> ⚠️ Research Use Only (RUO) Disclaimer: CJC-1295 (both the Mod GRF 1-29 and DAC variants) is not approved by the FDA or any regulatory authority for human therapeutic use. All dosage parameters, timing protocols, and reconstitution information on this page are drawn from published preclinical and early-stage human pharmacokinetic literature. This content is intended strictly for licensed researchers, peptide scientists, and educators. It does not constitute medical advice, and nothing here should be interpreted as a recommendation for human self-administration.
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# CJC-1295 Dosage Protocol Guide: Reconstitution, Timing & Research Use (2026)
CJC-1295 is one of the most studied synthetic analogs of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and a cornerstone compound in peptide research. It exists in two structurally distinct forms — CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Mod GRF 1-29 or Modified GRF 1-29) and CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) — and each has a markedly different pharmacokinetic profile that drives entirely different research dosage frameworks.
This guide compiles the dosage parameters, reconstitution protocols, and administration timing documented in peer-reviewed literature. It also covers the Ipamorelin combination framework studied in preclinical settings and provides current pricing context across verified suppliers.
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What Is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a 29-amino-acid synthetic analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (hGHRH 1-44-NH₂). The native GHRH peptide has a plasma half-life of less than 7 minutes due to rapid enzymatic degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and other serum proteases. CJC-1295 addresses this by introducing four strategic amino acid substitutions — at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 — that confer DPP-IV resistance while preserving GHRH receptor binding affinity.
The result is a compound with a substantially extended functional half-life compared to endogenous GHRH, which binds to GHRH receptors on somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary and stimulates pulsatile release of growth hormone (GH).
For a full mechanistic profile, including receptor biology, IGF-1 downstream signaling, and research evidence landscape, see the site's CJC-1295 DAC Research Profile.
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CJC-1295 vs. CJC-1295 DAC: Dosage Differences
The two forms of CJC-1295 differ in one structural feature — the presence or absence of a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) modification — but that single difference produces profoundly different pharmacokinetic profiles, necessitating completely different dosage frameworks.
Structural and PK Comparison
| Parameter | CJC-1295 No DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) | CJC-1295 with DAC |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight | ~3,368 Da | ~3,647 Da |
| Half-life | ~25–30 minutes | ~5.8–8.1 days |
| GH release pattern | Pulsatile (sharp peak, 2–3 h duration) | Sustained (blunted pulse amplitude) |
| Albumin binding | No | Yes (via maleimidopropionyl group) |
| Literature dose range | 100–300 mcg per injection | 1,000–2,000 mcg per injection |
| Injection frequency (research) | 1–3× daily | 1–2× weekly |
| Dominant research approach | Combined with GHRP (Ipamorelin) | Monotherapy or combined |
The DAC modification adds a maleimidopropionyl group that covalently links to circulating albumin after injection, dramatically extending plasma residence time. This is the same mechanism responsible for the 5.8–8.1 day half-life reported in the landmark Teichman et al. human PK study (J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006; PMID: 16352683).
Which Variant Does the Literature Study More?
The majority of preclinical combination studies (e.g., CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin stacks) use the No DAC variant to maintain pulsatile GH physiology. The DAC variant is primarily referenced in the Teichman et al. 2006 human PK study and a small number of related pharmacodynamic analyses. Researchers interested in sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation typically reference the DAC literature; those studying pulsatile release patterns work with the No DAC variant.
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Literature-Reported Research Dosages
CJC-1295 No DAC (Mod GRF 1-29)
The saturation dose concept is central to understanding CJC-1295 No DAC dosing: approximately 1 mcg/kg body weight (roughly 100 mcg for a 100 kg research subject) is sufficient to saturate GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotrophs. Beyond this threshold, additional compound produces diminishing GH output because receptor occupancy is already maximal.
