CJC-1295 comes in two forms that behave very differently in the literature. This guide explains the Drug Affinity Complex, half-life, how the forms are named and why the distinction matters for research design.
Written by the Peptide Labs Research Team
"CJC-1295" is used for two molecules that behave very differently, and the confusion causes real problems when reading studies and comparing products. The difference is a chemical group called the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC). This guide explains what it is, what it changes, and how to tell which version a listing or paper is referring to.
Both forms are analogues of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Natural GHRH is 44 amino acids, and its first 29 residues are enough for receptor activity, which is why sermorelin is GHRH(1-29). CJC-1295 is a modified GHRH(1-29) with four amino acid substitutions designed to resist enzymatic degradation. For the wider axis, see growth hormone axis research.
The Drug Affinity Complex is a reactive maleimido group attached through a linker to a lysine residue. After administration in the published studies, it was reported to bind covalently to circulating albumin, a long-lived plasma protein. The albumin-bound peptide is protected from rapid clearance, which extends its half-life substantially.
| Without DAC | With DAC | |
|---|---|---|
| Other names | Modified GRF(1-29), Mod GRF, CJC-1295 (no DAC) | CJC-1295 with DAC, DAC:GRF |
| Albumin binding | No | Yes |
| Reported half-life | Short, on the order of half an hour | Days; a published human study reported roughly 6 to 8 days |
| Reported pattern of signalling | Brief pulses | Sustained elevation |
| Typical research use | Studying pulsatile GHRH receptor activation | Studying prolonged GHRH receptor activation |
Whether a pulsatile or sustained pattern of GHRH receptor activation is more relevant depends on the research question, and the two cannot be treated as interchangeable. Natural growth hormone release is pulsatile, which is why researchers working on physiological signalling often prefer the shorter-acting form.
CJC-1295 without DAC is frequently studied alongside ipamorelin, a ghrelin receptor agonist, because the two act on different receptors in the same axis. See CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin and Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295 vs Sermorelin.
We list both: CJC-1295 (no DAC) 10mg as a preorder, and CJC-1295 with DAC 10mg. For pricing context, see growth hormone peptide prices in Australia.
Peptides that act on the growth hormone axis may be scheduled, and "research use only" is not an exemption. Check the Poisons Standard. See are research peptides legal in Australia.
Is CJC-1295 with DAC the same as without?
No. DAC changes half-life and signalling pattern, so they are different research tools.
What is Mod GRF 1-29?
Another name for CJC-1295 without DAC.
Why does the label matter?
Because results from one form do not transfer to the other.
Disclaimer: All compounds referenced are supplied for in-vitro laboratory research only and are not for human or veterinary use. This article is educational and is not medical advice. Pharmacokinetic figures are summaries of published reports.
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