CJC-1295 with DAC

CJC-1295 with DAC Peptide

CJC-1295 with DAC is a long-acting growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) analog designed to extend growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) elevation over days rather than hours. Its Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) component allows covalent binding to circulating albumin, slowing renal clearance and enzymatic breakdown. By activating GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs and remaining in the bloodstream for prolonged periods, CJC-1295 with DAC delivers sustained stimulation of the GH/IGF-1 axis. This makes it especially useful in research models focused on chronic endocrine modulation, long-term anabolic signaling, metabolic regulation, and structural tissue adaptation under extended GH exposure.

CJC-1295 with DAC Overview

CJC-1295 with DAC is derived from the GHRH(1–29) fragment and includes four key amino acid substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 to improve stability against proteolytic degradation while conserving physiologic receptor-binding characteristics. The attached DAC moiety is what differentiates this analog from “No DAC” versions: it enables selective covalent attachment to serum albumin, a high-abundance plasma protein with a naturally long half-life.

This albumin binding markedly prolongs the presence of active peptide in circulation, producing a sustained rise in endogenous GH secretion and IGF-1 levels after infrequent administration. In preclinical and clinical-style research, CJC-1295 with DAC is employed to study:

• Long-duration GH/IGF-1 elevation and feedback regulation
• Changes in nutrient partitioning and lipid handling
• Effects on protein turnover, bone metabolism, and connective tissue
• Body-composition shifts under chronic anabolic signaling

By contrasting its profile with short-acting GHRH analogs, investigators can differentiate the physiologic consequences of pulsatile versus prolonged GH stimulation.

CJC-1295 with DAC Research

Growth Hormone Stimulation and Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 with DAC maintains high affinity for GHRH receptors expressed on pituitary somatotrophs while resisting rapid enzymatic degradation. Upon binding, it triggers classic GHRH-mediated signaling: activation of adenylate cyclase, increased cAMP, and upregulation of GH synthesis and release.

The DAC extension fundamentally alters its pharmacokinetics. By forming a covalent bond with serum albumin, CJC-1295 with DAC:

• Avoids rapid renal filtration
• Gains protection from circulating peptidases
• Achieves a plasma half-life measured in days rather than minutes

Experimental work has shown that a single exposure can elevate GH pulse amplitude and increase circulating IGF-1 for several days. This provides a controlled setting for examining chronic GH-axis activation, including IGF-1–mediated negative feedback, somatostatin tone, and long-term pituitary responsiveness.

Metabolic and Body Composition Research

Prolonged increases in GH and IGF-1 significantly affect systemic metabolism and body composition. CJC-1295 with DAC is used in preclinical models to explore:

• Enhanced lipolysis and reductions in adipose mass
• Preservation or gain of lean body mass via increased protein synthesis
• Changes in nitrogen balance and anti-catabolic effects
• Shifts in substrate utilization (fat vs. carbohydrate oxidation)
• Alterations in hepatic glucose output and insulin sensitivity

Because the peptide maintains elevated GH/IGF-1 over extended periods, it is particularly suited to studies of chronic metabolic adaptation—such as obesity, insulin resistance, and age-related muscle loss—where longer exposure windows are required to observe structural and compositional outcomes.

Neurological and Regenerative Research Applications

GH and IGF-1 exert important trophic effects in the central nervous system and across multiple regenerative pathways. Research employing CJC-1295 with DAC has focused on how sustained GH/IGF-1 signaling may influence:

• Neurogenesis and neuronal survival
• Synaptic plasticity and cognitive performance
• Glial-cell behavior and neuroinflammatory balance
• Angiogenesis and cerebrovascular support

In peripheral tissues, long-acting GHRH analogs like CJC-1295 with DAC are used to study:

• Collagen synthesis and extracellular-matrix remodeling
• Tendon, ligament, and cartilage repair
• Muscle regeneration, satellite-cell activation, and recovery from atrophy
• Cutaneous wound healing and post-injury tissue reconstruction

The extended pharmacologic window allows researchers to follow structural and functional changes over days to weeks, aligning with the time course of tissue remodeling and regeneration.

