Overview
CJC-1295 No-DAC, also known as Modified GRF (1-29) or Mod GRF 1-29, is a 29-amino-acid analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that retains the bioactive N-terminus of native GHRH while incorporating four substitutions—D-Ala², Gln⁸, Ala¹⁵, and Leu²⁷—that protect against enzymatic degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and other proteases.
Unlike the full CJC-1295 variant, this version lacks the maleimido-propionyl 'Drug Affinity Complex' (DAC) lysine modification that would otherwise allow covalent binding to serum albumin. Without the DAC tether the peptide is cleared on the order of minutes rather than days, producing a single, sharp pulse of growth hormone release rather than a tonic elevation of GH and IGF-1.
This pulsatile profile more closely mimics endogenous GHRH-driven secretion, in which surges of GH are interspersed with refractory troughs—a pattern thought to preserve pituitary responsiveness, support normal feedback regulation, and limit insulin resistance and tissue overgrowth associated with sustained GH elevation.
Mod GRF 1-29 is almost always paired with a growth-hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) such as ipamorelin, GHRP-2, or GHRP-6. GHRH analogs and GHRP analogs act on distinct pituitary receptors and synergize: the combined pulse is several-fold larger than either agent alone and reproduces the natural co-regulation of GH release. The peptide is not FDA-approved and is sold only for laboratory and research use.
Quick facts
- Mechanism
- DPP-IV-resistant GHRH analog driving short, pulsatile GH release
- Primary use
- Pulsatile growth-hormone research; body-composition and recovery research
- Evidence
- moderate
- FDA
- Not approved
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection, typically before bed and/or post-workout
- Typical results
- GH pulse within 30–60 minutes; cumulative body-composition changes over 8–12 weeks when stacked with a GHRP
Chemical information
CJC-1295 NO DAC (C₁₅₂H₂₅₂N₄₄O₄₂) is a gh secretagogue compound with a molecular weight of 3,367.88 g/mol. Its structural characteristics underpin its biological activity in growth hormone secretion.
How CJC-1295 NO DAC works
CJC-1295 No-DAC binds the growth-hormone-releasing-hormone receptor (GHRHR), a Gs-coupled receptor on somatotrophs of the anterior pituitary. Receptor activation elevates cAMP, activates PKA, and triggers exocytosis of pre-formed GH stores while also stimulating GH gene transcription. The peptide is short-lived because the protective substitutions extend its half-life only modestly compared with the multi-day persistence achieved by DAC-anchored CJC-1295.
The four amino-acid substitutions yield a peptide that resists cleavage at the Ala²-Asp³ bond (the primary DPP-IV target) and other rapid degradation sites, extending the plasma half-life of native GHRH from ~7 minutes to roughly 30 minutes. This is sufficient to produce a discrete, robust GH pulse but not to maintain continuous receptor occupancy.
When combined with a GHRP (ghrelin-receptor agonist), the resulting GH pulse is several times larger than that produced by either agent alone. The two receptor systems converge on intracellular Ca²⁺ and cAMP pathways and exhibit clear synergy in human studies.
Because the somatotrope refractory period is preserved, pulsatile dosing supports continued responsiveness over time and avoids the negative feedback (somatostatin tone, receptor downregulation, IGF-1-mediated suppression) that limits chronic GH elevation. Most research protocols administer Mod GRF 1-29 1–3 times daily, often timed to fasted states to minimize blunting by nutrient-induced insulin or free fatty acids.
