Research Context
Our CJC-1295 (No DAC) vial — referred to in laboratory shorthand simply as "CJC" — is a GHRH analog synthesized to >99% HPLC purity for pulsatile growth-hormone research.
CJC is one of the most cited research compounds in endocrine protocols, frequently paired with Ipamorelin or other GHRPs. These research peptides are studied for somatotropic-axis modulation.
A GHRH analog studied for its influence on pulsatile growth-hormone secretion.
CJC-1295 No DAC (MOD-GRF 1-29): Pulsatile Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Analog
CJC-1295 No DAC, widely known in research communities as MOD-GRF 1-29 (Modified Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor 1-29), is a synthetic 29-amino-acid peptide analog of endogenous Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH). It is frequently referenced by shorthand names such as CJC, CJC No DAC, or CJC 29. It is specifically engineered with targeted amino acid substitutions to confer resistance to degradation by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), thereby extending its biological activity compared to native GHRH.
The critical distinction of the "No DAC" designation lies in the absence of a Drug Affinity Complex. The original CJC-1295 formulation included a DAC that bound to albumin, resulting in an extended half-life of approximately 8 days. In contrast, CJC-1295 No DAC lacks this albumin-binding moiety. This deliberate modification results in a short half-life of approximately 30 minutes, which perfectly mimics the natural, physiological pulsatile release of endogenous GHRH from the hypothalamus.
Because it preserves the natural pulsatile rhythm of growth hormone (GH) secretion, CJC-1295 No DAC is heavily utilized in research models investigating the somatotropic axis, aging, and body composition. MOD-GRF 1-29 is frequently referenced alongside specific protocol dosages (such as 100mcg, 200mcg, or 300mcg per pulse) and is most commonly studied in combination with Growth Hormone Secretagogues (GHRPs) like Ipamorelin for synergistic effects.
CJC-1295 No DAC Mechanism of Action: GHRH Receptor Agonism and Pulsatility
CJC-1295 No DAC binds to and activates the Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone receptors (GHRH-R) located on the somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland. This binding activates the cAMP/PKA (cyclic AMP/protein kinase A) intracellular signaling pathway, which stimulates both the synthesis of new growth hormone and the exocytosis (release) of stored GH into the systemic circulation.
The ~30-minute half-life of CJC No DAC is a critical feature for physiological research. Continuous, non-pulsatile exposure to GHRH leads to receptor desensitization and a paradoxical drop in GH levels. Because MOD-GRF 1-29 clears from the system rapidly, it allows the pituitary receptors to reset between pulses, thereby maintaining the natural, episodic bursts of GH secretion that are essential for normal metabolic and anabolic homeostasis.
In the somatotropic axis, GHRH and ghrelin-mimetic peptides (GHRPs) operate through distinct but complementary pathways. While GHRH analogs like CJC-1295 No DAC primarily increase the amplitude (magnitude) of the GH pulse, GHRPs like Ipamorelin primarily increase the frequency of the pulses. This "pulse-burst" synergy is a primary focus in endocrine research, as combining the two yields significantly greater GH release than either compound alone.
CJC-1295 No DAC vs. Sermorelin vs. Tesamorelin: Comparative GHRH Analog Research Analysis
Researchers frequently compare these three Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone analogs to understand the trade-offs between structural modifications, half-life, and specific research applications.
| Feature | CJC-1295 No DAC (MOD-GRF) | Sermorelin | Tesamorelin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peptide Length | 29 amino acids (Modified) | 29 amino acids (Unmodified) | 44 amino acids (Unmodified full-length) |
| Structural Modifications | Substitutions to resist DPP-4 degradation | None (identical to native human GHRH 1-29) | None (identical to native human GHRH 1-44) |
| Biological Half-Life | ~30 minutes | ~10 to 20 minutes | ~20 minutes |
| Primary Mechanism | GHRH receptor agonism (cAMP/PKA pathway) | GHRH receptor agonism (cAMP/PKA pathway) | GHRH receptor agonism (cAMP/PKA pathway) |
| Key Research Advantage | DPP-4 resistance extends pulse duration; perfect pulsatile mimicry | Native sequence; historical baseline for GHRH research | FDA-approved (Egrifta); extensively studied for visceral adiposity |
| Primary Research Application | Somatotropic axis, aging, combination protocols with GHRPs | Pituitary function testing, historical GH axis studies | HIV-associated lipodystrophy, visceral fat distribution |
| Typical Research Dosing Scale | Micrograms (100mcg - 300mcg per pulse) | Micrograms (1mcg - 3mcg per kg body weight) | Milligrams (1mg - 2mg daily) |
Note: While all three compounds stimulate GH release via GHRH receptor activation, CJC-1295 No DAC is distinguished by its DPP-4 resistance, which prolongs the pulse duration without sacrificing the natural pulsatile rhythm. Formulation ratios and purity metrics may vary by batch.
CJC-1295 No DAC Chemical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Peptide Sequence | 29 Amino Acids (Modified GRF 1-29) |
| CAS Number | 863288-34-0 |
| Synonyms | CJC-1295 No DAC, MOD-GRF 1-29, Modified GRF 1-29, CJC 29 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₅₃H₂₅₉N₄₃O₄₅ |
| Molar Mass | 3367.0 g/mol |
| Peptide Length | 29 amino acids |
| Purity | ≥99% by HPLC |
| Form | Lyophilized white powder |
Note: Formulation ratios and purity metrics may vary by batch. Always refer to the batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) included with your order for exact composition and laboratory-verified specifications.
