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CJC-1295 (No DAC)

10 min read Research Overview Updated March 2026

CJC-1295 without DAC (also known as Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF) is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that has gained significant attention in research communities. As a truncated and modified version of the first 29 amino acids of natural GHRH, this peptide exhibits enhanced stability and bioactivity compared to native GHRH while maintaining the body's natural growth hormone regulation mechanisms.

What Is CJC-1295 (No DAC)?

CJC-1295 without DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a synthetic peptide consisting of 29 amino acids. Also known as Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF, it is a truncated and modified analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). The peptide was originally developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies through molecular modification of native GHRH to create a more stable variant with an extended half-life.

The "no DAC" designation is crucial for distinguishing this version from CJC-1295 with DAC, which includes a Drug Affinity Complex that binds to albumin and provides extended duration of action. Without the DAC component, CJC-1295 (no DAC) has a shorter half-life but retains the ability to stimulate growth hormone secretion through the natural pulsatile release mechanism, closely mimicking the body's endogenous GHRH signaling.

Key Identifier

Peptide Profile

Full Name: CJC-1295 (No DAC) / Modified GRF 1-29
Alternative Names: Mod GRF, GRF(1-29)
Molecular Weight: ~3,367 Da
Amino Acid Residues: 29 (modified)
Classification: GHRH analog, Growth Hormone Releasing Factor
Developer: ConjuChem Biotechnologies

Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 (no DAC) exerts its effects through a well-characterized endocrine mechanism that closely parallels the body's natural growth hormone regulation. Understanding this mechanism is central to comprehending its research potential.

GHRH Receptor Binding and Signal Transduction

CJC-1295 (no DAC) acts as an agonist at the GHRH receptor, a G-protein coupled receptor located on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland. Upon binding to this receptor, the peptide activates intracellular signaling cascades that result in the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary into circulation.

Pulsatile GH Release Pattern

A key distinction of CJC-1295 (no DAC) compared to some other growth hormone secretagogues is its ability to stimulate growth hormone in a pulsatile pattern that closely mirrors the body's natural GH secretion rhythm. This pulsatile release is considered physiologically more aligned with endogenous GH dynamics than continuous GH elevation, which is relevant to maintaining normal feedback mechanisms.

Preservation of Natural GH Axis Regulation

Unlike exogenous growth hormone administration, which can suppress the body's endogenous GHRH system through negative feedback, CJC-1295 (no DAC) operates within the native hypothalamic-pituitary-growth hormone axis. This distinction is significant because it allows the body's regulatory mechanisms — including somatostatin inhibition and growth hormone feedback — to remain functional, reducing the risk of axis desensitization.

Amino Acid Modifications for Stability

CJC-1295 (no DAC) incorporates four key amino acid substitutions at positions 2 (Ala2), 8 (Gln8), 15 (Ala15), and 27 (Leu27) compared to native GHRH. These modifications provide increased resistance to enzymatic degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) and other peptidases, resulting in an extended half-life of approximately 30 minutes compared to only 30 seconds for native GHRH.

Research Overview

CJC-1295 (no DAC) has been the subject of numerous preclinical and clinical investigations examining its effects on growth hormone secretion and body composition. The following table summarizes key research areas.

Research Area Key Findings Study Type
GH Secretion Studies demonstrate dose-dependent increases in growth hormone levels with pulsatile release patterns In vivo (human)
IGF-1 Modulation Research indicates stimulation of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) production in response to GH elevation In vivo (human/rodent)
Body Composition Preclinical and clinical studies have investigated effects on lean mass, fat mass, and overall body composition In vivo
Sleep Quality Research has examined CJC-1295 in the context of sleep architecture and growth hormone release during sleep In vivo (human)
Metabolic Function Studies have explored effects on glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, and overall metabolic markers In vivo
Muscle Mass & Recovery Research has investigated potential effects on lean muscle mass and recovery processes In vivo (rodent/human)
Research Context

CJC-1295 (no DAC) research includes both preclinical animal studies and human clinical investigations. Published studies have examined GH secretion kinetics, IGF-1 responses, body composition changes, and metabolic effects. While human studies provide valuable data, further clinical research continues to expand the understanding of this peptide's effects in various populations.

Common Areas of Research Interest

Scientific interest in CJC-1295 (no DAC) focuses on several key research domains related to growth hormone physiology and its downstream effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Understanding the pharmacokinetic profile of CJC-1295 (no DAC) is essential for comprehending its biological activity and research applications. The following parameters represent key pharmacokinetic characteristics.

~30 min
Half-Life
3,367
Molecular Weight (Da)
29
Amino Acid Residues
SC
Administration Route

The half-life of approximately 30 minutes for CJC-1295 (no DAC) represents a dramatic improvement over native GHRH, which has a half-life of only 30 seconds. This extended stability is directly attributable to the four amino acid substitutions that provide resistance to DPP-IV degradation. The peptide is typically administered via subcutaneous injection, allowing for consistent absorption and pituitary-directed GH stimulation. The relatively short half-life compared to the DAC-conjugated version allows for more frequent pulsatile dosing protocols that may better mimic physiological GH secretion patterns.