Parameters reported in preclinical and early-stage research literature:
| Dose Level | Quantity | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum effective | ~100 mcg | Receptor saturation threshold (~1 mcg/kg) |
| Standard research | 100–200 mcg | Most commonly referenced in protocol frameworks |
| High-end research | 200–300 mcg | Used in combination studies; no evidence of further benefit above 300 mcg |
| Injection frequency | 1–3× daily | Typically flanking fasted windows |
Key pharmacodynamic note: Because the No DAC variant has a ~25–30 min half-life, each injection produces a discrete, pulsatile GH pulse lasting approximately 2–3 hours. This mimics physiological GH release patterns more closely than the DAC variant and is why it's the preferred form in combination (GHRP stack) research.
CJC-1295 with DAC
The Teichman et al. 2006 Phase 1 trial (n=65 healthy adults, ages 21–61) provides the primary human PK/PD reference for this variant. The study used subcutaneous administration in a randomized, placebo-controlled, ascending-dose design.
Key findings from Teichman et al. 2006 (PMID: 16352683):
- •Doses of 30 mcg/kg and 60 mcg/kg were identified as the best-tolerated dose range
- •GH concentrations increased 2–10 fold and remained elevated for ≥6 days after a single injection
- •IGF-1 concentrations increased 1.5–3 fold and remained above baseline for 9–11 days
- •Multiple-dose regimens (weekly or biweekly) produced IGF-1 elevations above baseline for up to 28 days
- •Half-life estimated at 5.8–8.1 days
Parameters referenced in research frameworks based on this data:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Single-dose range | 1,000–2,000 mcg |
| Weight-based reference | ~30–60 mcg/kg |
| Injection frequency | Once or twice weekly |
| Duration of GH elevation | 6+ days per dose |
| Duration of IGF-1 elevation | 9–11 days per dose |
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Reconstitution Protocol
CJC-1295 (both variants) is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in sealed glass vials. Reconstitution with bacteriostatic water (BW) is the standard protocol documented in research settings.
Materials Required
- •CJC-1295 lyophilized vial (typically 5 mg)
- •Bacteriostatic water for injection (0.9% benzyl alcohol preserved)
- •Insulin syringes (1 mL, 100-unit)
- •Alcohol swabs
- •Sterile technique environment
Step-by-Step Protocol
Step 1 — Prepare surfaces and materials
Wipe the vial stopper and BW vial cap with fresh alcohol swabs. Allow to air-dry 30 seconds.
Step 2 — Draw bacteriostatic water
Draw the target BW volume into the insulin syringe slowly. Insert needle into the BW vial at a slight angle to avoid coring the stopper.
Step 3 — Add BW to the peptide vial
Insert the needle through the rubber stopper of the CJC-1295 vial. Direct the stream of BW along the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized cake — this minimizes mechanical shearing and peptide degradation.
Step 4 — Dissolve gently
Do not shake. Roll the vial gently between palms or swirl slowly until the powder fully dissolves. The solution should be clear and colorless. Any cloudiness may indicate degradation.
Concentration Reference Table
| BW Added to 5 mg Vial | Resulting Concentration | Volume per 100 mcg | Volume per 200 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 5,000 mcg/mL | 0.02 mL (2 units) | 0.04 mL (4 units) |
| 2 mL | 2,500 mcg/mL | 0.04 mL (4 units) | 0.08 mL (8 units) |
| 2.5 mL | 2,000 mcg/mL | 0.05 mL (5 units) | 0.10 mL (10 units) |
| 5 mL | 1,000 mcg/mL | 0.10 mL (10 units) | 0.20 mL (20 units) |
Common research preference: 2 mL BW per 5 mg vial (2,500 mcg/mL) — gives 4 units per 100 mcg dose, easy to read on a 100-unit insulin syringe.
For CJC-1295 DAC (1,000–2,000 mcg doses): 2 mL BW per 5 mg vial still works; draw 0.4 mL (40 units) for a 1,000 mcg dose.
