CJC-1295 (no DAC)
A modified growth hormone releasing hormone analog with a shorter half-life than DAC-conjugated CJC-1295, allowing more physiological GH pulsing.
What is CJC-1295 (no DAC)?
CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF) is a modified version of the first 29 amino acids of growth hormone releasing hormone. Unlike CJC-1295 with DAC which has an extended half-life of days, the no-DAC version has a half-life of about 30 minutes, allowing for more natural, pulsatile GH release patterns.
What CJC-1295 (no DAC) Is Investigated For
CJC-1295 no-DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) is a GHRH analog investigated for GH pulse optimization, body composition improvement, sleep depth, and recovery — positioned within the GH-secretagogue space specifically as the pulsatile, physiological alternative to the longer-acting DAC-conjugated version. The strongest evidence is actually indirect: the modified GRF 1-29 peptide itself was never independently advanced as a clinical product, so efficacy claims rest on the broader GHRH(1-29) literature (including Thorner's foundational work in older men showing restoration of GH/IGF-1 levels) and on the related analog tesamorelin, which has extensive RCT data for body composition and metabolic effects in HIV lipodystrophy. Direct human trial data specifically for no-DAC Mod GRF 1-29 is sparse. Its clinical positioning is largely mechanistic: a ~30-minute half-life preserving discrete GH pulses, typically stacked with a GHRP like ipamorelin for dual-pathway synergy. It is not FDA-approved, explicitly prohibited under WADA S2, and the theoretical cancer-promotion and glycemic concerns that attach to any chronic IGF-1 elevation apply here regardless of the 'more physiological' framing.
History & Discovery
CJC-1295 no-DAC, more precisely called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF 1-29, shares its molecular backbone with the DAC-containing version but lacks the maleimidopropionic acid linker that tethers the peptide to serum albumin in vivo. Both compounds trace back to the same ConjuChem Biotechnologies program in Montreal in the early 2000s — the work that produced CJC-1295 as a long-acting albumin-binding GHRH analog. The four amino acid substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 (D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27) that distinguish Mod GRF 1-29 from native GHRH(1-29) were developed to confer resistance to DPP-IV cleavage, extending the functional half-life from native GHRH's minutes-long clearance to roughly 30 minutes. These substitutions predate the ConjuChem program — work by Coy and colleagues in the early 1990s established D-Ala2 as a DPP-IV-resistant modification in GHRH analogs. The 'no-DAC' designation is a research-chemical and compounding-pharmacy naming convention rather than a distinct ConjuChem product. In practical terms, no-DAC CJC-1295 is Mod GRF 1-29 — the same modified peptide that ConjuChem conjugated with the albumin-binding linker to produce the long-acting CJC-1295 DAC. Because the modified GRF 1-29 peptide itself was never independently advanced as a clinical product (ConjuChem's program focused on the DAC-conjugated version), there is no distinct FDA approval history or dedicated clinical trial program for no-DAC CJC-1295. It entered the research-chemical and compounding-pharmacy market in the 2010s as a shorter-acting alternative to CJC-1295 DAC, favored by clinicians who want to preserve natural pulsatility rather than produce sustained receptor occupancy.
How It Works
Mod GRF 1-29 mimics your body's natural growth hormone releasing hormone but is modified to last longer. It tells your pituitary gland to release growth hormone in natural pulses, especially when combined with a GHRP.
CJC-1295 no DAC binds to the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs, activating adenylyl cyclase and increasing cAMP. This primes somatotrophs for GH release. Four amino acid substitutions (Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27) provide resistance to DPP-IV cleavage and improve receptor binding. When combined with a GHRP, the GHRH analog amplifies the GH pulse amplitude while the GHRP increases pulse frequency.
Evidence Snapshot
Human Clinical Evidence
Moderate. Direct CJC-1295 clinical data includes Phase I/II studies showing sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation. The closely related analog tesamorelin (modified GRF 1-29) has extensive RCT data for body composition and metabolic effects. GHRH analogs have also shown cognitive benefits in controlled trials.
Animal / Preclinical
Extensive. GHRH analogs are well-studied in animal models for growth, metabolism, and neuroprotection.
Mechanistic Rationale
Strong. GHRH receptor pharmacology is thoroughly understood.
Research Gaps & Open Questions
What the current literature has not yet settled about CJC-1295 (no DAC):
- 01No dedicated human clinical program exists for no-DAC CJC-1295 as a distinct product — clinical data is inferred from GHRH(1-29), modified GRF work, and the CJC-1295 DAC program rather than from direct trials of the no-DAC peptide.
- 02Long-term (>6 month) human safety data for Mod GRF 1-29 at adult wellness doses is absent.
- 03Whether pulsatile (no-DAC) vs. sustained (DAC) GHRH signaling produces meaningfully different long-term safety or efficacy profiles has not been tested head-to-head in humans.
- 04Optimal dosing cadence — whether 2x/day or 3x/day dosing produces clinically meaningful differences in IGF-1 or downstream outcomes — has not been characterized.
- 05Whether monotherapy vs. GHRP-stacked dosing produces clinically meaningful outcome differences has not been validated in controlled human trials; the stacking argument remains pharmacological.
- 06Pituitary desensitization risk with prolonged pulsatile stimulation is theoretical and unquantified.
- 07Compounding-pharmacy sourcing variability affects purity and potency but has not been systematically characterized.
Forms & Administration
Administered via subcutaneous injection, typically 2-3 times daily (before bed and upon waking are common). Usually combined with a GHRP like Ipamorelin at each injection. All injectable peptides should only be administered under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Never self-administer without clinician oversight.
