What is CJC-1295 No DAC?
CJC-1295 No DAC (also known as Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF) is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), consisting of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH with four amino acid substitutions that enhance its metabolic stability. The “No DAC” designation indicates the absence of Drug Affinity Complex, a lysine-linked maleimidopropionic acid group that is present in the DAC variant and dramatically extends half-life through albumin binding.
Without the DAC modification, CJC-1295 No DAC has a shorter half-life of approximately 30 minutes, resulting in a more acute, pulsatile pattern of GH stimulation that more closely mimics natural GHRH signaling.
Mechanism of Action
GHRH Receptor Activation: CJC-1295 No DAC binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating GH synthesis and secretion through the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. The four amino acid substitutions (Ala2, Asn8, Ala15, Leu27 replaced with D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27) significantly improve resistance to enzymatic degradation while maintaining full receptor affinity.
Pulsatile GH Release: Without albumin binding (DAC), this variant produces sharp GH pulses that peak approximately 30 minutes after administration and return to baseline within 2-3 hours. This pulsatile pattern preserves the physiological rhythm of GH secretion, which is critical for maintaining GH receptor sensitivity.
Synergy with GHRPs: CJC-1295 No DAC is frequently studied in combination with growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) like ipamorelin. The synergistic effect arises from GHRH (via cAMP) and GHRPs (via intracellular calcium) activating complementary intracellular pathways, producing GH release greater than either peptide alone.
Key Research Applications
Growth Hormone Axis Research
CJC-1295 No DAC is used extensively in studying GH secretion dynamics. Its defined pharmacokinetics make it ideal for examining GH pulse characteristics, dose-response relationships, and interactions between GHRH and somatostatin signaling.
Combined Peptide Protocols
Research into CJC-1295 No DAC + ipamorelin combinations has become one of the most active areas of GH secretagogue research. Studies examine the timing, dosing ratios, and synergistic mechanisms of this pairing, which is now considered a standard reference protocol for pulsatile GH stimulation research.
Sleep Architecture Research
Research has investigated the relationship between GHRH signaling and sleep architecture, as endogenous GHRH is a known promoter of slow-wave sleep. Studies with CJC-1295 No DAC have examined its effects on sleep stages, sleep quality markers, and the relationship between nocturnal GH secretion and sleep depth.
Metabolic Research
Through its effects on the GH/IGF-1 axis, CJC-1295 No DAC has been studied in models examining lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and body composition changes resulting from optimized GH pulsatility.
Structure and Properties
- Molecular Weight: ~3,367.9 Da
- Amino Acid Count: 29 (modified GRF 1-29)
- Key Substitutions: D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27
- Half-life: ~30 minutes (without DAC)
- Storage: Lyophilized at -20°C; reconstituted at 2-8°C
- Solubility: Soluble in sterile water and bacteriostatic water
- Purity: Research-grade typically ?98% by HPLC
CJC-1295 No DAC vs CJC-1295 with DAC
The DAC variant has a half-life of 6-8 days due to albumin binding, producing sustained GH elevation rather than pulsatile release. For research requiring physiological GH pulsatility, the No DAC variant is preferred. For studies requiring prolonged GH axis stimulation, the DAC variant may be more appropriate. This distinction is critical for experimental design.
Handling and Storage
Store lyophilized CJC-1295 No DAC at -20°C. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water for multi-use applications. Reconstituted solutions are stable at 2-8°C for up to 21 days. The peptide is sensitive to heat; avoid exposure above room temperature during handling.
Related Peptides
- Ipamorelin – Synergistic GHRP partner
- Tesamorelin – Full-length GHRH analog
- AOD 9604 – Growth hormone fragment
Conclusion
CJC-1295 No DAC occupies an important niche in growth hormone research. Its modified GHRH 1-29 structure provides enhanced stability while preserving pulsatile GH release dynamics, and its well-characterized synergy with GHRPs like ipamorelin makes it an essential component of modern GH axis research protocols.
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