CJC-1295 DAC Dosage, Protocol, and GH Optimization Guide (Long-Acting GHRH)

CJC-1295 DAC

CJC-1295 DAC is a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog studied for its ability to increase growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1 levels. The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) extends activity by binding to albumin, creating a longer duration of action compared with shorter-acting GHRH analogs.

How CJC-1295 DAC Works

GHRH Activation → GH Release ↑ → IGF-1 ↑ → Fat Loss + Recovery + Anabolism

CJC-1295 DAC stimulates the pituitary gland to release GH while remaining active in circulation for several days. Compared with shorter-acting GHRH analogs, CJC-1295 DAC produces a longer-lasting GH signaling effect and may result in more sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation.

Long-acting GHRH analog with extended half-life (~6–8 days)

Promotes sustained GH elevation rather than short pulses

Less frequent dosing compared to NO DAC versions

Often used for convenience and stable IGF-1 elevation

CJC-1295 DAC Protocol

5 mg vial + 2.0 mL BAC Water → 1 unit = 25 mcg → Long-Acting GH Support

Standard Setup

Vial 5 mg

Water 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water

Concentration 2.5 mg/mL

Conversion 1 unit = 25 mcg

Weeks 1–2

Start Phase

Dose300 mcg

Units12 units

Volume0.12 mL

Weekly Total600 mcg

Weeks 3–4

Build Phase

Dose500 mcg

Units20 units

Volume0.20 mL

Weekly Total1000 mcg

Weeks 5–6

Peak Phase

Dose750 mcg

Units30 units

Volume0.30 mL

Weekly Total1500 mcg

Weeks 7–12

Maintain Phase

Dose1000 mcg

Units40 units

Volume0.40 mL

Weekly Total2000 mcg

Protocol Details

FrequencyTwice weekly (every 3–4 days)

AlternativeOnce weekly (advanced)

Cycle Length8–12 weeks

Optional ExtensionUp to 16 weeks

Simple structure
Because CJC-1295 DAC stays active for several days, consistent weekly scheduling matters more than daily timing precision.

How to Use (Timing & Injection)

Injection TypeSubcutaneous

TimingEvening preferred (optional)

ScheduleFixed days (ex: Mon / Thu)

Use StyleLong-acting GH support

When & Where to Inject

Subcutaneous injection

Abdomen, thigh, or upper arm

Inject on consistent days weekly

Rotate injection sites regularly

Timing Notes

Evening dosing is common but not required

Consistency matters more than exact time of day

Long half-life removes need for daily timing precision

Reconstitution & Dosing (5 mg Vial)

Vial5 mg

Water2.0 mL bacteriostatic

Concentration2.5 mg/mL

Conversion1 unit = 25 mcg

Dose Reference

12 units = 300 mcg

20 units = 500 mcg

30 units = 750 mcg

40 units = 1000 mcg

Reconstitution Steps

Draw 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water

Inject slowly down vial wall

Gently swirl, do not shake

Allow powder to fully dissolve

Label with mix date

Refrigerate immediately

Storage & Shelf Life

Storage & Shelf Life

Lyophilized (Unmixed)

Short-term: refrigerate at 2–8°C

Long-term: freeze at −20°C / −4°F

Refrigerated shelf life: ~12–24 months

Frozen shelf life: ~2–3 years

Keep sealed, dry, and protected from light

Avoid repeated temperature changes

Reconstituted (Mixed)

Refrigerate at 2–8°C

Use within 2–4 weeks

Do not freeze after mixing

Discard if cloudy or degraded

Cycle Length & Time Between Cycles

Sustained GH Phase → Break → Reassess IGF-1 → Repeat if Needed

Cycle Structure

Cycle Length8–12 weeks

Optional ExtensionUp to 16 weeks

GoalSustained GH + IGF-1 elevation

Time Between Cycles

Break4–6 weeks

Helps maintain GH receptor sensitivity

Allows hormone levels to normalize

Improves long-term effectiveness

Why cycle?
CJC-1295 DAC increases GH pathway signaling and IGF-1 levels. Periodic reassessment helps evaluate response, monitor IGF-1 changes, and determine whether continued use aligns with the intended goal.

Monitoring During Use

IGF-1 levels (primary biomarker)

Body composition changes

Sleep quality and recovery

Water retention or edema

Benefits

Sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation

Improved recovery and muscle repair

Enhanced fat metabolism

Increased protein synthesis

Convenient dosing schedule

Potential Side Effects

Water retention

Mild flushing

Injection site irritation

Headache (rare)

Changes in IGF-1 levels requiring monitoring

Possible glucose regulation changes

Stacking Strategies

GH Support → Recovery → Fat Loss Optimization

Fat Loss: CJC-1295 DAC + AOD-9604

Recovery: CJC-1295 DAC + BPC-157

Advanced: Combine with GHRPs (research-based)

Direct combination studies are limited

Important Notes

Long half-life requires consistent scheduling

Less precise than NO DAC for timing control

May cause more water retention than short-acting peptides

Provides smoother GH elevation vs pulsatile spikes

Important Disclaimer

CJC-1295 DAC is not FDA-approved. This content is for educational purposes only.

Research & References

Primary Research

• Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, Gagnon C, Castaigne JP, Frohman LA. Prolonged Stimulation of Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Secretion by CJC-1295, a Long-Acting Analog of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone, in Healthy Adults. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2006.
• Ionescu M, Frohman LA, et al. Pulsatile Growth Hormone Secretion Persists During Continuous Stimulation by CJC-1295. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2006.
• Jetté L, Léger R, Thibaudeau K, et al. Human Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor (hGRF)1-29-Albumin Bioconjugates Activate the GRF Receptor on the Anterior Pituitary in Rats: Identification of CJC-1295 as a Long-Lasting GRF Analog. Endocrinology. 2005.
• Sackmann-Sala L, Ding J, Frohman LA, Kopchick JJ. Activation of the GH/IGF-1 Axis by CJC-1295, a Long-Acting GHRH Analog, Results in Serum Protein Profile Changes in Normal Adult Subjects. Growth Hormone & IGF Research. 2009.

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