library.onepin.app/cjc-1295-with-dac Peptide Education Library
Education only, not medical advice 21+ Every dose is an example to finalize with a licensed provider

OnePin Peptide Library · Growth Hormone

Growth Hormone Synthetic GHRH analog with albumin-binding DAC linker Not FDA-approved · investigational

CJC-1295 with DAC

CJC-1295 DAC · CJC1295 DAC · CJC-DAC

Synthetic GHRH analog with albumin-binding DAC linkerLong-acting growth hormone secretagogueMaleimide-conjugated peptideWeekly injection peptide

CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a synthetic GHRH analog with a maleimide-based linker that covalently binds to serum albumin via the Cys34 thiol residue. This albumin binding extends the half-life from approximately 30 minutes (no DAC) to 6-8 days, providing sustained baseline GH elevation from a single weekly injection. The DAC maleimide group is the reason this compound must be pinned alone: maleimide reacts with thiol (sulfhydryl) groups found in cysteine residues of other peptides, potentially degrading co-administered compounds in the syringe. CJC-1295 with DAC provides continuous GHRH receptor stimulation rather than pulsatile, which is pharmacologically distinct from CJC no DAC and Tesamorelin.

Quick Start
Route
SubQ injection
Start low
1-2 mg weekly
Frequency
Once weekly
Timing
Fasted. Evening, empty stomach. Weekly injection.

Weekly injection. Any time of day. No fasting required (long-acting, no acute GH pulse). Pin alone always.

Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.

Tiered Protocols · lowest first
Quick Start
Conservative start
1-2 mg weekly · SubQ injection · Once weekly
Lowest starting point. Hold about a week to assess tolerance before stepping up.
1-2 mg weekly
Once weekly
Standard
Weekly Steady-State
1-2 mg · SubQ · Weekly
human clinical trial · Teichman et al. 2006 (J Clin Endocrinol Metab)
1-2 mg
Weekly
Reconstitution CalculatorU-100
050100u
Draw to
units
01

How it works

CJC-1295 with DAC binds GHRH receptors identically to CJC no DAC, activating cAMP/PKA signaling for GH release. The DAC maleimide linker covalently binds albumin Cys34, creating a circulating depot that slowly releases active peptide over 6-8 days. This produces sustained GH elevation rather than acute pulses. When combined with Ipamorelin (which provides acute pulses on top of the sustained baseline), the result is elevated baseline GH with superimposed pulsatile peaks. The maleimide chemistry that enables albumin binding also makes CJC-DAC reactive with free thiol groups on other peptides, which is why it must be pinned alone.

CJC-1295 with DAC binds GHRH receptors identically to CJC no DAC, activating cAMP/PKA signaling for GH release. The DAC maleimide linker covalently binds albumin Cys34, creating a circulating depot that slowly releases active peptide over 6-8 days. This produces sustained GH elevation rather than acute pulses. When combined with Ipamorelin (which provides acute pulses on top of the sustained baseline), the result is elevated baseline GH with superimposed pulsatile peaks. The maleimide chemistry that enables albumin binding also makes CJC-DAC reactive with free thiol groups on other peptides, which is why it must be pinned alone.

02

What to expect

Early
Days 1–7

Week 1-2: GH and IGF-1 elevation begins. Sleep improvements. Steady-state reached by second injection.

Mid
Weeks 2–4

Weeks 4-8: Body composition changes. Recovery improvements. Lab should show elevated IGF-1.

Later
Weeks 4–12

Weeks 8-12: Significant body composition results when paired with Ipamorelin, diet, and training.

03

Evidence

HumanPresent
AnimalPresent
In-vitroPresent
2006Prolonged 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 · Teichman SL et al, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ↗peer reviewed
2005Human growth hormone-releasing factor (hGRF)1-29-albumin bioconjugates activate the GRF receptor on the anterior pituitary in rats: identification of CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analog · Jette L et al, Endocrinology ↗peer reviewed
2006Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse · Alba M et al, American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism ↗peer reviewed
04

The honest take

Weekly convenience

Confirmed. 6-8 day half-life allows true once-weekly dosing. Major practical advantage over daily Tesamorelin or CJC no DAC.

Sustained vs pulsatile debate

Pulsatile GH release (CJC no DAC, Tesamorelin) more closely mimics natural physiology. Sustained (DAC) provides higher total GH exposure. Which is superior for body composition is debated. Combining DAC (baseline) + Ipamorelin (pulses) attempts to capture both.

05

Interactions & stacking

What's safe to combine, and what belongs in a separate pin.

Safe & synergistic

IpamorelinCJC-DAC provides sustained baseline GH elevation (6-8 day half-life) while Ipamorelin provides acute nightly pulses on top. Together: elevated floor + amplified peaks. Must pin in separate syringes.

Keep separate

ALL (syringe)PIN ALONE. DAC maleimide group reacts with thiol/sulfhydryl groups in cysteine residues of other peptides. This is a chemical reactivity issue, not a pharmacological one.
TesamorelinBoth target GHRH receptors. Continuous DAC stimulation conflicts with Tesamorelin's pulsatile pattern. Accelerates receptor downregulation. Never run simultaneously.
CJC-1295 no DACDo not run both CJC variants.
AOD-9604AOD contains cysteine disulfide bridge. DAC maleimide reacts with cysteine thiol groups.
06

Side effects & safety

Commonly reported

  • Water retention
  • Joint stiffness
  • Injection site reaction
  • Numbness/tingling in hands

Less common & notes

  • Continuous GH elevation may carry different risk profile than pulsatile.
  • Monitor glucose homeostasis closely.
  • Potential for greater IGF-1 elevation than pulsatile protocols.
  • Contraindicated in active malignancy.
07

Pharmacokinetics

Illustrative plasma concentration · 24 h
Half-life
192h
Peak · Tmax
2h
Elimination
960h
Activity
6-8 days (sustained GHRH receptor stimulation and GH/IGF-1 elevation from albumin depot)

Storage. Maleimide DAC linker susceptible to hydrolysis in solution. Use within 21-28 days after reconstitution. Refrigerate 2-8C. Protect from light. Unreconstituted powder stable frozen for extended periods.

08

Regulatory status

Not FDA-approved. WADA prohibited under S2. Available through compounding and research channels.

Put it to work

Calculate, log & track

Open CJC-1295 with DAC straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.

Open CJC-1295 with DAC in the app →

Go deeper

The guide & community

The complete CJC-1295 with DAC walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.

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