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Administration Timing: Pulsatile vs. Sustained Release
CJC-1295 No DAC: Pulsatile Timing Framework
The No DAC variant's 25–30 minute half-life means each injection is a discrete stimulus event. The literature-referenced timing frameworks center on two principles:
1. Align with physiological GH pulse windows
Natural GH secretion follows a pulsatile pattern with the largest pulse occurring approximately 60–90 minutes after sleep onset. Injecting No DAC CJC-1295 30–60 minutes before sleep, in a fasted state, is referenced in combination protocol frameworks as aligning the exogenous GHRH stimulus with the nocturnal GH peak window.
2. Fasted state requirement
Elevated insulin (from recent meals) blunts GH secretion via somatostatin-mediated feedback. A minimum 2-hour post-meal fasted window before injection is the standard documented in research planning frameworks. This is most critical for the pre-sleep injection.
Frequency framework referenced in research literature:
- •Once daily: Pre-sleep (most common single-injection timing)
- •Twice daily: Pre-sleep + one additional daytime injection in a fasted window (e.g., morning fasted or 2h post-meal)
- •Three times daily: Pre-sleep + two daytime injections; used in studies examining maximum GH output
CJC-1295 DAC: Sustained Release Timing
The DAC variant's 5.8–8.1 day half-life eliminates the need for daily injections. Research frameworks typically reference once-weekly or twice-weekly administration. Because GH release is sustained rather than pulsatile, fasted-state timing is less critical — though still referenced in some protocol designs.
Key distinction: The Teichman et al. 2006 data shows the DAC variant produces GH elevations lasting ≥6 days per injection, with IGF-1 remaining above baseline for 9–11 days. This makes it conceptually distinct from the No DAC variant — it is not simply a "longer-lasting" version of the same pulsatile mechanism but a fundamentally different pharmacodynamic profile.
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Combination with Ipamorelin in Research Settings
CJC-1295 No DAC and Ipamorelin represent the most widely referenced combination framework in GHRH/GHRP research. The rationale is grounded in complementary receptor mechanisms:
- •CJC-1295 acts at GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs — it tells the pituitary to release GH
- •Ipamorelin acts at ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptors — it amplifies the GH pulse through a separate pathway and suppresses somatostatin (which otherwise inhibits GH)
When administered simultaneously, the two compounds produce a synergistic GH pulse that research frameworks report as significantly greater than either compound alone. The somatostatin-suppressive effect of Ipamorelin removes the primary brake on GH release at the same moment CJC-1295 presses the accelerator.
Research Co-Administration Parameters
| Parameter | CJC-1295 No DAC | Ipamorelin (concurrent) |
|---|---|---|
| Dose | 100–200 mcg | 100–300 mcg |
| Injection timing | Simultaneous (same syringe or sequential) | Same window as CJC-1295 |
| Frequency | 1–3× daily | Matches CJC-1295 frequency |
| Route | Subcutaneous | Subcutaneous |
| Fasted state | Required (2h minimum) | Required |
Mixing in the same syringe: Research frameworks note that Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 No DAC are compatible for co-injection when reconstituted in the same BW solution or drawn sequentially into the same syringe. Draw CJC-1295 first, then Ipamorelin, as CJC-1295 reconstituted solution is the higher-volume component in most protocols.
Note: Ipamorelin alone does not appear on the FDA's approved drug list and is itself a research-use-only compound. Any combination research must be conducted within an appropriately licensed research framework.
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Storage and Stability
Lyophilized (Pre-Reconstitution)
| Condition | Stability |
|---|---|
| Room temperature (≤25°C) | Up to 24 months (manufacturer-specified) |
| Refrigerated (2–8°C) | Preferred for long-term storage |
| Frozen (−20°C) | Suitable for extended storage; avoid repeated freeze-thaw |
| Light exposure | Minimize; store in original vial or amber container |
Reconstituted Solution
| Condition | Stability |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated (2–8°C) | Up to 28–30 days when reconstituted with bacteriostatic water |
| Room temperature | Degrade within hours; not recommended |
| Frozen after reconstitution | Reduces stability due to benzyl alcohol crystallization; generally avoided |
Key principle: Bacteriostatic water is the standard reconstitution medium precisely because the benzyl alcohol preservative inhibits microbial growth over the typical research use window of 2–4 weeks. Sterile water (without benzyl alcohol) reduces post-reconstitution stability to approximately 24–72 hours under refrigeration.
