CJC-1295 with DAC

Last Updated: August 2026

CJC-1295 with DAC is a modified GHRH(1-29) analog covalently linked to a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) — a maleimidopropionic acid moiety that binds serum albumin in vivo, extending circulating half-life from minutes to approximately 6–8 days1 source. The result is sustained GH elevation from once-weekly subcutaneous dosing. CJC-1295 with DAC is not approved for any medical indication and is sold as a research-use-only compound by third-party laboratories.

What is CJC-1295 with DAC and how does the albumin-binding mechanism work?

CJC-1295 with DAC is the same modified GHRH(1-29) sequence as CJC-1295 without DAC (with four amino acid substitutions for stability) but with an added maleimidopropionic acid tether that covalently binds to serum albumin's cysteine-34 residue in vivo, dramatically extending half-life from ~30 minutes to ~6–8 days. The albumin-bound form serves as a circulating depot, producing sustained GHRH receptor activation rather than discrete GH pulses. Evidence level: Human Phase 1 and Phase 2 (development discontinued).

What does the research show for CJC-1295 with DAC?

ConjuChem (the original developer) advanced CJC-1295 with DAC through Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials demonstrating sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation with weekly dosing.1 source Phase 2 development was discontinued in 2007 following reports of unexpected fatalities in a separate ConjuChem clinical program, though those events were not directly attributed to CJC-1295. No subsequent clinical development for CJC-1295 with DAC has occurred. The compound's PK profile in humans is well-characterized; long-term efficacy and safety in any indication has not been clinically established. Evidence level: Human Phase 1 and Phase 2 PK/PD; long-term efficacy unestablished.

How does CJC-1295 with DAC compare to other GHRH analogs?

CJC-1295 with DAC is unique in the GHRH-analog class for its multi-day half-life, producing sustained GH elevation rather than the pulsatile pattern of shorter-acting analogs. This is a meaningful pharmacological difference: sustained elevation may down-regulate GHRH receptor sensitivity over time, while pulsatile dosing better mimics physiological GH secretion.

See CJC-1295 vs CJC-1295 with DAC differences for the with/without-DAC breakdown.

What are the documented side effects of CJC-1295 with DAC?

Phase 1/2 side effect data showed mild injection-site reactions, occasional flushing, and sustained IGF-1 elevation requiring monitoring. The sustained GH elevation pattern raises theoretical concerns about glucose handling and water retention that pulsatile-dosing analogs minimize. The 2007 discontinuation of ConjuChem's clinical program was associated with separate program events but contributed to caution around the compound. Long-term safety at sustained weekly dosing is not well-characterized. Evidence level: Human Phase 1/2 safety; long-term unestablished.

What is the regulatory status of CJC-1295 with DAC?

CJC-1295 with DAC is not approved for any medical indication anywhere in the world as of August 2026. Clinical development was discontinued in 2007 and has not been resumed by any pharmaceutical sponsor. It is sold strictly as a research-use-only compound by third-party laboratories. Regulatory context in are peptides legal regulatory status by country.

Why does CJC-1295 with DAC vendor verification matter?

Because the DAC tether is structurally distinct from the underlying CJC-1295 sequence, mass spectrometry identity confirmation is essential — vendors occasionally sell CJC-1295 without DAC as "with DAC" since the price differential rewards mislabeling. Independent HPLC purity testing alone may not detect the difference; mass spec is needed. Guidance in how-to-test-peptides hub.

How does Peptigrity verify CJC-1295 with DAC vendors?

Peptigrity collects independent third-party Certificates of Analysis for CJC-1295 with DAC from shops' official channels and verifies each for authenticity before publishing. Because shops choose which COAs to publish, results reflect the batches shops have made public rather than every production batch — a selection bias we state openly. A community-funded Testing Grant to purchase and test vials anonymously is in development. Mass spectrometry is particularly emphasized for this compound to distinguish it from CJC-1295 without DAC. Methodology in how we calculate trust scores.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I verify a CJC-1295 with DAC vendor is selling the actual DAC variant?

Mass spectrometry is essential — CJC-1295 with DAC has a molecular weight of about 3,647 Da (PubChem CID 91971820, formula C₁₆₅H₂₆₉N₄₇O₄₆) — markedly heavier than the DAC-free CJC-1295 / Mod GRF 1-29 form, so mass spectrometry separates the two cleanly even though HPLC purity alone cannot.1 source HPLC purity testing alone does not distinguish the two; mass spec does. Some vendors mislabel the cheaper non-DAC variant as the DAC version. COA interpretation in red flags in peptide certificates of analysis.

Is CJC-1295 with DAC legal to purchase?

CJC-1295 with DAC is legal to purchase as a research chemical for laboratory use in most jurisdictions, but it is not approved for human consumption. Country breakdown in peptide legal status guide.

Why was clinical development of CJC-1295 with DAC discontinued?

ConjuChem discontinued the program in 2007 following unexpected fatalities in a separate clinical program, though those events were not directly attributed to CJC-1295. No subsequent sponsor has resumed clinical development. The compound's discontinuation reflects program-level decisions rather than identified safety problems with CJC-1295 specifically.

Does sustained GH elevation from CJC-1295 with DAC differ from pulsatile dosing?

Yes. Pulsatile GH secretion (the body's natural pattern) is mimicked by shorter-acting GHRH analogs like sermorelin or CJC-1295 without DAC; sustained elevation from CJC-1295 with DAC produces continuous receptor activation that may down-regulate GHRH receptor sensitivity over time. The pharmacological trade-off is convenience (weekly dosing) versus physiological mimicry (pulsatile pattern). Neither approach has clinically established long-term efficacy.

Does Peptigrity recommend a CJC-1295 with DAC dose?

No. CJC-1295 with DAC is not approved for human consumption and Peptigrity is an independent review platform, not a medical authority. Research-use dosing in community protocols varies. Anyone considering use should consult a licensed physician.

Does CJC-1295 with DAC show up on a drug test?

Yes. CJC-1295 and other GHRH analogs are prohibited at all times by the World Anti-Doping Agency under Section S2.2.4 (growth-hormone-releasing factors) of the Prohibited List.1 source Detection methods have improved substantially. For drug-testing context, see do peptides show up on drug tests.

This section is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. CJC-1295 with DAC is not approved by the FDA or any other regulator for human use, and clinical development was discontinued in 2007. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide or research compound. Peptigrity is an independent review platform and does not sell, endorse, or recommend specific products or vendors.