Storage and Stability
Lyophilized CJC-1295 No DAC should typically be stored at -20°C in a tightly sealed container, protected from light and moisture. Under these conditions, it generally remains stable for up to 24 months from the manufacture date.
CJC-1295 No DAC can typically be shipped at room temperature for short periods (up to two weeks) without significant degradation, making it suitable for standard shipping methods.
Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, the solution should be refrigerated at 2-8°C and typically used within 28 days. Researchers should avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and vigorous shaking to maintain peptide integrity.
Research Dosing Considerations
CJC-1295 No DAC is typically reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. Because MOD-GRF is highly potent and evaluated in microgram (mcg) amounts per pulse (commonly 100mcg, 200mcg, or 300mcg protocols), researchers must use precise reconstitution volumes (e.g., 1mL to 3mL) and highly accurate measurement tools (such as insulin syringes) to ensure correct dosing. In research models, CJC-1295 No DAC is typically administered via subcutaneous injection to mimic the natural hypothalamic pulse.
Investigators studying comprehensive endocrine protocols frequently research CJC-1295 No DAC alongside Growth Hormone Secretagogues (GHRPs) such as Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, or GHRP-6. This combination is studied for its synergistic "pulse-burst" effects, where the GHRH analog amplifies the magnitude of the GH pulse while the GHRP amplifies the frequency.
CJC-1295 No DAC Research FAQ
Q: What is the difference between CJC-1295 No DAC and CJC-1295 with DAC?
A: The original CJC-1295 formulation included a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that bound to albumin in the blood, extending its half-life to approximately 8 days. CJC-1295 No DAC (MOD-GRF 1-29) lacks this albumin-binding tail, resulting in a short half-life of about 30 minutes. This short half-life is highly preferred in research because it perfectly mimics the natural, pulsatile release of endogenous GHRH, preventing pituitary receptor desensitization.
Q: Is CJC-1295 No DAC the same thing as MOD-GRF 1-29?
A: Yes. In research literature and communities, CJC-1295 No DAC and MOD-GRF 1-29 (Modified Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor 1-29) are the exact same compound. The name MOD-GRF is often used to explicitly distinguish it from the DAC-containing version.
Q: Why do researchers combine CJC-1295 No DAC with a GHRP like Ipamorelin?
A: They operate through different receptors but converge on the same pituitary somatotroph cells. CJC-1295 No DAC (a GHRH analog) primarily increases the amplitude (size) of the growth hormone pulse, while GHRPs (like Ipamorelin) primarily increase the frequency of the pulses. Combining them produces a synergistic effect that yields significantly greater GH release than either compound alone.
Q: Can CJC-1295 No DAC be mixed with other research peptides in the same vial?
A: It is generally recommended to reconstitute and evaluate CJC-1295 No DAC as a standalone compound. While researchers often administer it alongside GHRPs in their protocols, mixing them in the same vial prior to administration can lead to unpredictable chemical interactions or degradation. Researchers typically reconstitute them separately and administer them at the same time via separate injections.
Q: What is the typical CJC-1295 No DAC research dosing scale?
A: CJC-1295 No DAC is dosed in micrograms (mcg), with research protocols most commonly referencing 100, 200, or 300 mcg per pulse. Lyophilized vials are typically reconstituted with 1–3 mL of bacteriostatic water to allow precise measurement with insulin syringes. All dosing references are derived from published preclinical literature and are provided for in vitro and animal-model protocol design only.
Q: How is CJC-1295 No DAC studied in growth hormone and recovery research?
A: Researchers investigate CJC-1295 No DAC for its ability to amplify the pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone via the GHRH receptor. In recovery-focused models, it is frequently paired with a GHRP such as Ipamorelin to evaluate downstream IGF-1 signaling, lean tissue accretion, connective-tissue repair, and somatotropic-axis modulation under controlled laboratory protocols.
Related Products
Researchers studying CJC-1295 No DAC frequently reference the following hormonal and performance compounds in companion protocols:
Scientific References and Citations
- Thorner MO, Perryman RL, Rogol AD, et al. Growth hormone-releasing hormone. N Engl J Med. 1992;326(7):455-462. doi:10.1056/NEJM199202133260706
- Veldhuis JD, Carlson ML, Johnson ML. The pituitary gland secretes in bursts: appraising the nature of glandular secretory bursts by simultaneous multiple-parameter deconvolution of serum hormone concentrations. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1987;84(21):7686-7690. doi:10.1073/pnas.84.21.7686
- Chapman IM, Hartman ML, Pezzoli SS, Thorner MO. Growth hormone (GH) secretion and GH-releasing peptide-6 are synergistic. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1993;76(6):1571-1576. doi:10.1210/jcem.76.6.8509865
- Bowers CY. Growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP). Cell Mol Life Sci. 1997;53(7):511-519. doi:10.1007/s000180050046
- Hartman ML, Veldhuis JD, Johnson ML, et al. Augmentation of growth hormone secretion during fasting: evidence for specific activation by endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone. J Clin Invest. 1994;93(3):1126-1135. doi:10.1172/JCI117075
- Ho KY, Evans WS, Blizzard RM, et al. Effects of sex and age on the 24-hour profile of growth hormone secretion in man: importance of endogenous estradiol concentrations. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1987;64(1):51-58. doi:10.1210/jcem-64-1-51