CJC-1295 with vs without DAC
The same GHRH analog with very different timing. The DAC version binds albumin in the blood and lasts about a week; the version without DAC is short-acting and dosed daily.
- CJC-1295 with DAC
- Human studiesOnce weekly
- CJC-1295 (no DAC)
- Preclinical1–3× daily (bedtime most common)
- Head-to-head trials
- None published
The short answer
CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) is a 29-amino-acid GHRH analog. CJC-1295 with DAC adds a lysine carrying a chemical linker, the drug affinity complex, that attaches to albumin in the blood and stretches the half-life to about 6 to 8 days.
In healthy adults, one shot of the DAC version raised GH for 6 days or more and IGF-1 for 9 to 11 days. The version without DAC is taken 1 to 3 times a day. Only the DAC version has human studies, from 2006; that year its developer halted a Phase 2 trial after a patient died, and no results were published.
At a glance
| Field | CJC-1295 with DACDAC:GRF | CJC-1295 (no DAC)Mod GRF 1-29 |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence | Human studies | Preclinical |
| Class | Long-acting GHRH analog | GHRH analog |
| Approval | Not approved as a drug in the US or EU. Its developer, ConjuChem, halted a Phase 2 trial in July 2006. | Not approved as a drug in the US or EU. |
| Sport (WADA 2026) | Banned in sport | Banned in sport |
| Common dose | 1 mg weekly | 100 mcg, 1–3× daily |
| Frequency | Once weekly | 1–3× daily (bedtime most common) |
| Cycle | 12 weeks on, 4 off | 12 weeks on, 4 off |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection | Subcutaneous injection |
| Half-life | about 6 to 8 days Trial | – |
| Typical draw | 40 units5 mg with 2 mL, 1 mg | 5 units5 mg with 2.5 mL, 100 mcg |
| Vial sizes or form | 5 mg | 5 mg |
| Human studies | 3 listedLargest: 11 people (2009) | None found |
| Main cautions |
|
|
| Open CJC-1295 with DAC | Open CJC-1295 (no DAC) |
Doses shown are what labels, trials or community reports reference, not recommendations. Each compound’s page has the full detail and sources.
Key differences
Structure
Without DAC: 29 amino acids. With DAC: the same 29 plus a lysine with a maleimidopropionyl linker that binds albumin.
Half-life
With DAC: about 6 to 8 days, measured in healthy adults. Without DAC: about 30 minutes is commonly cited, not measured in people.
Dosing
CommunityWith DAC: usually 1 mg once a week. Without DAC: 100 mcg, 1–3 times a day, often with ipamorelin.
Effect pattern
TrialWith DAC, GH stayed raised between the body’s own pulses: trough GH rose 7.5-fold while normal pulses continued, and IGF-1 rose 1.5- to 3-fold for 9 to 11 days after one dose.
Side effects
Similar kinds (injection-site reactions, flushing, headache, water retention), but with DAC they can last for days because the drug clears slowly.
Human data
TrialWith DAC: two placebo-controlled dose studies and a GH-pulse study in healthy adults (2006). Without DAC: none.
Head-to-head studies
Taking them together
CJC-1295 with DAC and CJC-1295 (no DAC) both act on the same receptor (the GHRH receptor), so they double up rather than add a different effect.
Source: Egrifta and Geref labels; WADA 2026 list, S2.2.4
CJC-1295 with DAC and CJC-1295 (no DAC) each raise growth hormone or IGF-1 activity. Tesamorelin’s label advises monitoring IGF-1 and lists fluid retention, joint pain and higher blood sugar as side effects.
Source: Egrifta prescribing information
Open them in the stack check for sport status and one combined tracking checklist.
Questions
What is the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and CJC-1295 (no DAC)?
CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) is a 29-amino-acid GHRH analog. CJC-1295 with DAC adds a lysine carrying a chemical linker, the drug affinity complex, that attaches to albumin in the blood and stretches the half-life to about 6 to 8 days.
Which lasts longer, CJC-1295 with or without DAC?
The DAC version, by far: about 6 to 8 days in healthy adults, so it’s injected weekly. The version without DAC is short-acting and taken 1 to 3 times a day. Only the DAC version has human studies, and neither is approved.
Can CJC-1295 with DAC and CJC-1295 (no DAC) be taken together?
The stack check flags two GHRH analogs and several growth hormone compounds. CJC-1295 with DAC and CJC-1295 (no DAC) both act on the same receptor (the GHRH receptor), so they double up rather than add a different effect. CJC-1295 with DAC and CJC-1295 (no DAC) each raise growth hormone or IGF-1 activity. Tesamorelin’s label advises monitoring IGF-1 and lists fluid retention, joint pain and higher blood sugar as side effects. No published study has tested them together.
Which has more evidence in people, CJC-1295 with DAC or CJC-1295 (no DAC)?
CJC-1295 with DAC isn’t approved anywhere; its page lists 3 key human studies. CJC-1295 (no DAC) isn’t approved anywhere and rests mainly on cell and animal studies; its page lists no published human studies. They haven’t been compared directly in a published trial.
Are CJC-1295 with DAC and CJC-1295 (no DAC) banned in sport?
CJC-1295 with DAC and CJC-1295 (no DAC) are banned at all times. This follows the WADA 2026 Prohibited List; athletes should confirm with their anti-doping organization.
Sources
- Teichman et al., CJC-1295 in healthy adults (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2006) PMID 16352683
- Ionescu & Frohman, GH pulses during CJC-1295 (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2006) PMID 17018654
- Lipodystrophy study halted after patient death (aidsmap, 2006)
Each compound’s page lists its full sources: CJC-1295 with DAC, CJC-1295 (no DAC).