What Is CJC-1295 No DAC (Modified GRF 1-29)?
CJC-1295 No DAC — also called Modified GRF (1-29), Mod GRF 1-29, or simply "No DAC" — is a synthetic 29-amino acid analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It corresponds to the biologically active N-terminal fragment of native GHRH, modified at four positions (2, 8, 15, 27) to resist enzymatic degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) and peptidases in plasma.
Unlike its long-acting counterpart CJC-1295 DAC, the No DAC version lacks the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) technology that covalently links the peptide to circulating albumin. The result is a compound with a much shorter active half-life — approximately 30–40 minutes — that produces a sharp, pulsatile burst of growth hormone (GH) secretion rather than a prolonged elevation. This kinetic profile makes it the preferred tool in research protocols that aim to mimic the body's natural ultradian GH rhythm.
> ⚠️ Research Use Only (RUO): CJC-1295 No DAC / Modified GRF 1-29 is an investigational peptide not approved by the FDA for human use. All information below is provided for research and educational purposes only. Not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, or treatment.
---
CJC-1295 No DAC vs CJC-1295 DAC: Key Differences
Understanding the No DAC form requires comparing it directly to the DAC version, because researchers and suppliers often list both under the "CJC-1295" label — creating significant confusion.
| Feature | CJC-1295 No DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) | CJC-1295 DAC |
|---|---|---|
| Other names | Modified GRF 1-29, Mod GRF | CJC-1295 with DAC |
| Half-life | ~30–40 minutes | ~6–8 days |
| GH release pattern | Pulsatile (sharp spike) | Sustained bleed |
| Injection frequency | 2–3x/day (research protocols) | 1–2x/week |
| Mimics natural GH rhythm | Yes | No |
| Stacking with GHRPs | Ideal (synergistic timing) | Less timing-critical |
| Reconstitution volume | 2 mL BAC water (typical) | 2 mL BAC water (typical) |
| Common vial size | 2 mg | 2 mg |
| Research origin | Biocon / academic peptide labs | ConjuChem patent |
The key practical distinction: No DAC requires more frequent dosing but produces a GH pulse that closely replicates physiological secretion events. DAC, by contrast, raises IGF-1 and GH baselines over days without producing distinct pulses.
---
Mechanism of Action
CJC-1295 No DAC binds to GHRH receptors (GHRHR) on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary. Receptor activation triggers intracellular cAMP signaling and subsequent GH release into systemic circulation. Because the peptide is cleared rapidly (no albumin binding), the GH response follows a pulse pattern with a rise occurring within 15–30 minutes of injection and returning to near-baseline within 60–90 minutes.
This pulse pattern is physiologically significant. Natural GH secretion occurs in 8–12 discrete pulses per 24 hours, with the largest pulse occurring shortly after sleep onset. Research protocols using No DAC attempt to leverage or amplify these natural pulses rather than override the pulsatile rhythm (as sustained-release compounds do).
---
Reconstitution Protocol
CJC-1295 No DAC is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) white powder in sealed vials.
Standard Reconstitution Table
| Vial Size | BAC Water Added | Resulting Concentration | Per Tick (IU syringe) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mg | 2 mL | 1,000 mcg/mL | 10 mcg per 0.01 mL |
| 2 mg | 1 mL | 2,000 mcg/mL | 20 mcg per 0.01 mL |
| 5 mg | 2.5 mL | 2,000 mcg/mL | 20 mcg per 0.01 mL |
Steps:
1. Allow vial and bacteriostatic water (BAC water) to reach room temperature.
2. Inject BAC water slowly down the inside wall of the vial — do not inject directly onto the powder.
3. Gently swirl (do not shake) until powder fully dissolves. Solution should be clear and colorless.
4. Store reconstituted peptide refrigerated (2–8°C / 36–46°F), away from direct light.
Storage Guidelines
| State | Temperature | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized (dry) | Room temp or refrigerated | 24–36 months |
| Reconstituted | Refrigerated (2–8°C) | 28–30 days |
| Reconstituted | Frozen (−20°C) | Up to 6 months |
Never refreeze after thawing. Do not use if solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particulates.
---
Research Dosing Protocols
Published peptide research and in-vitro / animal study data points to a range of 100–300 mcg per injection for CJC-1295 No DAC when used as a GHRH stimulus. The most frequently studied dose in GHRH receptor activation research is approximately 100–200 mcg per administration.
Dose Reference
| Research Tier | Dose per Injection | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Low / exploratory | 100 mcg | Baseline receptor response studies |
| Standard | 150–200 mcg | Most common in published GHRH-analog research |
| Higher range | 250–300 mcg | Diminishing returns above 200 mcg in receptor saturation models |
> Note: Dose-response curves for GHRH analogs suggest receptor saturation occurs at relatively modest doses. Increasing from 100 to 200 mcg produces meaningful additional GH release; increasing from 200 to 400 mcg yields proportionally less additional response.
