Muscle & Growth Hormone
CJC-1295
Modified GRF 1-29 · with or without DAC
What it is
CJC-1295 is a modified version of GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone). Two versions exist:
- CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or "Mod GRF") — short half-life of about 30 minutes, gives a clean GH pulse, then clears.
- CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) — binds to albumin in your blood, extending half-life to 6–8 days. Single weekly injection produces sustained, elevated GH/IGF-1.
How it works
Both versions stimulate GHRH receptors in the pituitary, telling it to release growth hormone. The "no-DAC" version produces natural pulses; the "with-DAC" version produces a continuous GH "bleed" — some users find this less natural-feeling but more convenient.
Almost always paired with a GHRP (Ipamorelin is the cleanest choice) because the two work via different pituitary receptors and produce a much stronger combined GH release than either alone.
Benefits
- Increased GH and IGF-1 levels
- Improved sleep (deeper REM)
- Lean muscle gain over months
- Fat loss, especially visceral
- Better skin and recovery
- Convenient: weekly dosing with the DAC version
Timeline
- Week 1–2
- Improved sleep within days; some water retention.
- Week 4–6
- Body composition starting to shift; better recovery.
- Week 8–12
- Visible lean mass and fat loss; peak IGF-1 reached.
- Month 3–6
- Plateau — cycle off to resensitize receptors.
Dosing & titration
CJC-1295 no-DAC100–200 mcg, 1–3x daily, paired with Ipamorelin
CJC-1295 with DAC1–2 mg subQ, once per week
Cycle length8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
TimingEmpty stomach. Pre-bed for the no-DAC version aligns with natural pulse.
When to titrate upMost users see good results at 100–200 mcg with no-DAC. With DAC, 2 mg/week is the upper end — higher provides little extra benefit and increases side effects.
Side effects & risks
- Water retention (more pronounced with DAC version)
- Tingling in extremities
- Mild fatigue or head-rush after injection
- Joint pain at higher doses
- Carpal tunnel-like symptoms (DAC version, sustained high IGF-1)
- Mild blood glucose elevation
Get baseline IGF-1. The DAC version raises IGF-1 well above natural pulsatile levels — long-term, the no-DAC version is generally considered safer.
Typical price
$80–$160/mo5 mg vial from a 503A compounding pharmacy. Most commonly sold as a CJC-1295/Ipamorelin pre-mixed blend.
Studies
- Teichman SL et al. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295 — Phase I human study showing sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation. PubMedJournal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2006
- Ionescu M, Frohman LA. Pulsatile secretion of GH stimulated by CJC-1295 — Demonstrates the mechanism. PubMedJCEM, 2006
- Search PubMed for CJC-1295 — PubMed searchLive PubMed search
Educational reference only. Not medical advice. Not FDA-approved.