CJC-1295 with DAC

CJC-1295 with DAC Peptide

CJC-1295 with DAC is a long-acting growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that has been engineered to markedly extend the duration of endogenous growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) elevation. This is achieved through a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that allows CJC-1295 to form a covalent bond with circulating albumin, slowing renal clearance and protecting the peptide from rapid enzymatic degradation. By selectively activating GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs and remaining in circulation for days, CJC-1295 with DAC promotes sustained GH-axis stimulation. This makes it particularly valuable in experimental models that require chronic or semi-chronic modulation of the GH/IGF-1 axis, extended anabolic signaling, long-term metabolic regulation, and tissue remodeling under prolonged 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. These substitutions improve resistance to proteolytic enzymes while maintaining physiologic receptor-binding properties at the GHRH receptor. The distinguishing feature is the DAC moiety, which supports site-specific covalent attachment to serum albumin—a high-abundance plasma protein with a naturally long half-life.

Through this design, CJC-1295 with DAC:

• Prolongs its own systemic half-life from minutes to days
• Enables infrequent dosing schedules in research protocols
• Produces a sustained increase in GH and IGF-1 rather than brief, pulsatile spikes

In preclinical and clinical-style investigations, CJC-1295 with DAC is used to examine:

• Long-term activation and feedback regulation of the GH/IGF-1 axis
• Changes in nutrient partitioning, adipose turnover, and lipid mobilization
• Effects on protein synthesis, nitrogen retention, and lean-mass maintenance
• Influences on bone metabolism, connective tissue, and whole-body composition

Comparisons with short-acting GHRH analogs allow researchers to dissect how exposure duration—acute vs. prolonged—modulates endocrine feedback, receptor dynamics, and downstream physiologic responses.

CJC-1295 with DAC Research

Growth Hormone Stimulation and Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 with DAC is a synthetic analog of the GHRH(1–29) sequence that retains high-affinity binding to pituitary GHRH receptors while resisting rapid enzymatic degradation. The four amino acid substitutions enhance structural stability and prevent cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase and related enzymes.

Upon receptor engagement, CJC-1295 with DAC:

• Activates adenylate cyclase and increases intracellular cAMP
• Drives GH gene transcription and peptide synthesis
• Stimulates GH vesicle exocytosis and release into the bloodstream

The attached DAC group then fundamentally shapes its pharmacokinetics. By forming a covalent bond with serum albumin, CJC-1295 with DAC:

• Avoids rapid renal filtration
• Gains protection from circulating proteases
• Achieves a prolonged circulating half-life on the order of days

Experimental data show that a single exposure can increase GH secretory activity and elevate IGF-1 concentrations for several days. This extended effect enables controlled investigation of chronic GH-axis activation, time-dependent negative feedback, and adaptive changes in pituitary responsiveness.

Metabolic and Body Composition Research

Sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation exerts broad effects on metabolism and tissue composition. In research settings, CJC-1295 with DAC is used to explore:

• Enhanced lipolysis and reductions in adipose tissue stores
• Preservation or accrual of lean body mass via increased protein synthesis
• Improvements in nitrogen balance and attenuation of catabolic processes
• Shifts in energy substrate utilization toward increased fatty-acid oxidation
• Modulation of hepatic glucose output, insulin sensitivity, and glycemic control

Because its activity is long-acting, CJC-1295 with DAC allows investigators to model chronic metabolic adaptations that develop over days or weeks rather than hours. This is particularly relevant for preclinical models of obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and age-related sarcopenia, where structural and compositional endpoints require extended observation periods.

Neurological and Regenerative Research Applications

The GH/IGF-1 axis influences the central nervous system and multiple regenerative pathways. Prolonged exposure to elevated GH and IGF-1 has been associated with:

• Enhanced neurogenesis and neuronal survival
• Modulation of synaptic plasticity and cognitive function
• Cerebrovascular support and angiogenic signaling
• Neuroprotection and improved recovery following neural injury

CJC-1295 with DAC serves as a useful tool for examining these actions under conditions of sustained GH/IGF-1 stimulation. In peripheral tissues, it is widely applied in studies of:

• Collagen synthesis and extracellular-matrix remodeling
• Tendon, ligament, and cartilage repair and integrity
• Skeletal muscle regeneration, satellite-cell activation, and recovery from disuse or injury
• Cutaneous wound healing and soft-tissue reconstruction

Because these regenerative and structural processes unfold across extended time scales, the long-acting profile of CJC-1295 with DAC is well suited to longitudinal study designs.

