually check under S2 "Other Growth Factors" or "GHRH agonists".'}}}
Mechanism of Action
CJC-1295 DAC acts as a GHRH receptor agonist, binding to somatotropic cells of the anterior pituitary. Activation of the GHRH receptor (Gq/Gs protein-coupled) increases intracellular cAMP concentration, stimulating the synthesis and pulsatile release of growth hormone (GH) [s3, s4]. The DAC modification at the C-terminus contains an N-3-maleimidopropionamide-lysine derivative that reversibly and covalently reacts with cysteine-34 of serum albumin [s3]. Since albumin has a half-life of approximately 20 days, the active concentration of CJC-1295 in plasma is maintained for 6–8 days, allowing less frequent dosing [s4, s5]. The released GH stimulates production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the liver, which is responsible for many anabolic and regenerative effects (protein biosynthesis, fat mobilization, tissue regeneration) [s1, s2]. In combination with ghrelin receptor agonists such as ipamorelin, CJC-1295 acts synergistically: GHRH increases the number of somatotropic cells responding to a GH pulse, while GHS (e.g., ipamorelin) amplifies the amplitude of the GH pulse. The combined GH output substantially exceeds the individual effect of either substance [s9, s10].
Dosing
GH-Stimulation (Forschungsprotokoll, Einzeldosis)
- Dose
- 30–60 µg/kg body weight (approximately 2–4 mg in a 70 kg individual)
- Frequency
- 1× pro Woche
- Route
- injektion-subkutan
- Duration
- Bis zu 49 Tage (Studiendauer)
- Timing
- Evening, fasted or 2h after the last meal
- With food
- vermeiden
Anti-Aging / Körperzusammensetzung (Community-Protokoll)
- Dose
- 500–1000 µg (0.5–1 mg) per injection
- Frequency
- 1× pro Woche (aufgrund der langen Halbwertszeit)
- Route
- injektion-subkutan
- Duration
- 8–12 Wochen, gefolgt von 4 Wochen Pause
- Timing
- Evening before sleep; Ipamorelin optionally co-administered
- With food
- vermeiden
Kombination mit Ipamorelin (Community-Protokoll)
- Dose
- CJC-1295 DAC 1 mg/week + Ipamorelin 200 µg/day
- Frequency
- CJC-1295 DAC 1×/Woche; Ipamorelin täglich
- Route
- injektion-subkutan
- Duration
- 8–16 Wochen
- Timing
- CJC-1295 DAC once weekly in the evening; Ipamorelin daily in the evening
- With food
- vermeiden
In clinical studies, doses up to 60 µg/kg were classified as safe [s1]. Community protocols rarely use more than 2 mg per injection. Daily injections of CJC-1295 DAC are not advisable due to its long half-life and could increase the risk of adverse effects [c4].
CJC-1295 DAC is supplied as a lyophilized powder and must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. The reconstituted peptide should be stored at 2–8 °C. All dosing information from community sources is not clinically validated. Human use in Germany without a medical prescription is illegal.
Calculate reconstitution, plan dosing, look up injection technique
Side Effects
| Side Effect | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| severe | selten | leicht |
Contraindications
Elevated GH and IGF-1 levels may potentially promote tumor growth; this is a known class effect of all GH secretagogues [s1, s2].
Chronically elevated GH levels exert counter-insulin effects and can significantly impair glucose homeostasis [s1, s2].
No safety data available for pregnant or breastfeeding women; stimulation of the GH axis during pregnancy is contraindicated [s1].
Uncontrolled GH stimulation with open epiphyseal plates may lead to acromegaly-like changes [s1].
Untreated hypothyroidism can attenuate GH secretion and the IGF-1 response, and alter the adverse effect profile [s3].
As CJC-1295 DAC binds to albumin, altered albumin levels can significantly affect pharmacokinetics [s3, s4].
Further stimulation of the GH axis in the presence of existing overproduction is absolutely contraindicated [s1, s2].
Interactions
Synergistic
Complementary mechanisms of action (GHRH-R vs. GHS-R) synergistically produce significantly larger GH pulses than either substance alone. This effect is well established mechanistically [s9, s10].
Similar synergies as described with ipamorelin on a mechanistic basis; clinical combination data in humans are lacking [s9].
CJC-1295 DAC provides systemic GH/IGF-1 support for muscle and tissue regeneration, while BPC-157 promotes local and systemic tissue healing, gut health, and collagen synthesis. The combination is recommended for comprehensive regeneration protocols.
CJC-1295 DAC supports anabolic hormonal signaling pathways, while TB-500 promotes angiogenesis, cell migration, and reduction of fibrosis in soft tissue. The combination is used for complete regeneration in injuries.
GHRP-2 activates the GHS receptor (Gq protein-coupled) and, together with the GHRH receptor agonist CJC-1295 DAC, synergistically produces significantly larger GH pulses than either substance alone. The combination utilizes two independent intracellular signaling pathways.
