CJC-1295 DAC is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog designed to stimulate the body's natural production of growth hormone. It features a unique Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that extends its half-life, allowing for once-weekly dosing. This peptide helps maintain natural GH rhythms while elevating overall growth hormone and IGF-1 levels.
- Once-weekly subcutaneous injection due to extended half-life.
- Stimulates natural growth hormone (GH) and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) release.
- A 2 mg vial reconstituted with 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water yields 2.0 mg/mL.
- Full dose (2 mg) measures as 100 units (1.00 mL) on a U-100 insulin syringe.
- Benefits may include improved muscle growth, fat metabolism, and sleep quality.
Reconstitution
Vial strength
2 mg
Bacteriostatic water
1 mL
Concentration
2 mg/mL
1 unit = 0.01 mL = 20 mcg
- 1Draw 1.0 mL of bacteriostatic water using a sterile syringe.
- 2Inject the water slowly down the side of the CJC-1295 DAC vial, avoiding direct contact with the powder or creating foam.
- 3Gently swirl or roll the vial until the powder completely dissolves; do not shake vigorously.
- 4Label the reconstituted vial with the date and store it in the refrigerator at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
Dosing schedule
| Phase | Dose | On a U-100 syringe |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–12 | 2000 mcg (2 mg) | 100 units (1.00 mL) |
Protocol detail
| Standard Dose | 2,000 mcg (2 mg) once weekly. |
|---|---|
| Conservative Option | 1,000 mcg (1 mg) weekly if exploring lower doses. |
| Frequency | Once per week (subcutaneous). |
| Cycle Length | 8–12 weeks; optional 4-week break between cycles. |
| Timing | Evening administration (pre-bed) may align with natural nocturnal GH release; rotate injection sites weekly. |
Overview at a glance
| Goal | Elevate endogenous GH and IGF-1 levels to support muscle growth, fat metabolism, recovery, and anti-aging research. |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Weekly subcutaneous injections for 8–12 weeks. |
| Dose | 2,000 mcg (2 mg) once weekly — one full vial per injection. |
| Reconstitution | 1.0 mL per 2 mg vial (2.0 mg/mL) for accurate unit measurements. |
| Storage | Lyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; avoid repeated freeze-thaw. |
How it works
CJC-1295 DAC is a modified GHRH analog that binds to serum albumin after injection, significantly extending its half-life to approximately 6-8 days. This allows for once-weekly dosing. It stimulates GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, promoting the synthesis and pulsatile release of growth hormone (GH). Unlike exogenous GH, CJC-1295 DAC preserves the body's natural GH rhythm while elevating basal GH levels. Studies show it can increase GH levels 2-10 fold and IGF-1 levels 1.5-3 fold, with elevated IGF-1 persisting for up to 28 days after multiple doses.
Reported effects
- Sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1 levels
- Supports muscle growth and recovery
- Enhances lean body composition
- Improved fat metabolism and potential reduction in visceral fat
- Better sleep quality (somnogenic effects)
- Preserves natural GH pulsatility
Reported side effects
- Transient flushing
- Injection-site reactions
- Water retention
- Headache
Storage
Lyophilised (unmixed)
Freeze at -20 °C (-4 °F) in dry, dark conditions; minimize moisture exposure.
After reconstitution
Refrigerate at 2-8 °C (35.6-46.4 °F), protected from light. Use within 4 weeks. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
Supplies
| Peptide vials | 8-12 vials of CJC-1295 DAC (2 mg each), one per week. |
|---|---|
| Insulin Syringes | 8-12 U-100, 1 mL capacity syringes, one per week. |
| Bacteriostatic Water | 1-2 x 10 mL bottles (1.0 mL per 2 mg vial). |
| Alcohol Swabs | Approximately 16-24 swabs (2 per week), recommend a 100-count box. |
Important notes
- Use a new sterile insulin syringe for each injection and dispose of it in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites weekly (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to minimize local irritation.
- Inject on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal) to optimize GH release, as high blood sugar can reduce its effectiveness.
- Document weekly dose, date, and site rotation to maintain consistency and track progress.
Frequently asked questions
Why is CJC-1295 DAC dosed only once a week?
CJC-1295 DAC has a unique Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) technology that allows it to bind to albumin in the blood, significantly extending its half-life to approximately 6-8 days. This prolonged action means it only needs to be injected once per week to maintain elevated growth hormone levels.
Can I inject CJC-1295 DAC at any time of day?
While its long half-life allows for flexibility, it's often recommended to inject CJC-1295 DAC in the evening before bed. This timing can synergize with the body's natural nocturnal growth hormone release and potentially enhance its effects, especially on sleep quality. It should also be administered on an empty stomach.
What is the difference between CJC-1295 DAC and other growth hormone-releasing peptides?
The key distinction of CJC-1295 DAC is its extended half-life due to the DAC modification. Other GHRH-mimicking peptides like CJC-1295 without DAC or GHRPs (e.g., Ipamorelin, GHRP-2) typically have much shorter half-lives and require more frequent injections, often multiple times per day, to achieve sustained effects.
How long does a reconstituted vial of CJC-1295 DAC remain potent?
Once CJC-1295 DAC is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, it should be stored in the refrigerator at 2-8 °C (35.6-46.4 °F) and used within 4 weeks. After this period, its potency may significantly decrease, making it less effective.
Educational reference only. These figures summarise how CJC-1295 DAC is commonly described in research literature and supplier documentation, including the CJC-1295 DAC listing at peptidesuk4u.co.uk. They are not a prescription, not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-administer anything.
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