Pharmacokinetic Properties and Research Advantages

The pharmacokinetic behavior of CJC-1295 with DAC is dominated by its DAC-mediated albumin binding. After administration, the peptide:

• Forms a stable covalent bond with circulating albumin
• Adopts the extended half-life and distribution characteristics of albumin
• Maintains pharmacologically active levels over several days

Key research advantages include:

• Infrequent dosing requirements in long-term or semi-chronic studies
• Stable, sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation suitable for extended outcome assessments
• A clear comparison point with non-DAC GHRH analogs for mechanistic studies
• Straightforward modeling of continuous or near-continuous GH-axis activation

These attributes make CJC-1295 with DAC particularly useful for endocrine-feedback mapping, receptor-regulation analysis, chronic metabolic modeling, and long-term evaluation of tissue remodeling and body-composition change.

Summary and Research Use Notice

CJC-1295 with DAC is a long-acting GHRH analog specifically designed to sustain GH/IGF-1 axis activation through albumin binding and enhanced proteolytic stability. Its extended half-life and prolonged hormonal effects distinguish it from short-acting GHRH fragments and provide a versatile platform for investigating chronic endocrine modulation in metabolism, neurobiology, connective-tissue repair, and anabolic signaling.

CJC-1295 with DAC is supplied exclusively for laboratory and scientific research. It is not intended for human or veterinary administration, 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 using a lyophilization (freeze-drying) process, which stabilizes peptides for shipping over approximately 3–4 months. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, peptides should be stored in a refrigerator to preserve their structure and activity. Once reconstituted, most peptide solutions remain stable for up to 30 days at 4°C (39°F).

Lyophilization (cryodesiccation) involves freezing the peptide and subjecting it to low pressure so that water transitions directly from solid to gas, leaving a stable, white crystalline powder. This lyophilized material can typically be stored at room temperature for shorter periods prior to reconstitution.

For long-term storage spanning several months to years, peptides should be stored in a freezer at -80°C (-112°F). These ultra-low temperatures help maintain structural integrity and minimize degradation. Upon receipt, peptides should be kept cool and protected from light. For short-term use over days to a few months, refrigeration below 4°C (39°F) is sufficient, and lyophilized peptides generally remain stable at room temperature for several weeks.

Best Practices For Storing Peptides

To ensure optimal peptide stability and reproducible experimental results:

• Keep peptides cool and shielded from light upon arrival.
• Use refrigeration (below 4°C / 39°F) for short- to medium-term storage.
• Use -80°C (-112°F) freezers for long-term preservation (months to years).
• Avoid frost-free freezers that cycle through temperature fluctuations.
• Minimize freeze-thaw cycles, which accelerate degradation.

Even though some peptide sequences are inherently more stable, adhering to these practices extends usable lifespan and preserves functional integrity.

Preventing Oxidation and Moisture Contamination

Air and moisture are key contributors to peptide degradation:

• Allow frozen vials to reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.
• Keep containers closed as much as possible and reseal promptly after use.
• When feasible, store remaining peptide under a dry, inert gas (e.g., nitrogen or argon) to limit oxidation.

Peptides containing cysteine (C), methionine (M), or tryptophan (W) are particularly susceptible to oxidative damage and should be handled with extra care. Dividing bulk peptide into small aliquots suitable for single or limited uses helps avoid repeated exposure to air and temperature shifts.

Storing Peptides In Solution

Peptide solutions are less stable than lyophilized powders and more vulnerable to microbial contamination and hydrolysis:

• Use sterile, buffered solutions (pH ~5–6) when possible.
• Aliquot solutions to minimize repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• At 4°C (39°F), most peptide solutions remain stable for up to 30 days.
• Less stable sequences should be stored frozen when not in immediate use.

Whenever feasible, peptides should remain lyophilized and only be reconstituted immediately before experimental application.

Peptide Storage Containers

Container selection plays a role in preserving peptide stability:

• Use clean, chemically inert vials sized appropriately to minimize headspace.
• Glass vials provide excellent chemical resistance and clarity.
• Plastic vials (polystyrene or polypropylene) are also used; polystyrene offers better clarity but less chemical resistance, while polypropylene is more resistant though usually translucent.

Peptides are often shipped in plastic to minimize breakage risk. They may be transferred between glass and plastic containers as needed, provided handling is careful and sterile.

Peptide Storage Guidelines: General Tips

To maintain peptide integrity over time:

• Store in a cold, dry, and dark environment.
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• Minimize exposure to air to reduce oxidation.
• Protect from direct and prolonged light exposure.
• Prefer lyophilized storage rather than solutions for long-term keeping.
• Aliquot according to experimental needs to limit handling and environmental exposure.