Similar to GHRP-2, GHRP-6 activates the GHS receptor and acts synergistically with CJC-1295 DAC. The combination of GHRH receptor stimulation and GHS receptor stimulation produces supra-additive GH release.
Hexarelin is a potent GHS receptor agonist and acts synergistically with CJC-1295 DAC via complementary receptor pathways. The combination produces greater GH secretion than either substance alone.
Caution
CJC-1295 DAC increases GH, which acts counter-insulin and can raise blood glucose. Dose adjustment of antidiabetic agents may be required; close blood glucose monitoring necessary [s1, s2].
Glucocorticoids can inhibit GH secretion and attenuate the effect of CJC-1295 DAC. Interaction is mechanistically plausible [s3].
Somatostatin directly inhibits GH release and fully antagonizes the effect of CJC-1295 DAC [s3].
Additive GH elevation increases the risk of IGF-1-mediated adverse effects (fluid retention, insulin resistance, carpal tunnel symptoms) [s1, c3].
Studies
Tier B — Moderate Evidence
Community Evidence
Top reported benefits
- Improved recovery and muscle building
- Deeper and more restorative sleep
- Improved body composition (fat reduction)
- Increased energy and well-being
- Reduced muscle soreness
Top reported issues
- Injection site reactions (redness, swelling)
- Water retention, especially at the beginning
- Tingling and numbness in hands/forearms (at higher doses)
- Diminishing effect after 3–4 months (receptor downregulation)
- Poor sourcing quality and purity from online vendors
Several community members warn about the unclear legal status and lack of quality control when purchasing from unregulated online vendors. Long-term consequences of sustained GH axis stimulation have not been studied in humans. The DAC version is discussed less frequently than CJC-1295 without DAC; some users prefer the latter due to more flexible dosing and lower risk of over-accumulation [c2, c4].
Scientific Sources
- Prolonged Stimulation of Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Secretion by CJC-1295, a Long-Acting Analog of GH-Releasing Hormone, in Healthy Adults
Walker RF, Cooke DA, et al. (2006). Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & MetabolismAPMID:16352683DOI - CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin: Growth Hormone Stack Guide 2026
MedsBase (no individual authors listed) (2026). MedsBase (online)CLink - Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse
Jetté L, Léger R, Bhérer P, et al. (2006). American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and MetabolismCPMID:16926381DOI - S2. Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances And Mimetics – Anti-Doping Prohibited List
World Anti-Doping Agency (2024). WADA / Drugs.com mirrorALink - FDA Briefing Document – Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) – CJC-1295
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2024). FDAALink - CJC-1295 – Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors (2024). Wikipedia (English)CLink - CJC-1295 Use in Sports and Military Rules Explained
BSCG (no individual authors listed) (2024). BSCG (online)CLink - Lipodystrophy study halted after patient death
aidsmap news (2006). BLink - CJC 1295 for HIV-Associated Visceral Obesity (Phase II RCT — terminated)
Unbekannt (2024). BLink - Human growth hormone-releasing factor (hGRF)1-29-albumin bioconjugates activate the GRF receptor on the anterior pituitary in rats: Identification of CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analog
Jetté L, Léger R, Thibaudeau K, Betschart C, Benquet C, Bridon DP, Bhatt DL, Bhatt P (2005). Am J Physiol Endocrinol MetabAPMID:15817669DOI - Activation of the GH/IGF-1 axis by CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog, in healthy adults: a multiple-dose study
Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al. (2006). Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & MetabolismAPMID:18057000DOI - CJC-1295 DAC Mechanism of Action: Complete Research Guide
Biotech Compounds Research (no individual authors listed) (2024). Biotech Compounds Research (online)CLink - CJC-1295 Forschungspeptid – GH- & Endokrinforschung
Peptide Regeneresis (no individual authors listed) (2024). Peptide Regeneresis (online)CLink - CJC-1295 DAC vs No DAC: Does DAC Matter?
BC9 Research (no individual authors listed) (2024). BC9 Research Blog (online)CLink - The Prohibited List – World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
World Anti-Doping Agency (2024). WADAALink - CJC-1295: Wirkung, Dosierung, Nebenwirkungen & online kaufen
Supplement-Bewertung.com (no individual authors listed) (2024). Supplement-Bewertung.com (online)CLink - CJC-1295 Deutschland – Forschungsguide
Peptide Library (no individual authors listed) (2024). Peptide Library (online)CLink - CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin: The Research-Backed Growth Hormone Peptide Blend
Spartan Peptides (no individual authors listed) (2024). Spartan Peptides Blog (online)CLink
Community Sources
Storage
Unopened
Store lyophilized powder at 2–8 °C (refrigerator) or for up to several months at room temperature (below 25 °C), protected from light and moisture.
Opened
After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, store at 2–8 °C; use within 14–28 days. Do not freeze.
Notes
Lyophilized peptide is relatively stable. Reconstituted peptide rapidly loses activity if stored improperly. Avoid light exposure.