Timing Considerations in Research Protocols
The 30-minute half-life makes injection timing highly relevant to research design. Studies examining pulsatile GH secretion have used three primary timing windows:
#### Pre-Sleep (Most Studied)
The largest natural GH pulse in humans occurs approximately 60–90 minutes after sleep onset, coinciding with the first slow-wave sleep (SWS) cycle. Research protocols examining GHRH amplification frequently administer No DAC 30–45 minutes before sleep to align the induced GH pulse with this natural window. In this context, avoiding carbohydrates and fats in the 2–3 hours before administration is a common protocol variable (insulin competes with GH secretion).
#### Morning (Fasted)
Some protocols use morning administration in a fasted state, typically 30–45 minutes before exercise or activity, to study GH's role in lipolysis and metabolic regulation.
#### Post-Exercise
Exercise itself is a potent GH secretagogue. Research protocols have investigated whether exogenous GHRH analog administration post-workout potentiates or extends the exercise-induced GH pulse. Administration is typically within 15–30 minutes post-exercise.
---
Stacking with GHRPs: Synergy Research
CJC-1295 No DAC is most frequently studied in combination with Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRPs), which act through a separate receptor (GHS-R, the ghrelin receptor) to amplify GH release. The co-administration creates a synergistic effect — GHRH (via No DAC) primes the pituitary while GHRP stimulation via ghrelin receptor simultaneously amplifies the GH pulse.
Common Research Stack Combinations
| GHRP Partner | Mechanism | Relative Pulse Amplitude | Research Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin | Selective GHS-R agonist | High | Most GH-selective; minimal cortisol/prolactin elevation |
| GHRP-2 | GHS-R agonist (strong) | Very High | Stronger pulse but greater cortisol and prolactin co-stimulation |
| GHRP-6 | GHS-R agonist | High | Notable ghrelin-like effect; appetite stimulation observed |
| Hexarelin | GHS-R + non-ghrelin pathway | Highest | Strongest GH pulse in class; also cardiac receptor binding |
In research contexts, Ipamorelin is the most frequently co-administered GHRP because it produces substantial GH amplification with fewer off-target hormonal effects than GHRP-2 or Hexarelin. For research designs where isolating GH effects is the goal, the No DAC + Ipamorelin combination is considered a high-specificity model system.
Standard co-administration approach in research: Both peptides are injected simultaneously (often via separate syringes) immediately before the research timing window. The GHRP dose in these studies is typically 100–200 mcg.
---
Comparison to CJC-1295 DAC: Research Use Considerations
Choosing between No DAC and DAC formulations depends on what research question is being asked:
Use CJC-1295 No DAC when:
- •Studying pulsatile GH physiology and mimicking natural secretion patterns
- •Investigating GH's short-term metabolic effects (lipolysis, glucose metabolism in isolated windows)
- •Combining with GHRPs where timing precision matters
- •Minimizing sustained IGF-1 elevation is a design consideration
Use CJC-1295 DAC when:
- •Studying sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation over days
- •Fewer administrations simplify the protocol
- •Investigating cumulative anabolic or connective tissue effects over weeks
- •Baseline IGF-1 normalization is the research endpoint
The No DAC form is generally considered the more biologically faithful GHRH analog for research that aims to understand or replicate physiological GH secretion. The DAC form is a pharmacological tool for sustained GH axis stimulation.
---
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "No DAC" mean?
DAC stands for Drug Affinity Complex — a chemical modification that links the peptide to albumin in blood, extending its half-life from minutes to days. "No DAC" means this modification is absent, so the peptide acts and clears quickly.
Is Modified GRF 1-29 the same as CJC-1295?
Modified GRF 1-29 (Mod GRF 1-29) is technically the more accurate scientific name for the No DAC peptide. "CJC-1295 No DAC" is a supplier/market name that helps distinguish it from the albumin-binding DAC formulation. They refer to the same compound.
How is CJC-1295 No DAC different from native GHRH?
Native GHRH (1-44 or 1-29) has a plasma half-life of approximately 2–10 minutes due to rapid DPP-IV cleavage. CJC-1295 No DAC substitutes four amino acids to resist this cleavage, extending the active window to 30–40 minutes while retaining the same receptor binding profile.
Can CJC-1295 No DAC and CJC-1295 DAC be used together?
Research protocols combining both forms have not been well-studied. The rationale for combination would be weak, as they act on the same receptor — researchers typically choose one based on the kinetic profile they require.
---
Internal Resources
For related research compound guides on this site:
- •CJC-1295 DAC: Long-Acting GHRH Analog Research Guide
- •CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Stack: Complete Research Protocol Guide 2026
- •CJC-1295 Dosage Protocol Guide: Reconstitution, Timing & Research Use
- •Peptide Reconstitution Calculator
---
Disclaimer
> For Research Use Only. CJC-1295 No DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) is a research compound not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any equivalent regulatory body for human therapeutic use. Information presented in this article is for educational and scientific research purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, and should not be used to guide personal health decisions. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any peptide-related research or supplementation protocol.