What Is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) — a 30-amino-acid peptide that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone naturally. It exists in two distinct forms with very different profiles.
The CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin combination is the most widely prescribed peptide stack in clinical practice. Understanding which version of CJC-1295 you're buying is the single most important thing to get right.
The Two Versions: DAC vs. No DAC
This is the most critical distinction when buying CJC-1295. These are not interchangeable.
| Property | CJC-1295 with DAC | CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | ~3,647 Da | ~3,367 Da |
| Half-Life | 6-8 days | ~30 minutes |
| GH Release Pattern | Sustained, elevated | Pulsatile, natural |
| Dosing Frequency | Less frequent | More frequent |
| Albumin Binding | Yes (lysine linker) | No |
| Clinical Preference | Less common | More common (paired with Ipamorelin) |
Quick Facts
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | GHRH analog |
| Amino Acids | 30 |
| Mechanism | Stimulates natural GH production (not replacement) |
| Regulatory Status | Expected Category 1 reclassification |
| Most Common Pairing | Ipamorelin (growth hormone secretagogue) |
Research Areas of Interest
- Growth hormone optimization — stimulates natural GH production rather than replacing it
- Body composition — studied for effects on lean mass and fat metabolism
- Recovery and repair — research interest in tissue healing and sleep quality
- Synergy with GHSs — amplified effects when paired with secretagogues like Ipamorelin
How It's Sold
| Source | Form | Prescription? | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Vendors | Lyophilized powder, 2mg (no DAC) | No | $25-55/vial |
| Research Vendors | Lyophilized powder, 2mg (with DAC) | No | $35-70/vial |
| Compounding Pharmacy | Injectable (subcutaneous) | Yes | $150-350+/month |
| Compounding Pharmacy | CJC-1295/Ipamorelin combo vial | Yes | $200-450+/month |
What to Look For on the COA
- HPLC purity — minimum 95%, preferably 98-99%+
- Mass spectrometry — this is how you verify which version you have:
- No DAC: ~3,367 Da
- With DAC: ~3,647 Da
- Variant identification — the COA must clearly state which version was tested
- Endotoxin testing — required for injectable forms
- Amino acid analysis — confirms correct sequence
If a vendor's COA shows a molecular weight that doesn't match either variant (~3,367 or ~3,647 Da), do not purchase. Ambiguous labeling that doesn't specify DAC vs. no DAC is also a red flag.
Storage Guide
| Form | Temperature | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized (powder) | 2-8°C | Months (stable) |
| Reconstituted | 2-8°C | 21-28 days |
- Protect from light at all times
- Do not freeze reconstituted solutions
Key Sourcing Tips
- Always verify DAC vs. no DAC — this is the most common source of confusion and the most important thing to check
- For research: compare COAs across vendors and verify molecular weight matches the correct variant
- For clinical use: CJC-1295 (no DAC) + Ipamorelin from a compounding pharmacy is the standard protocol
- Be wary of extremely cheap CJC-1295 — the with-DAC version requires more complex synthesis
- If mass spec data on the COA doesn't match either variant's expected weight, avoid that source entirely