CJC-1295 DAC half-life runs about 6 to 8 days thanks to albumin binding. Compare it with the no-DAC version, plus research dosing and safety facts.
CJC-1295 DAC has a reported half-life of roughly 6 to 8 days in humans, making it one of the longest-acting growth hormone-releasing peptides studied. The long window comes from a drug affinity complex (DAC) that binds the peptide to albumin in the bloodstream, which slows clearance and keeps it circulating for days instead of minutes. That single pharmacokinetic detail explains nearly every practical difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and the version sold without it.
What CJC-1295 DAC Actually Is
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Four amino acid substitutions make it resistant to DPP-IV and other enzymes that would otherwise dismantle it within minutes.
The DAC portion — short for Drug Affinity Complex — adds a maleimidopropionic acid linker that forms a covalent bond with cysteine-34 on human serum albumin. Albumin is abundant, long-lived, and far too large to be filtered quickly by the kidneys.
Once bound, the peptide is shielded from both renal clearance and enzymatic breakdown. Researchers often describe the resulting hormone profile as sustained rather than pulsatile, which is a meaningful distinction in endocrine research.
CJC-1295 DAC Half-Life: The Numbers
Pharmacokinetic studies in healthy adults report an elimination half-life of about 5.8 to 8.1 days after subcutaneous dosing, with most references rounding to 6–8 days. Detectable activity can linger longer, since a compound is generally not considered cleared until four to five half-lives have passed.
In practical terms, a single administration may remain measurable for two to four weeks. That timeline is dramatically different from the unmodified peptide, where the cjc 1295 no dac half-life is measured in minutes.
| Feature | CJC-1295 with DAC | CJC-1295 without DAC |
|---|---|---|
| Reported half-life | ~6–8 days | ~30 minutes |
| Albumin binding | Covalent and long-lasting | None |
| Approximate molecular weight | ~3,645 Da | ~3,358 Da |
| Growth hormone pattern | Sustained elevation | Short pulses |
| Typical injection frequency in research | Weekly or every few days | 2–3 times daily |
Why the DAC Changes Everything
- Slower kidney clearance: Albumin-bound peptide is too large to pass through the glomerular filter, so very little is excreted intact.
- Enzymatic protection: The bound conformation hides cleavage sites from circulating proteases.
- Small free fraction: Only a tiny percentage circulates unbound at any moment, and that fraction drives the slow release.
- Flatter hormone profile: Steady exposure looks less like the body's natural bursts of growth hormone, a trade-off researchers weigh carefully.
Dosing Frequency in Research
There is no FDA-approved human dose of CJC-1295 DAC. Published studies and supplier literature describe research protocols, not clinical recommendations.
Because the compound clears so slowly, the cjc-1295 with dac dosage used in trials has generally been 1 to 2 mg per week, sometimes split across two administrations. The cjc-1295 no dac dosage is very different — typically 100 to 200 mcg given two or three times per day to mimic natural pulses.
| Parameter | CJC-1295 DAC | CJC-1295 No DAC |
|---|---|---|
| Research dose range | 1–2 mg per week | 100–200 mcg, 2–3x daily |
| Injection frequency | Weekly to every few days | Multiple times per day |
| Half-life | ~6–8 days | ~30 minutes |
| Best suited to | Studying sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation | Studying pulsatile GH release |
CJC-1295 DAC vs No DAC: Choosing a Direction
The cjc-1295 dac vs no dac question usually comes down to the research question being asked. A long half-life is an advantage when the goal is stable, measurable hormone levels over time; it is a drawback when the goal is replicating the body's natural rhythm.
Long-acting versions also stack. Because a dose of the DAC form stays active for days, adding another GHRH or ghrelin-receptor compound on top can produce effects that are hard to attribute or control. That is one reason careful researchers keep the two variants in separate protocols.
Vials, Storage, and Sourcing Realities
Research suppliers typically offer lyophilized powder in 5 mg and 10 mg vials, and the no-DAC version is often labeled Mod GRF(1-29). Product listings almost always carry a "not for human consumption" disclaimer, and purity varies widely between vendors.
Anyone searching for cjc 1295 dac for sale should look for a third-party certificate of analysis, a stated purity of 98% or higher, and cold-chain shipping. Lyophilized vials are usually stored frozen, while reconstituted peptide is kept refrigerated at 2–8 °C, protected from light, and used within a few weeks. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles degrade peptides quickly.
Safety and Legal Status in the United States
CJC-1295 DAC is not FDA-approved for human use in the United States. It is legally sold as a research chemical, but marketing it as a supplement or drug for human consumption is not permitted, and importing it for personal use sits in an unsettled legal area.
Reported effects in early human studies included injection site reactions, flushing, headache, and short-term changes in blood sugar. Because the peptide raises growth hormone and IGF-1 signaling, people with hormone-sensitive conditions are generally advised to avoid it. Anyone weighing personal use should speak with a licensed healthcare professional instead of relying on vendor claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does CJC-1295 DAC stay in your system?
CJC-1295 DAC has a reported half-life of roughly 6 to 8 days after subcutaneous administration. Since most of a compound clears after about four to five half-lives, near-complete elimination takes roughly four to six weeks, and trace amounts may be detectable for part of that window.
Is CJC-1295 with DAC stronger than the version without DAC?
It is not stronger per microgram, but it lasts far longer. CJC-1295 without DAC is cleared in about 30 minutes and produces sharp growth hormone pulses, while the DAC version stays bound to albumin for days and produces a sustained elevation instead.
Is CJC-1295 DAC legal to buy in the United States?
CJC-1295 DAC is not FDA-approved for human use and is legally sold only as a research chemical labeled "not for human consumption." Buying it for personal human use falls outside approved pathways, and rules on importation are unsettled. Talk with a licensed healthcare professional before considering it.
This page provides educational research information and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.