CJC-1295 No DAC: The Complete Guide
A synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone that stimulates pulsatile GH release from the pituitary gland — the foundation of the GHRH-side of growth hormone research.
What is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 (No DAC), also known as Mod GRF 1-29, is a synthetic peptide analogue of GHRH (Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone). It stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone in a pulsatile pattern that mirrors the body's natural GH release rhythm.
The "No DAC" designation is important. The original CJC-1295 was developed with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that extended its half-life to several days. The No DAC version has a much shorter half-life of approximately 30 minutes, which produces sharper GH pulses that more closely resemble physiological release patterns. Most current research focuses on the No DAC version for this reason.
CJC-1295 is one of the most widely researched compounds in the growth hormone secretagogue category and is frequently studied in combination with Ipamorelin — a pairing that targets two different parts of the GH release pathway.
Research Applications
Research on CJC-1295 spans GHRH-axis stimulation, growth hormone secretagogue protocols, and the well-studied combination with Ipamorelin.
CJC-1295 signals the pituitary gland to release growth hormone using the GHRH pathway. Research compares this approach to direct GH administration, since secretagogue stimulation preserves natural feedback regulation.
The most studied combination in growth hormone secretagogue research. CJC-1295 works on the GHRH pathway; Ipamorelin works on the ghrelin pathway. Research suggests the combination produces a stronger GH response than either alone.
Growth hormone influences lean tissue and fat metabolism. Research investigates whether stimulating endogenous GH release through CJC-1295 affects body composition markers in study populations.
GH is naturally released in pulses during deep sleep. CJC-1295 (No DAC) produces pulsatile release that mirrors this pattern — relevant to research on sleep architecture, recovery, and the GH-sleep relationship.
The "No DAC" version has a shorter half-life, producing GH in distinct bursts. The DAC version lasts much longer, creating sustained elevation. Research often selects No DAC for its more physiological pulse-like pattern.
One of the most widely studied GHRH analogues available. The mechanism is extensively published, making CJC-1295 a reliable reference compound for growth hormone research protocols.
How CJC-1295 Works
Understanding CJC-1295 starts with how growth hormone release is normally regulated.
The GH axis: The hypothalamus produces GHRH (Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone), which travels to the pituitary gland and signals GH release. The pituitary releases GH in pulses — primarily during deep sleep and after exercise. CJC-1295 mimics GHRH, providing an additional signal to the pituitary to release GH.
Why it is modified: Natural GHRH breaks down very quickly in the body (half-life of about 7 minutes). CJC-1295 has four amino acid substitutions that make it resistant to enzymatic degradation, extending its half-life to approximately 30 minutes. This is long enough to stimulate a meaningful GH pulse but short enough to maintain the natural pulsatile pattern.
Pulsatile vs continuous stimulation: Research suggests pulsatile GH release is functionally distinct from sustained elevation. The pituitary appears to respond differently to pulsed signals than to continuous stimulation, which is one reason the No DAC version is often preferred in current research over the longer-acting DAC variant.
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Combination
The CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin pairing is the most extensively studied combination in growth hormone secretagogue research. The two compounds target different receptors on the same pituitary cells.
Two pathways, one outcome: CJC-1295 binds the GHRH receptor — the primary trigger for GH release. Ipamorelin binds the ghrelin receptor (also known as the GHS-R, or growth hormone secretagogue receptor) — a separate receptor that amplifies GH release signals. Activating both receptors simultaneously produces a synergistic effect: research suggests the combined GH response exceeds the sum of either compound alone.
Why selectivity matters: Ipamorelin is notable among ghrelin-receptor agonists for its selectivity — it stimulates GH release without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin levels. This selectivity is one reason it pairs cleanly with CJC-1295 in research, since the GH signal can be studied without confounding hormonal noise.
Pulsatile preservation: Both compounds in the combination have short half-lives (CJC-1295 No DAC ~30 minutes, Ipamorelin ~2 hours), preserving the pulsatile GH release pattern. This is why the combination is studied with the No DAC variant rather than the DAC variant — the goal is amplifying natural pulses, not creating sustained elevation.
Storage Guidelines
Store at 2–8°C in a cool, dry place. Protect from light and moisture. Refrigerate once in solution form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Technical Specifications
Compiled by the Southern Pacific Labs research team. Last updated April 2026.
Published References
- Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, 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.” The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 2006. PubMed
- Ionescu M, Frohman LA. “Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog.” The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 2006. PubMed
- Alba M, Fintini D, Sagazio A, et al. “Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse.” American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2006. PubMed
Browse all CJC-1295 No DAC research on PubMed →
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