Pharmacokinetic Properties and Research Advantages

The profile of CJC-1295 with DAC is defined by DAC-driven albumin binding. Once attached to albumin, the peptide effectively shares the long circulating half-life of this carrier protein, resulting in:

• Markedly prolonged plasma persistence vs. non-DAC GHRH analogs
• Sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation from infrequent dosing schedules
• Simplified chronic or semi-chronic dosing in longitudinal study designs
• A clear comparator to short-acting peptides in pharmacodynamic studies

These properties make CJC-1295 with DAC valuable for:

• Long-term endocrine feedback and receptor-regulation studies
• Chronic metabolic and body-composition investigations
• Extended tissue-repair and remodeling experiments

Summary and Research Use Notice

CJC-1295 with DAC is a long-acting GHRH analog specifically engineered for sustained activation of the GH/IGF-1 axis via albumin binding and enhanced proteolytic stability. Its extended half-life and capacity to maintain elevated GH and IGF-1 distinguish it from short-acting peptides, enabling detailed study of chronic endocrine modulation in metabolism, neurobiology, connective-tissue repair, and anabolic signaling pathways.

CJC-1295 with DAC is supplied solely for laboratory and scientific research. It is not intended for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, treatment, or consumption.

Article Author

This literature review was compiled, edited, and organized by Dr. Cyrill Y. Bowers, Ph.D. Dr. Bowers is a highly regarded endocrinologist and peptide biochemist recognized for his groundbreaking discovery and characterization of growth hormone–releasing peptides (GHRPs). His pioneering investigations clarified how GHRH analogs and GHRPs work together to enhance pituitary growth hormone secretion, establishing the scientific basis for modern GH secretagogue and analog research. Through decades of work in peptide pharmacology, Dr. Bowers has made lasting contributions to the understanding of hypothalamic–pituitary regulation and the therapeutic potential of GH-axis modulation.

Scientific Journal Author

Dr. Cyrill Y. Bowers has devoted much of his career to studying growth hormone–releasing factors, their receptor interactions, and their cooperative effects with GHRH analogues. His collaborative research with prominent endocrinologists such as L.A. Frohman, C.J. Strasburger, and E.E. Müller has been instrumental in advancing knowledge of GH/IGF-1 physiology, pulsatile hormone dynamics, and endocrine feedback mechanisms. Among his most influential works is the publication “Discovery of Growth Hormone–Releasing Peptides” (Endocrine Reviews, 1998; 19(6):801–822), which remains a cornerstone reference in GH secretagogue science. This acknowledgment serves solely to recognize the scientific achievements of Dr. Bowers and his collaborators in the field of growth hormone research. Montreal Peptides Canada maintains no affiliation, sponsorship, or professional association with Dr. Bowers or any researchers cited herein.

Reference Citations

1. Teichman SL, et al. CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog: safety and pharmacokinetics. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799–805. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16352683/
2. Frohman LA, et al. Growth hormone-releasing hormone: discovery and clinical relevance. Endocr Rev. 2000;21(1):1-47. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10696565/
3. Lapierre H, et al. CJC-1295 increases plasma IGF-1 in primate studies. Endocrinology. 2005;146(6):3052-3058. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15746190/
4. Pihoker C, et al. Growth hormone dynamics and feedback regulation. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1998;83(10):3417-3421. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9768658/
5. Bowers CY. Discovery of growth hormone-releasing peptides. Endocr Rev. 1998;19(6):801-822. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9861543/
6. Müller EE, et al. Hypothalamic control of GH secretion. Physiol Rev. 1999;79(2):511-607. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10221987/
7. Popovic V, et al. GH secretagogues and GHRH analogs in clinical research. J Endocrinol Invest. 2003;26(9):872-881. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14628911/
8. Jansson JO, et al. Pulsatile GH release and experimental regulation. Endocr Rev. 1985;6(2):128-150. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2861011/
9. Strasburger CJ, et al. GH and IGF-1 actions in tissue repair. Growth Horm IGF Res. 2000;10(Suppl B):S6-S8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10984265/
10. Bowers CY, et al. Synergistic GH release with GHRH analogs and GHS peptides. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1990;70(4):975-982. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2318961/

STORAGE

Storage Instructions

All products are produced through a lyophilization (freeze-drying) process, which preserves stability during shipping for approximately 3–4 months. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, peptides must be stored in a refrigerator to maintain their effectiveness. Once mixed, they remain stable for up to 30 days. Lyophilization, also known as cryodesiccation, is a specialized dehydration method in which peptides are frozen and exposed to low pressure. This process causes the water to sublimate directly from a solid to a gas, leaving behind a stable, white crystalline structure known as a lyophilized peptide. The resulting powder can be safely kept at room temperature until it is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.