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Price Comparison Across Suppliers
CJC-1295 is one of the most widely available GHRH analog research peptides in the market. Prices vary substantially across suppliers based on vial size, purity certification, and supplier overhead.
Current live pricing data from the Peptides.SO platform (108+ in-stock CJC-1295 No DAC listings):
| Supplier | Product | Price/mg (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Peptides | CJC-1295 No DAC 5mg | $0.13–$0.18/mg | Lowest documented price |
| Welli Labs | CJC-1295 No DAC 5mg | $6.60/mg | Mid-tier |
| Oasis Labs | CJC-1295 No DAC 5mg | $6.80/mg | Mid-tier |
| Simple Peptide | CJC-1295 No DAC 5mg | $7.00/mg | Mid-tier |
| Pure Peptides UK | Mod GRF 1-29 5mg | $6.48/mg | UK-sourced |
| Sunrise Bioresearch | CJC-1295 No DAC 5mg | $3.40–$3.80/mg | Mid-range |
CJC-1295 DAC pricing (43+ in-stock listings): Similar range, with some suppliers offering DAC at a slight premium due to the additional synthetic step for the albumin-binding modification.
For a real-time, side-by-side comparison of all in-stock CJC-1295 listings across verified suppliers, see the CJC-1295 Compare Page.
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Research Context and Scientific References
The primary pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic reference for CJC-1295 is:
1. Teichman SL, et al. "Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults." J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799–805. PMID: 16352683 — The foundational Phase 1 PK/PD study establishing the DAC variant's 5.8–8.1 day half-life, dose-dependent GH and IGF-1 elevations, and safety profile in healthy adults.
4. Bowers CY. "Growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP)." Cell Mol Life Sci. 1998;54(12):1316–29. PMID unverified — Foundational GHRP/GHRH synergy reference underlying the CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin combination rationale.
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Regulatory Status and Research Compliance
CJC-1295 (both variants) is classified as a research chemical in the United States and most other jurisdictions. Key regulatory context:
- •FDA status: Not approved for any therapeutic indication. CJC-1295 without DAC was nominated to the FDA's 503A/B bulk drug substance lists in September 2023 but the nomination was withdrawn in September 2024 and referred to the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC).
- •WADA status: CJC-1295 is prohibited under WADA's Prohibited List, Category S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics). Prohibited in-competition and out-of-competition for all athletes subject to WADA's code.
- •DEA scheduling: Not a scheduled controlled substance in the US as of 2026.
- •Legal to purchase for research: In the US, legal to purchase and possess for legitimate laboratory research purposes. Not legal to administer to humans outside of an approved clinical trial.
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Related Research Resources
- •CJC-1295 DAC Full Research Profile
- •CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Stack Research Guide
- •GHRH Analogs Compared: Sermorelin vs CJC-1295 vs Tesamorelin
- •Sermorelin Dosage Protocol Guide
- •Compare CJC-1295 Prices
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> ⚠️ Full RUO Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided exclusively for educational and research reference purposes. CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29 and DAC variants) is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or equivalent regulatory authorities in other jurisdictions for human therapeutic use. It is not a licensed medicine and is not intended for human consumption. All dosage parameters referenced on this page are drawn from peer-reviewed pharmacological literature and research protocol frameworks — they do not constitute prescriptions, clinical guidance, or endorsement of any specific research design. Researchers considering work involving CJC-1295 should consult applicable institutional review board (IRB) requirements, local and federal regulations governing research chemicals, and qualified principal investigators. This page does not constitute medical advice. Do not administer this or any unapproved research peptide to yourself or others.
> Citation correction (2026-08-09): One or more PMID references in this article were verified against NCBI PubMed and found to resolve to unrelated papers. The affected citations have been updated below. Trial names and research claims are retained where independently supported by published literature; specific PMIDs have been removed pending editorial re-verification.