CJC-1295 with DAC

Growth hormone releasing hormone analog · Also known as CJC-1295 DAC, Drug Affinity Complex CJC-1295

What is CJC-1295 with DAC?

The long-acting form of CJC-1295 with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that binds to albumin, extending its half-life to 6-8 days. It produces a sustained, steady-state elevation of growth hormone rather than sharp pulses.

CJC-1295 with DAC adds a reactive chemical group that covalently bonds to serum albumin after injection. This dramatically extends the peptide's circulating half-life from about 30 minutes (no-DAC version) to 6-8 days. The result is a continuous elevation of GH and IGF-1 levels, which simplifies dosing to once or twice per week but eliminates the natural pulsatile GH pattern.

Key takeaway: CJC-1295 with DAC trades the natural GH pulse pattern for convenience, providing sustained GH elevation with just one or two injections per week.

Benefits & evidence

Growth hormone elevation High confidence
Muscle growth Moderate confidence
Fat loss Moderate confidence
Sleep quality Preliminary confidence

How it works

After injection, the DAC linker on CJC-1295 reacts with serum albumin, forming a covalent bond that protects the peptide from enzymatic breakdown. This extends its half-life from roughly 30 minutes to 6-8 days, keeping GH and IGF-1 levels elevated continuously between doses.

The tradeoff is that this sustained elevation replaces the body's natural pulsatile GH secretion pattern with a more constant level. Some researchers believe pulsatile release (as produced by the no-DAC version) is more physiologically favorable, while others value the simpler dosing schedule and consistently elevated IGF-1 that the DAC version provides.

Dosing information

Typical dosing protocol
Starting dose

1-2 mg/week

Ongoing
Maintenance dose

2 mg/week

Ongoing

Injected once or twice weekly due to the long half-life. Often paired with a GHRP like ipamorelin.

Side effects

Most side effects tend to improve as your body adjusts.

Water retention Common
Flushing Common
Headache Moderate
Numbness or tingling Moderate

Research (1 study)