Growth Hormone Axis · GHRH analog (long-acting) · Compounded 503A
CJC-1295 with DAC: long-acting GHRH support.
CJC-1295 with DAC uses a drug-affinity complex (DAC) to bind covalently to serum albumin, extending half-life from minutes to roughly 8 days. The result is sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation from once- or twice-weekly dosing — a different physiologic profile than the pulsatile No-DAC version.
What CJC-1295 with DAC is
CJC-1295 with DAC is the same 30-amino-acid GHRH analog as the No-DAC version, with one critical addition: a maleimidopropionic-acid linker (the 'drug-affinity complex' or DAC) that forms a covalent bond with circulating serum albumin.
Albumin has a half-life of ~3 weeks, so once bound, CJC-1295 inherits that long circulating life — extending its functional half-life to roughly 8 days versus 30 minutes for No-DAC.
The practical consequence: once-to-twice-weekly subcutaneous dosing instead of nightly, with sustained 'GH bleed' rather than discrete pulses.
How it works
After injection, CJC-1295 with DAC binds to serum albumin and circulates as a long-lived complex. As it slowly dissociates and binds pituitary GHRH receptors, it produces continuous low-level somatotroph activation.
Mean 24-hour GH levels rise 2–10x and IGF-1 levels rise 1.5–3x in published pharmacokinetic studies — substantially more sustained elevation than pulsatile protocols.
Trade-off versus No-DAC: sustained elevation produces stronger anabolic effect but reduces natural pulsatility — meaning more downregulation risk and a less-physiologic profile.
What patients use it for
Sustained GH / IGF-1 elevation
Once-weekly dosing produces meaningful GH and IGF-1 elevation throughout the dosing interval.
Convenience
Weekly (vs nightly) dosing improves adherence for patients with complex protocols.
Body composition
Sustained IGF-1 elevation supports lean-mass gains and adipose reduction over 8–16 week courses.
Recovery and connective tissue
Helpful for athletes and midlife adults working through orthopedic recovery — sustained anabolic signaling supports collagen and tendon repair.
Evidence summary
Teichman SL et al. (JCEM, 2006) is the foundational pharmacokinetic study demonstrating sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation in healthy adults dosed weekly.
ConjuChem (original developer) ran multiple Phase I and II trials in adult GH deficiency before discontinuing commercial development.
Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW (Sex Med Rev, 2018) reviewed clinical use of GH secretagogues in middle-aged adults.
Dosing and clinical context
General clinical context only. Kindr Health physicians determine the appropriate dose and protocol for each patient based on history and labs. This is not a prescription or dosing recommendation.
Subcutaneous injection, typically once or twice weekly.
Most appropriate as a stand-alone protocol — combining with ghrelin-mimetics is less common than with No-DAC due to the sustained-rather-than-pulsatile profile.
Course-based use (8–16 weeks) with IGF-1 monitoring is standard.
Safety and contraindications
Sustained GH elevation carries marginally higher risk of fluid retention, joint stiffness, carpal tunnel symptoms, and insulin resistance versus pulsatile dosing.
Contraindicated in active malignancy, pregnancy, lactation, untreated severe sleep apnea, active diabetic retinopathy, and uncontrolled diabetes.
Periodic IGF-1, fasting glucose, and HbA1c monitoring is required.
Not FDA-approved; compounded by licensed 503A pharmacies under physician prescription.
Who it's typically considered for
- Adults prioritizing convenience and body-composition outcomes over physiologic pulsatility
- Patients with documented age-related GH decline who tolerated short-acting GHRH analogs well
- Athletes (non-tested) working through structured orthopedic recovery under physician supervision
Frequently asked questions
With DAC vs No DAC?
With-DAC: weekly dose, sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation, more convenience, less physiologic pulsatility. No-DAC: nightly dose, discrete pulses, more physiologic, often paired with ipamorelin. Most modern protocols favor No-DAC.
Why is No-DAC more popular?
Pulsatility better mimics natural GH biology, allows lower mean exposure, preserves negative feedback, and reduces downregulation risk — these align better with longevity-axis prescribing.
Can I combine CJC-1295 with DAC and ipamorelin?
Possible but less common than with No-DAC. The sustained elevation already produces strong somatotroph activation; adding ipamorelin can blunt the relative contribution.
How fast will I see results?
Sleep and recovery changes within weeks. Body-composition changes typically appear at 8–16 weeks.
Is CJC-1295 with DAC FDA-approved?
No. ConjuChem discontinued commercial development. It is compounded by licensed 503A pharmacies under physician prescription for off-label use.
Will it suppress my natural GH?
Sustained exogenous GHRH-receptor activation can blunt natural pulsatility over time — one reason course-based use with reassessment is preferred over indefinite dosing.
Sources
- Teichman SL et al. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone and IGF-I secretion by CJC-1295. JCEM (2006). — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16352683
- Ionescu M, Frohman LA. Pulsatile GH secretion induced by CJC-1295 in healthy men. JCEM (2006). — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17047016
- Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW. The Safety and Efficacy of GH Secretagogues. Sex Med Rev (2018). — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28986365
Considering CJC-1295 with DAC?
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Ana Lisa Carr, MD, MBA
Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician · Lead Provider / Medical Reviewer
NPI 1689841744 · Last reviewed: May 10, 2026
Last reviewed May 10, 2026. Compounded medications are prepared by FDA-registered 503A pharmacies and are not FDA-approved drug products. Prescriptions require a clinical evaluation; a Kindr Health physician determines eligibility. Not for use in pregnancy. This page provides educational information and is not medical advice.