CJC-1295 with DAC — Research, Dosing & Price Guide

CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a long-acting GHRH analog that uses a maleimidopropionic acid modification to covalently bind to circulating serum albumin after injection, extending its half-life to approximately 8 days. Unlike the no-DAC version which produces discrete GH pulses, CJC-1295 with DAC creates sustained, continuous GHRH receptor stimulation, resulting in chronically elevated GH and IGF-1 levels. This produces consistently high IGF-1 output with less frequent dosing (once or twice per week), but at the cost of natural pulsatility — a trade-off that divides the peptide community.

CJC-1295 with DAC contains the same modified GRF(1-29) sequence as the no-DAC version, binding to and activating the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotroph cells through the same Gαs → cAMP → PKA signaling cascade. The critical difference is the Drug Affinity Complex: a maleimidopropionic acid (MPA) linker that reacts with cysteine-34 on circulating human serum albumin, forming a covalent thioether bond. This albumin conjugation has profound pharmacokinetic consequences. The 67 kDa albumin molecule dramatically slows renal clearance and proteolytic degradation, extending the effective half-life from ~30 minutes (no DAC) to approximately 8 days. This means a single injection provides continuous GHRH receptor stimulation for over a week. **The GH bleed phenomenon:** Rather than producing discrete GH pulses as the no-DAC version does, CJC-1295 with DAC causes a sustained elevation of baseline GH levels — often called 'GH bleed.' The pituitary is continuously stimulated to release GH, producing a pattern similar to a constant GH infusion rather than the natural peaks-and-troughs pattern. This results in: 1. **Higher total GH output** over 24 hours compared to equivalent no-DAC dosing 2. **Consistently elevated IGF-1** (often 60–100% above baseline) 3. **Reduced pulsatility** — the natural GH rhythm is blunted 4. **Potential desensitization** — continuous receptor stimulation may eventually downregulate GHRH-R expression The clinical implications of this pattern are debated. Some argue the higher total GH and IGF-1 production makes CJC-1295 DAC superior for fat loss and body composition. Others argue that the loss of pulsatility reduces GH receptor sensitivity, impairs the insulin-like metabolic switching that GH pulses provide, and may carry higher long-term risks similar to exogenous GH. The truth likely depends on the specific goals and the individual's metabolic context. **Combination considerations:** CJC-1295 with DAC can be combined with a GHRP (Ipamorelin, GHRP-2), but the synergy is less pronounced than with the no-DAC version because the GHRH receptor is already continuously occupied. The GHRP still adds GH release through the ghrelin receptor, but the multiplicative synergy seen with pulsatile GHRH + GHRP is diminished.

• Human pharmacokinetic studies confirmed a half-life of approximately 8 days after a single subcutaneous injection, with measurable GH elevation persisting for 6–10 days.
• IGF-1 levels increased by 60–100% above baseline with twice-weekly dosing of 1–2 mg in healthy volunteers, exceeding the typical IGF-1 elevation seen with Mod GRF/Ipamorelin combinations.
• Total 24-hour GH area-under-the-curve (AUC) was significantly greater with DAC than no-DAC at equivalent peptide doses, confirming greater total GH output.
• Clinical studies showed significant increases in lean body mass and reductions in body fat percentage over 4–12 weeks of treatment.
• The albumin-binding DAC technology was validated as a viable approach to peptide half-life extension, influencing the development of other long-acting peptide therapeutics.
• Greater total GH output compared to the no-DAC version was confirmed in head-to-head pharmacodynamic comparisons, but with loss of the natural pulsatile rhythm.
• Some clinical data suggests greater fat loss with DAC vs. no-DAC at equivalent overall dosing, potentially due to the higher total GH exposure.

