CJC-1295
Also known as: CJC-1295 with DAC · DAC:GRF · modified GRF 1-29 (no-DAC form)
A growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogue. The name is used for two materially different compounds — one bearing a drug-affinity complex (DAC) that greatly extends half-life, and one without it — and conflating them is the most common error in writing about this molecule.
Development status: Preclinical — laboratory and animal studies only
Identifiers and molecular characteristics
- CAS number
- Not verified
- Molecular formula
- Not verified
- Molecular mass
- Not verified
- Amino-acid sequence
- Not verified
- PubChem CID
- Not verified
Identifiers are published only with a source and a check date. Fields marked “not verified” have not yet been confirmed against a primary source — we show the gap rather than an unchecked figure. Always confirm against the certificate of analysis for the specific lot you hold.
Biological targets
- GHRH receptor
Mechanism of action
Acts at the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs. The DAC variant carries a maleimidoproprionic acid group that forms a covalent bond with serum albumin, extending circulating duration from minutes to days. The non-DAC form, properly called modified GRF (1-29), is short-acting.
Research evidence and its limits
Limited published human pharmacokinetic work exists for the DAC form. The compound is not in active clinical development and the evidence base is small.
Safety considerations
No regulatory authority has assessed this compound as safe or effective for any human indication. The published record is predominantly laboratory and animal work, which does not establish human safety. Supplied and discussed here strictly as a laboratory research material. Not a medicine, not for human or veterinary administration, and nothing on this page should be read as a dosing, treatment or safety recommendation.
Analytical identification and quality testing
Identity by high-resolution mass spectrometry against the expected mass, purity by RP-HPLC with UV detection. For a sequence-defined peptide, enzymatic digestion followed by peptide mapping gives far stronger identity evidence than mass alone, because isomers and closely related sequences can share a mass. The DAC and non-DAC forms differ substantially in mass, so mass spectrometry distinguishes them straightforwardly — worth doing, given how often they are mislabelled.
Regulatory status
Not an approved medicine. Appears on prohibited-substance lists in sporting contexts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CJC-1295 with and without DAC?
The DAC is a chemical group that binds covalently to albumin, extending half-life from minutes to days. Without it the peptide is modified GRF (1-29), a short-acting molecule. They are different compounds with different masses and different behaviour.
References
- PubMed — search CJC-1295review
Related compounds
Sermorelin
The first 29 residues of human growth-hormone-releasing hormone — the shortest fragment retaining full activity at the GHRH receptor. Has held marketing authorisation as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent.
Tesamorelin
A stabilised GHRH analogue carrying a trans-3-hexenoyl group at the N-terminus, approved in some jurisdictions for a specific indication.
Ipamorelin
A pentapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist. Acts at GHS-R1a, a different receptor from the GHRH analogues it is frequently paired with in discussion.
Entry last reviewed 2026-10-11. Regulatory status and scientific understanding change; verify against primary sources before relying on anything here.