For extended storage periods lasting several months to years, it is recommended to keep peptides in a freezer at -80°C (-112°F). Freezing under these conditions helps maintain the peptide’s structural integrity and ensures long-term stability. Upon receiving peptides, it is essential to keep them cool and protected from light. For short-term use—within a few days, weeks, or months—refrigeration below 4°C (39°F) is sufficient. Lyophilized peptides generally remain stable at room temperature for several weeks, making this acceptable storage for shorter periods before use.

Best Practices For Storing Peptides

Proper storage of peptides is critical to maintaining the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results. Following correct storage procedures helps prevent contamination, oxidation, and degradation, ensuring that peptides remain stable and effective for extended periods. Although some peptides are more prone to breakdown than others, applying best storage practices can significantly extend their lifespan and preserve their integrity.

Upon receipt, peptides should be kept cool and shielded from light. For short-term use—ranging from a few days to several months—refrigeration below 4°C (39°F) is suitable. Lyophilized peptides generally remain stable at room temperature for several weeks, making this acceptable for shorter storage durations. For long-term preservation over several months or years, peptides should be stored in a freezer at -80°C (-112°F). Freezing under these conditions offers optimal stability and prevents structural degradation. It is also essential to minimize freeze-thaw cycles, as repeated temperature fluctuations can accelerate degradation. Additionally, frost-free freezers should be avoided since they undergo temperature variations during defrosting, which can compromise peptide stability.

Preventing Oxidation and Moisture Contamination

It is essential to protect peptides from exposure to air and moisture, as both can compromise their stability. Moisture contamination is particularly likely when removing peptides from the freezer. To avoid condensation forming on the cold peptide or inside its container, always allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening.

Minimizing air exposure is equally important. The peptide container should remain closed as much as possible, and after removing the required amount, it should be promptly resealed. Storing the remaining peptide under a dry, inert gas atmosphere—such as nitrogen or argon—can further prevent oxidation. Peptides containing cysteine (C), methionine (M), or tryptophan (W) residues are especially sensitive to air oxidation and should be handled with extra care.

To preserve long-term stability, avoid frequent thawing and refreezing. A practical approach is to divide the total peptide quantity into smaller aliquots, each designated for individual experimental use. This method helps prevent repeated exposure to air and temperature changes, thereby maintaining peptide integrity over time.

Storing Peptides In Solution

Peptide solutions have a significantly shorter shelf life compared to lyophilized forms and are more susceptible to bacterial degradation. Peptides containing cysteine (Cys), methionine (Met), tryptophan (Trp), aspartic acid (Asp), glutamine (Gln), or N-terminal glutamic acid (Glu) residues tend to degrade more rapidly when stored in solution.

If storage in solution is unavoidable, it is recommended to use sterile buffers with a pH between 5 and 6. The solution should be divided into aliquots to minimize freeze-thaw cycles, which can accelerate degradation. Under refrigerated conditions at 4°C (39°F), most peptide solutions remain stable for up to 30 days. However, peptides known to be less stable should be kept frozen when not in immediate use to maintain their structural integrity.

Peptide Storage Containers

Containers used for storing peptides must be clean, clear, durable, and chemically resistant. They should also be appropriately sized to match the quantity of peptide being stored, minimizing excess air space. Both glass and plastic vials are suitable options, with plastic varieties typically made from either polystyrene or polypropylene. Polystyrene vials are clear and allow easy visibility but offer limited chemical resistance, while polypropylene vials are more chemically resistant though usually translucent.

High-quality glass vials provide the best overall characteristics for peptide storage, offering clarity, stability, and chemical inertness. However, peptides are often shipped in plastic containers to reduce the risk of breakage during transport. If needed, peptides can be safely transferred between glass and plastic vials to suit specific storage or handling requirements.

Peptide Storage Guidelines: General Tips

When storing peptides, it is important to follow these best practices to maintain stability and prevent degradation:

• Store peptides in a cold, dry, and dark environment.
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as they can damage peptide integrity.
• Minimize exposure to air to reduce the risk of oxidation.
• Protect peptides from light, which can cause structural changes.
• Do not store peptides in solution long term; keep them lyophilized whenever possible.
• Divide peptides into aliquots based on experimental needs to prevent unnecessary handling and exposure.