CJC-1295: what this modified GHRH peptide is
A 30-amino-acid GHRH analog with two stability tweaks — one for shelf life, one for bloodstream half-life.
TL;DR
- CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide that copies the active part of GHRH (growth-hormone-releasing hormone) with small modifications for stability.
- The "with DAC" version adds a chemical handle that lets the peptide bind to albumin, extending its action from minutes to days.
- Like sermorelin, CJC-1295 is a signaling peptide — it tells the pituitary to release growth hormone rather than supplying it directly.
What it is
CJC-1295 is a synthetic GHRH analog (in plain English: a lab-made copy of the brain's growth-hormone-releasing signal, with small tweaks). The peptide is 30 amino acids long, including a tail amino acid added for stability. Two versions exist: the base molecule, sometimes called modified GRF(1-29), and the long-acting version called CJC-1295 with DAC. They look almost identical on paper. The difference matters because it changes how long the peptide is active in the body.
How it works
The pituitary gland is a small organ that sits beneath the brain — think of it as a chemical thermostat for several hormone systems. CJC-1295 acts like a finger tapping the dial. It is a long-acting analog of GHRH, the brain's natural signal for growth hormone, and in healthy adults it raised the body's own growth hormone and IGF-1 levels (Teichman et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006).
The DAC modification (Drug Affinity Complex) is a small chemical handle that lets the peptide latch onto albumin, the most abundant protein in the bloodstream. Albumin is a slow-moving carrier — when CJC-1295 hitches a ride, the body cannot clear it quickly. The half-life jumps from minutes to about 6 to 8 days (Teichman et al., Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2006).
Who asks about it
People come to this topic when they see CJC-1295 named alongside other compounds online and want to know what it actually is. They also ask when comparing it to sermorelin or trying to understand the "with DAC vs no DAC" distinction.
What the research says
The 2006 Teichman pharmacokinetic study remains the foundational human reference for the DAC version. It documented sustained growth hormone elevation after a single injection in healthy adults. It measured hormone levels, not health outcomes, and long-term effects in people have not been established.
What to know
FDA has not approved CJC-1295 for any use. As of September 14, 2026, it is not in any FDA 503A category and is not on the 503A bulks list. Side-effect data are covered in a dedicated post.
The Halftime POV
The DAC modification is one of the cleaner examples of how a small chemistry change reshapes a peptide's behavior in the body: the same signal, active for minutes or for days. That difference is pharmacology. It does not show that either version works better, or that either is safe for long-term use.
Related reading:
- Sermorelin explained: the GHRH analog
- CJC-1295 and ipamorelin: why the two are discussed together
- Peptide half-life basics: why some peptides last longer
FAQ
Q: What is CJC-1295? A: CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide built from a modified version of the active fragment of GHRH (growth-hormone-releasing hormone). It binds to GHRH receptors in the pituitary and triggers a pulse of the body's own growth hormone.
Q: What does the DAC in CJC-1295 with DAC mean? A: DAC stands for Drug Affinity Complex. It is a small chemical handle attached to the peptide that allows it to bind to albumin in the bloodstream. That binding dramatically slows clearance and turns a short-acting peptide into a long-acting one.
Q: How is CJC-1295 different from sermorelin? A: Both are GHRH analogs that activate the same receptor. Sermorelin is the natural 1–29 fragment. CJC-1295 has small chemical changes that make it more stable, and the DAC version adds the albumin handle that extends half-life from minutes to days.
Disclaimer
This article is educational and is not medical advice. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
Sources
This article discusses compounds whose FDA compounding status has been under review (see our FDA categorization explainer). This article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or an offer to sell.
Frequently asked questions
What is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide built from a modified version of the active fragment of GHRH (growth-hormone-releasing hormone). It binds to GHRH receptors in the pituitary and triggers a pulse of the body's own growth hormone.
What does the DAC in CJC-1295 with DAC mean?
DAC stands for Drug Affinity Complex. It is a small chemical handle attached to the peptide that allows it to bind to albumin in the bloodstream. That binding dramatically slows clearance and turns a short-acting peptide into a long-acting one.
How is CJC-1295 different from sermorelin?
Both are GHRH analogs that activate the same receptor. Sermorelin is the natural 1–29 fragment. CJC-1295 has small chemical changes that make it more stable, and the DAC version adds the albumin handle that extends half-life from minutes to days.