- GHRH receptor agonism: Activates pituitary somatotropes via Gs/cAMP/PKA
- DPP-IV resistance: Four substitutions extend GHRH half-life from ~7 to ~30 minutes
- Pulsatile GH release: Short action mimics physiological secretory bursts
- Synergy with GHRPs: Combined GHRH + ghrelin-receptor signaling amplifies the pulse
- Preserved feedback: Avoids tonic IGF-1 elevation and insulin resistance seen with DAC variant
Pharmacokinetics
| Parameter | Value | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Mass | 3,367.88 g/mol | 29-residue peptide; size constrains oral bioavailability |
| Plasma half-life | ~30 minutes | Defines pulse duration and dosing frequency |
| Tmax (GH peak) | 30–60 minutes post-injection | Timing for stacking with GHRPs and workouts |
| GH-pulse duration | ~2–3 hours | Approximates a single physiological burst |
| Route | Subcutaneous | Reproducible absorption with minimal site irritation |
Dosing & administration
CJC-1295 NO DAC dosing varies by indication and individual factors. No FDA-approved dosing exists for this compound; protocols in the literature derive from limited clinical or preclinical data and practitioner experience.
Any use should be conducted under qualified medical supervision with appropriate monitoring of safety markers.
Important: These dosing ranges are not FDA-approved. Any use should be under qualified medical supervision.
Side effects & safety
Safety data for CJC-1295 NO DAC is primarily derived from preclinical studies and limited human data. Long-term effects in humans remain incompletely characterized.
Common
- • Transient facial flushing and warmth post-injection
- • Injection-site redness, itching, or wheal
- • Mild headache and lightheadedness
- • Sleepiness and vivid dreams when dosed before bed
- • Temporary numbness or tingling in extremities
Serious / potential risks
- • Carpal tunnel symptoms with prolonged or excessive dosing
- • Fluid retention and joint pain
- • Insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance with chronic stacking
- • Theoretical risk of stimulating occult IGF-1-responsive tumors
- • Unknown long-term effects in humans outside short clinical studies
Drug interactions
| Medication | Interaction | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| GHRPs (ipamorelin, GHRP-2/6, hexarelin) | Strong synergistic GH release | Standard pairing; combine in stacked protocols under supervision |
| Somatostatin analogs (octreotide) | Direct antagonism of GH release | Avoid concurrent use |
| Insulin and oral hypoglycemics | GH/IGF-1 elevation can blunt insulin sensitivity | Monitor fasting glucose and HbA1c |
| Glucocorticoids | Suppress GHRH-induced GH release | Expect blunted response in steroid users |
Storage & handling
Lyophilized (powder)
- • Store at -20°C to 4°C (freezer or refrigerator)
- • Protect from light and moisture
- • Stable for 12–24 months when stored properly
- • Keep in original sealed container until reconstitution
Reconstituted solution
- • Refrigerate at 2–8°C after reconstitution
- • Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose reconstitution
- • Typical stability: 14–28 days refrigerated
- • Do not freeze reconstituted solution
Cost & availability
| Source | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Research suppliers | Varies widely | Quality and purity vary significantly between sources |
| Compounding pharmacies | Prescription required | Higher quality assurance and purity testing |
The bottom line
CJC-1295 NO DAC is a gh secretagogue compound with research interest in growth hormone, body recomposition, anti-aging. While preclinical evidence is encouraging, it remains investigational and is not FDA-approved. Any use should be under qualified medical supervision.
Best for
- • Researchers studying growth hormone secretion
- • Individuals interested in growth hormone under medical guidance
Not for
- • Self-administration without medical supervision
- • Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
- • Individuals with contraindicated conditions
Related compounds
CJC-1295
DAC variant providing sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation rather than pulses
Sermorelin
Unmodified GHRH(1-29) with very short half-life
Ipamorelin
Selective GHRP that pairs synergistically with Mod GRF 1-29
Tesamorelin
FDA-approved stabilized GHRH analog for HIV-associated lipodystrophy
Frequently asked questions
References
- [1] Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al.. Prolonged stimulation of GH and IGF-I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog, in healthy adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2006). doi: 10.1210/jc.2005-1536 PMID: 16352683
- [2] Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW.. The safety and efficacy of growth hormone secretagogues. Sex Med Rev (2018). doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.02.004 PMID: 28526632
- [3] Bowers CY.. Growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP). Cell Mol Life Sci (1998). doi: 10.1007/s000180050213 PMID: 9760994