What it is
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), based on the GHRH 1-29 sequence with amino acid substitutions that resist breakdown. It comes in two distinct forms that are often confused:
- CJC-1295 with DAC: includes a Drug Affinity Complex, a linker that lets the peptide bind covalently to albumin in the blood. This dramatically extends its half-life.
- CJC-1295 without DAC: also widely sold under the name Modified GRF 1-29 (mod GRF 1-29). The two terms refer to essentially the same short-acting molecule. No DAC means no albumin binding and a much shorter half-life.
Both work by prompting the pituitary to release the body’s own growth hormone (GH), rather than supplying GH directly.
What people use it for
Reported goals are GH and IGF-1 elevation for body composition, recovery and sleep. The no-DAC version is usually paired with a GH secretagogue (a GHRP such as ipamorelin) to produce a sharp, more natural GH pulse. The DAC version is used for a sustained, lower-amplitude elevation across the week.
Typical dose range
Community dosing differs by version:
- No DAC (mod GRF 1-29): often around 100 mcg per injection, one to several times per day, frequently timed with a GHRP and away from food.
- With DAC: typically dosed once or twice per week because of its long action.
For grounding, the human trial work (Teichman 2006) found subcutaneous CJC-1295 with DAC was reasonably well tolerated, particularly at 30 to 60 mcg/kg. Community no-DAC dosing by contrast is convention from practice, not from a dose-finding trial. To turn any of these into syringe units for your vial, use the calculator: Peptide Calculator - Reconstitution & Dosage | Buy Peptides UK
Half-life and frequency
This is the core practical difference between the two:
- No DAC (mod GRF 1-29): half-life around 30 minutes. Produces a short, pulse-like GH release, which is why it is dosed daily (often multiple times a day) and stacked with a GHRP.
- With DAC: estimated half-life of roughly 6 to 8 days (reported as 5.8 to 8.1 days in the human study). Allows weekly or twice-weekly dosing and produces sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation rather than a sharp pulse.
Reconstitution (typical)
For a 5 mg vial, a common mix is 2 mL of bacteriostatic water, giving 2.5 mg/mL. On a U-100 insulin syringe (1 mL = 100 units):
- 100 mcg is 4 units (0.04 mL)
Because per-dose volumes are small, accurate measuring matters. Add the water slowly down the vial wall and swirl, do not shake. Calculate your own units here: Peptide Calculator - Reconstitution & Dosage | Buy Peptides UK
Storage
Keep lyophilised powder cold and out of light. Once reconstituted, refrigerate at about 2 to 8 C and use within roughly 28 to 30 days. Do not freeze a reconstituted solution.
Common side effects
Effects reported with GHRH analogs and GH elevation generally include water retention, tingling or numbness in the hands (a carpal-tunnel-like feeling), joint aches, head pressure and flushing or warmth after injection (more associated with the no-DAC pulse). Sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation carries the general theoretical concerns that come with raising IGF-1 over time, including effects on insulin sensitivity. In the Teichman 2006 trial no serious adverse reactions were reported, but that was a small, short study.
Stacking and co-solubility
No-DAC CJC-1295 is very commonly combined with a GHRP such as ipamorelin: the GHRH analog and the secretagogue act through different mechanisms and the combination produces a larger GH pulse than either alone. Some users do reconstitute a GHRH analog and a GHRP together, but keeping separate vials is the more cautious habit. Do not assume a bigger pulse is automatically better or safer.
Evidence grade
Mixed. The DAC version has actual human data (small randomised, placebo-controlled trials, notably Teichman 2006) showing sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation and acceptable short-term tolerability. The no-DAC and GHRP stack is supported more by mechanism and community practice than by dedicated long-term human trials. Long-term safety of either is not well established.
Honest unknowns
- Long-term safety of sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation from the DAC version is not established.
- The no-DAC plus GHRP stack lacks long-term controlled human outcome data.
- Optimal dose and timing for body composition goals are not settled.
- Product mislabelling between DAC and no-DAC (and between no-DAC and mod GRF 1-29) is a real practical risk.
Research use only. Not medical advice. 18+.