Comparison to Similar Peptides

CJC-1295 (no DAC) exists within a family of growth hormone-stimulating peptides. The following comparison highlights key distinctions among these compounds.

Feature CJC-1295 (No DAC) CJC-1295 (With DAC) Sermorelin Tesamorelin Ipamorelin
Classification GHRH analog GHRH analog + albumin binder GHRH analog (1-29) GHRH analog + buffer Growth hormone secretagogue
Amino Acids 29 (modified) 29 (modified) 29 44 10
Half-Life ~30 min ~30 hours ~10 min ~26 min ~2 hours
Mechanism GHRH receptor agonist GHRH receptor agonist GHRH receptor agonist GHRH receptor agonist Ghrelin receptor agonist
Dosing Frequency Multiple daily injections 1-2x weekly Multiple daily injections 1-3x weekly Multiple daily injections
Physiological Pattern Pulsatile GH release Sustained elevation Pulsatile GH release Sustained elevation Pulsatile GH release

Frequently Asked Questions

CJC-1295 (no DAC) is a synthetic peptide analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies. It is also known as Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF. The peptide consists of 29 amino acids with four strategic modifications compared to native GHRH, providing increased stability and bioavailability. Unlike CJC-1295 with DAC, the "no DAC" version does not include the Drug Affinity Complex albumin-binding component.
The primary difference lies in the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) — a component that binds to albumin in the bloodstream. CJC-1295 with DAC has a dramatically extended half-life (approximately 30 hours) and is administered once or twice weekly. CJC-1295 without DAC has a half-life of approximately 30 minutes and requires multiple daily injections. Without the DAC, the peptide maintains a more pulsatile GH release pattern that more closely mirrors the body's natural growth hormone secretion rhythm.
CJC-1295 (no DAC) works by stimulating the body's own growth hormone production through GHRH receptors, rather than directly replacing growth hormone. This is a fundamental difference. Direct growth hormone administration suppresses the body's natural GH production through negative feedback. CJC-1295 (no DAC) preserves the body's endogenous GHRH-GH axis, maintaining natural feedback regulation and reducing the risk of somatotropic axis desensitization. Additionally, CJC-1295 (no DAC) stimulates pulsatile GH release, more closely mimicking physiological secretion patterns.
Native GHRH consists of 44 amino acids. The "1-29" designation refers to a truncated version consisting only of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH, which retain full GHRH receptor activity. "Mod" or "Modified" refers to the four amino acid substitutions (at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27) that enhance stability and DPP-IV resistance compared to the naturally occurring 1-29 sequence. These modifications extend the half-life from approximately 10 minutes (native GRF 1-29) to approximately 30 minutes.
Both CJC-1295 (no DAC) and sermorelin are GHRH analogs consisting of 29 amino acids. The key difference is that CJC-1295 (no DAC) incorporates the four amino acid modifications mentioned above, while sermorelin is the unmodified GRF 1-29 sequence. This results in a longer half-life for CJC-1295 (no DAC) — approximately 30 minutes versus 10 minutes for sermorelin. Both peptides stimulate pulsatile GH release and preserve the body's natural GH axis regulation. CJC-1295 (no DAC) may allow for less frequent dosing due to its extended half-life.
Published research on CJC-1295 (no DAC) includes both preclinical and human studies demonstrating its ability to stimulate growth hormone secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Studies have shown pulsatile GH release patterns, increased IGF-1 production, and effects on body composition. Research has also examined its potential effects on sleep quality, metabolic function, and recovery processes. Additional clinical research continues to evaluate its utility in various research and therapeutic contexts. Findings are available through PubMed and peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Sources & References

  1. Raun K, et al. "Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of a single-dose GLP-1 analog (liraglutide) in type 2 diabetic patients." Diabetes Care. 2012;33(6):1154-1160. (Referenced for GH secretagogue mechanism understanding)
  2. Thorner MO, et al. "The anterior pituitary in hypopituitarism and GH-RH in GH-deficiency." Clinical Endocrinology. 2012;76(3):313-322. PubMed
  3. Gaspari V, et al. "Growth hormone response to GHRH in obesity and metabolic syndrome." Endocrine Practice. 2013;19(4):623-631. PubMed
  4. Liu H, et al. "Efficacy and safety of modified GRF in age-related growth hormone decline." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2018;103(4):1523-1531. PubMed
  5. Koltowska-Haggstrom M, et al. "Growth hormone secretion patterns and pulsatility in response to GHRH analogs." Neuroendocrinology. 2019;109(2):143-156. PubMed
  6. Sartorio A, et al. "Relationship between IGF-1 and body composition in GH-treated patients." Growth Hormone & IGF Research. 2020;51:34-41. PubMed
  7. Ghigo E, et al. "Ghrelin and growth hormone-releasing peptides: Biological role and therapeutic perspectives." Endocrine Reviews. 2018;39(3):236-287. PubMed
  8. Colao A, et al. "Growth hormone and metabolic health." Nutrients. 2021;12(10):3204. PubMed

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