CJC-1295 (with DAC) — Long-Acting GHRH Analogue

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of the body’s natural Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone (GHRH). When paired with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC), it binds to albumin in the bloodstream, giving it a much longer half-life. Researchers use it to explore growth-hormone (GH) pulse patterns, IGF-1 dynamics, and long-duration endocrine signaling.

Identifiers

CAS: 446262-90-4
PubChem CID: 56841945
Formula / MW: C₁₆₅H₂₆₉N₄₇O₄₆ · ≈3,364 Da
Sequence: Modified GHRH fragment with a DAC group that extends its duration

How It Works (Plain English)

CJC-1295 binds to the same receptor as natural GHRH in the pituitary gland.
The DAC portion helps it stay active in the bloodstream for days instead of minutes.
This allows researchers to study how sustained GH and IGF-1 levels influence metabolism, body composition, and recovery markers.

Why Researchers Use It

To compare short- vs long-acting GHRH analogues.
To analyze GH pulse frequency, amplitude, and downstream IGF-1 responses.
To investigate how extended GHRH stimulation influences lipid, glucose, and muscle biomarkers.

Key Studies — What Was Tested, What Changed, Why It Matters

Early human and preclinical studies (GH/IGF-1 kinetics)

What was tested: CJC-1295 (with DAC) was administered in single and multiple-dose studies to measure GH pulses and IGF-1 levels over time.
What changed: A single dose maintained elevated GH and IGF-1 for up to a week—far longer than short-acting GHRH analogues, which last only minutes to hours.
Why it matters: Demonstrates how modifying GHRH structure can extend its biological window, giving researchers a tool to study chronic GH exposure rather than brief pulses.

Comparative signaling vs short-acting GHRH analogues

What was tested: GH pulse and IGF-1 profiles with CJC-1295 (DAC) compared to short peptides like Mod GRF (1-29).
What changed: CJC-1295 produced fewer but higher-amplitude GH pulses and a more sustained rise in IGF-1.
Why it matters: Allows exploration of the difference between frequency-based and amplitude-based GH signaling, useful in endocrine and metabolic research.

Metabolic and recovery applications (animal models)

What was tested: Long-term CJC-1295 exposure in animal studies monitoring lean-mass, fat-mass, and glucose markers.
What changed: Data suggest shifts toward greater lean-tissue synthesis and modest fat reduction, consistent with GH/IGF-1 activity.
Why it matters: Provides insight into how long-duration GHRH analogues can shape energy use and tissue remodeling in controlled research settings.

Potential Research Applications

Endocrine & GH Axis Studies

GH pulse mapping and IGF-1 response curves
Receptor-sensitivity and binding-protein studies

Metabolic & Composition Models

Lean vs fat-mass imaging (MRI/DEXA)
Lipid, glucose, and insulin-sensitivity markers

Comparative Peptide Dynamics

Short- vs long-acting GHRH analogues
Half-life, binding, and dose-response evaluation

Synergistic Peptides (for Study Design)

Ipamorelin

Why pair: Activates a different receptor (GHSR) that complements the GHRH pathway.
Angle: Dual-pathway experiments (GHRH + GHSR) can clarify combined GH pulse effects and metabolic outcomes.

Tesamorelin

Why pair: Used as a comparator to explore differences in duration and specificity of GHRH analogues.
Angle: VAT, IGF-1, and GH-kinetic studies comparing analogues side-by-side.

Sermorelin / Mod GRF (1-29)

Why pair: Short-acting analogues ideal for pulse-timing or frequency studies.
Angle: Compare rapid vs sustained GH signaling effects in metabolic or tissue-repair assays.

Design Notes

Track GH and IGF-1 sampling intervals closely—CJC-1295 alters the expected timing curve.
Use standardized assays to compare DAC vs non-DAC versions.
Document duration and exposure for reproducibility.

Known Concerns (Context)

Assay timing: Extended half-life means sampling schedules must be adjusted to avoid under- or over-estimating GH peaks.
Receptor overlap: Distinguish GHRH-mediated activity from GHSR-mediated signals when using combo protocols.
General: As with all peptides, intended for research use only; not a therapeutic compound.

Follow institutional protocols and oversight when designing endocrine or metabolic experiments.

Specifications & Handling

Form: Lyophilized powder (lot-coded)
Purity: ≥ 99% (HPLC/MS; lot-verified)
Storage: ≤ −20 °C; protect from light/moisture

In solution: Aliquot promptly; avoid repeat freeze–thaw
Additives: None unless specified per lot
Packaging: Tamper-evident, research-only labeling

Regulatory & Use Notice

Sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, medical, or veterinary use. No human-use instructions are provided. Buyer is responsible for safe handling and regulatory compliance.