CJC-1295 With DAC | Research Use Only

What it is

CJC-1295 with DAC is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone analog modified with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that allows it to bind endogenous albumin and remain active in circulation much longer than shorter-acting GHRH peptides. In the literature, it is described as a long-acting GHRH analog studied primarily for sustained stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) secretion, which is why it appears in endocrinology, metabolism, and GH-axis research. Sources: PubChem CJC-1295, Teichman et al. 2006, Ionescu et al. 2006.

Origins and scientific context

CJC-1295 with DAC was developed to overcome the very short half-life of native GHRH and earlier GHRH analogs. Published studies describe it as a modified GHRH peptide that covalently binds endogenous albumin after administration, extending exposure and supporting prolonged GH and IGF-1 stimulation. FDA’s 2024 compounding materials also distinguish CJC-1295 DAC from other CJC-1295-related substances and note that multiple similarly named variants exist, which is why precise naming matters in research and regulatory discussions. Sources: Teichman et al. 2006, Ionescu et al. 2006, FDA PCAC briefing document 2024.

Molecular profile

PubChem lists CJC-1295 with molecular formula C165H269N47O46 and molecular weight 3647.2 g/mol. In the literature and FDA briefing materials, “CJC-1295 with DAC,” “CJC-1295 DAC,” and related salt forms are treated as distinct but closely related substances, which is why laboratory references may vary slightly depending on whether the free base or a specific salt is being discussed. Sources: PubChem CJC-1295, FDA PCAC briefing document 2024.

Scientific overview

CJC-1295 with DAC is studied because prolonged GHRH receptor stimulation can increase pulsatile GH secretion and downstream IGF-1 activity over an extended period. Human studies reported that CJC-1295 produced prolonged increases in plasma GH and IGF-1, with published reports describing a human half-life of roughly 6 to 8 days due to albumin binding. More mechanistic work has continued to frame it as a long-acting GH-axis modulator rather than a short-pulse secretagogue. Sources: Teichman et al. 2006, Ionescu et al. 2006, Alba et al. 2006, Sackmann-Sala et al. 2009.

What researchers study with CJC-1295 with DAC
Common research focus areas include
• Growth hormone and IGF-1 axis modulation
• GHRH receptor signaling and endocrine pharmacology
• Metabolic and body-composition research models
• Prolonged albumin-binding peptide design
• Comparative research versus shorter-acting GHRH analogs and secretagogues

Sources: Teichman et al. 2006, Ionescu et al. 2006, Sackmann-Sala et al. 2009.

Regulatory and compliance notice

Research Use Only. Not for human or veterinary use. CJC-1295 with DAC is not FDA-approved. FDA’s 2024 Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee materials state that FDA proposed that CJC-1295 DAC (free base), CJC-1295 DAC acetate, and CJC-1295 DAC trifluoroacetate not be included on the 503A Bulks List, and the committee vote summary shows the committee voted against including those DAC forms. FDA’s briefing materials also note concerns including limited publicly available quality data and potential immunogenicity risk when formulated as an injectable peptide. Sources: FDA PCAC briefing document 2024, FDA points to consider 2024, FDA vote results 2024.

Citations and references

PubChem. CJC-1295 compound record, including formula and molecular weight.
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cjc-1295

Teichman SL, et al. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. Human study describing pharmacokinetics, GH, and IGF-1 effects.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16352683/

Ionescu M, et al. Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during treatment with CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog. Describes albumin binding and an approximately 8-day half-life in humans.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17018654/

Alba M, et al. Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse. Preclinical paper describing DAC-mediated albumin binding and prolonged action.
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpendo.00201.2006

Sackmann-Sala L, et al. Activation of the GH/IGF-1 axis by CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog, results in serum protein profile changes in normal adult men. Further GH/IGF-1 axis research context.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19386527/

FDA. Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee Briefing Document: CJC-1295-related bulk drug substances.Distinguishes CJC-1295 DAC from other related substances and discusses quality and immunogenicity concerns.
https://www.fda.gov/media/183819/download

FDA. Points to Consider Regarding Whether FDA Should Include Certain Bulk Drug Substances on the 503A Bulks List. States FDA proposed that CJC-1295 DAC forms not be included on the 503A Bulks List.
https://www.fda.gov/media/183583/download

FDA. Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes / Vote Results, Dec. 4, 2024. Records committee votes against including CJC-1295 DAC-related forms on the 503A Bulks List.
https://www.fda.gov/media/185642/download