• Standard dose: 2 mg subcutaneous injection once per week. This is the most common protocol and produces reliably elevated IGF-1 levels.
• Split-dose protocol: 1 mg twice per week (e.g., Monday and Thursday) for more stable GH elevation with slightly less peak/trough variation.
• High-dose protocol: 2 mg twice per week. Produces very high IGF-1 levels but increases side effects and cost. Recommended only short-term and with IGF-1 monitoring.
• No meal timing restrictions — because the compound remains active for days, the timing of a single injection relative to food is relatively unimportant. However, the initial GH pulse following injection is still blunted by elevated insulin, so fasted injection is still preferred.
• Cycle: 8–12 weeks on, 4–6 weeks off. Cycling is more important with the DAC version due to continuous receptor stimulation and the greater potential for pituitary desensitization.
• Can be combined with a GHRP (Ipamorelin 100 mcg at bedtime) for additional pulsatile GH boost, though the synergy is less dramatic than with Mod GRF.
• Monitor IGF-1 levels at baseline and every 4–6 weeks during use. Target IGF-1 in the upper-normal range for age (200–300 ng/mL for most adults). If IGF-1 exceeds 350 ng/mL, reduce dose.
• Reconstitution: Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to a 10 mg vial = 5 mg/mL (2 mg per 0.4 mL). Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen.

Known Side Effects

• Water retention — more pronounced than with the no-DAC version due to sustained GH elevation. Puffy face, swollen fingers, and ankle edema are common, particularly during the first 2–3 weeks. Usually stabilizes.
• Injection site reactions — including hardened lumps at injection sites that can persist for days, related to the albumin-binding reaction occurring locally.
• Numbness and tingling (paresthesias) — particularly in hands and wrists (carpal tunnel-like symptoms). More common with DAC than no-DAC due to sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation.
• Joint pain/stiffness — related to fluid shifts and connective tissue changes from elevated GH. More common at higher doses.
• Increased hunger — GH increases appetite. More sustained with DAC than the brief appetite increase from pulsatile GH release.
• Potential insulin resistance — continuous GH elevation opposes insulin action. Monitor fasting glucose and insulin, particularly in individuals with metabolic risk factors.
• Head rush and flushing — similar to no-DAC but less intense per episode (since GH release is more gradual).
• Vivid dreams and improved sleep — commonly reported, similar to the no-DAC version.

Safety Profile

CJC-1295 with DAC has a moderately well-characterized safety profile from clinical studies and extensive real-world use. The primary safety distinction from the no-DAC version is the continuous GH stimulation pattern, which carries theoretical risks analogous to low-dose exogenous GH — including potential insulin resistance, sustained IGF-1 elevation, and fluid retention. These risks are dose-dependent and generally manageable at standard doses (2 mg/week) with monitoring. The loss of pulsatility is the most debated safety concern. Some endocrinologists argue that continuous GHRH stimulation may eventually desensitize pituitary somatotrophs, potentially reducing endogenous GH capacity over time. While this has not been definitively demonstrated in clinical studies, it provides the rationale for cycling. Contraindications mirror those for all GH-promoting therapies: active malignancy, pituitary tumors, uncontrolled diabetes, and pregnancy/breastfeeding. IGF-1 monitoring is more important with DAC than no-DAC due to the sustained elevation. Individuals with pre-existing insulin resistance should prefer the no-DAC version or use CJC-1295 DAC at lower doses with glucose monitoring. Drug interactions: avoid combining with exogenous GH (suppressive). Use caution with diabetic medications (may need dose adjustment). No CYP450 interactions.

Week 1: After the first injection, GH levels begin rising within hours and remain elevated for days. Sleep improvement is often noticeable within 2–3 days — deeper sleep, easier onset, vivid dreams. Water retention may begin, particularly in fingers and face. Weeks 2–4: Sleep quality continues to improve. Energy and recovery are noticeably enhanced. Water retention stabilizes. Skin begins improving — better hydration, smoother texture. Increased appetite is common. IGF-1 levels are approaching their new steady-state. Weeks 5–8: Body composition changes become visible. Fat loss (particularly abdominal) and improved muscle definition are apparent. Recovery from exercise is significantly faster. Skin, hair, and nail improvements are noticeable. Joint stiffness may occur at higher doses due to fluid shifts. Weeks 9–12: Full effects are established. Consistently elevated IGF-1 produces ongoing body composition improvements, enhanced recovery, and anti-aging effects. This is typically the end of a standard cycle. Upon cessation, effects gradually diminish over 2–3 weeks as the DAC compound clears and GH/IGF-1 return to baseline. Post-cycle: Allow 4–6 weeks off to restore pituitary sensitivity before the next cycle. Most benefits gradually fade, though some users report lasting improvements in skin quality and sleep patterns.

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