Dosing & Protocols
The ranges below reflect protocols commonly discussed in the literature and by clinicians — not a prescription. Actual dosing for any individual should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider who knows the patient.
Typical Range
Commonly discussed protocols for no-DAC CJC-1295 run 100 mcg per dose, administered 1–3 times daily. Many clinicians match the dose to the GHRP it is paired with (typically ipamorelin 100–300 mcg), keeping the two peptides at roughly equimolar ratios. Total daily doses above ~300 mcg of no-DAC rarely produce proportionally greater GH response because the GH pulse amplitude from a single injection is limited by somatotroph capacity rather than by GHRH-receptor availability.
Frequency
Short half-life (~30 minutes) means each injection produces one discrete GH pulse, then clears. The typical stacking rationale with a GHRP mirrors the CJC-1295 DAC + ipamorelin rationale: no-DAC CJC primes somatotrophs via the GHRH receptor while the GHRP triggers release via the ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptor. Combined, the two produce a GH pulse substantially greater than either alone — a synergistic rather than additive effect. Typical 2–3x/day dosing mimics the natural daily GH pulsatility pattern (morning, afternoon, bedtime) and is a key point of difference from DAC-containing CJC-1295, which provides continuous rather than pulsatile signaling.
Timing Considerations
Time of day
Bedtime aligns with the natural nocturnal GH pulse and is the anchor dose in most protocols. Multi-dose regimens typically add an early-morning fasted dose and a pre-workout dose.
Relative to meals
Fasted — at least 30 minutes before food and 2+ hours after a meal. The short-acting no-DAC form is especially sensitive to insulin and amino-acid blunting of the GH response.
Relative to exercise
Independent of training in single-dose protocols; multi-dose protocols commonly include a pre-workout injection on training days.
Cycle Length
Commonly discussed protocols run 8–12 weeks on, followed by a 4+ week break. Because no-DAC CJC-1295 preserves pulsatility and does not produce sustained receptor occupancy, the pituitary-desensitization argument for cycling is weaker here than for MK-677, though it remains a theoretical concern with any chronic GHRH-receptor stimulation. Some clinicians use no-DAC continuously in lower-dose protocols, but no long-duration human trial has validated this approach.
Protocol Notes
No-DAC CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) is supplied as a lyophilized powder, typically 2 mg or 5 mg per vial, reconstituted in bacteriostatic water. A 5 mg vial in 2 mL yields 2,500 mcg/mL; 100 mcg is approximately 0.04 mL or 4 units on an insulin syringe. Subcutaneous injection into the abdominal fat pad is standard. Because of the short half-life and the intent to produce discrete pulses that align with natural GH rhythm, injection timing matters more than for DAC-containing CJC. Most protocols call for injection on an empty stomach (≥30 min before eating or 2+ hours after a meal) because elevated insulin and circulating amino acids blunt GH response. Common dosing windows are bedtime (aligning with the natural nocturnal GH pulse), early morning, and pre-workout — never immediately post-meal or post-carbohydrate intake. When stacked with ipamorelin, both peptides are typically drawn into the same syringe and injected together at each dosing window.
No-DAC CJC-1295 / Mod GRF 1-29 is not FDA-approved for any indication. The numbers above describe commonly-referenced protocols, not a prescription. Use should be supervised by a qualified clinician with appropriate lab monitoring.
Timeline of Effects
Onset
Sleep-depth improvements are the most reliably reported early benefit, typically within 1–2 weeks of bedtime or multi-daily dosing. Subjective recovery benefits (reduced post-workout soreness, faster training tolerance) follow in a similar window. Body-composition changes — modest fat reduction, lean mass preservation — typically require 4–8+ weeks of consistent use.
Peak Effect
Serum IGF-1 rises progressively over the first 4–6 weeks of multi-daily dosing and plateaus. The IGF-1 elevation magnitude from no-DAC monotherapy is modest compared to MK-677 or high-dose CJC-1295 DAC — reflecting the discrete-pulse profile and short half-life. Subjective benefits most commonly plateau around the 3-month mark. The argument for no-DAC over DAC is qualitative rather than quantitative: preserved pulsatility and a more physiological endocrine profile, not necessarily a larger peak effect.
After Discontinuation
Short half-life and non-suppression of endogenous GHRH mean pulsatile GH returns to baseline within 1–3 days of discontinuation. IGF-1 drifts back to pre-treatment levels over 2–4 weeks. Any accumulated body-composition or sleep benefits wane over weeks to a few months. No HPG-axis suppression, no post-cycle therapy required. The reversibility is clean — distinguishable from the longer tail of DAC-containing CJC, which persists in circulation for 1–2 weeks after the last dose.
Common Questions
Who CJC-1295 (no DAC) Is NOT For
- •Active or recent-history cancer — GH and IGF-1 elevation may accelerate proliferation of existing malignancies.
- •Pregnancy — no human pregnancy safety data; reproductive-toxicology characterization is absent.
- •Breastfeeding — no data on transfer into breast milk or effects on nursing infants.
- •Diabetes or uncontrolled insulin resistance — GH opposes insulin action; glycemic monitoring is prudent with any GH secretagogue.
- •Pediatric use outside a diagnosed GH deficiency — development-related endocrine effects from unmonitored secretagogue use are a concern.
- •Active acromegaly or pituitary adenoma — further stimulation of GH-producing cells is contraindicated.
- •Uncontrolled hypertension or moderate-to-severe sleep apnea — GH elevation can worsen fluid retention and airway effects.
- •Known hypersensitivity to GHRH analogs or to excipients in compounded preparations.
Drug & Supplement Interactions
Documented clinical drug interactions for no-DAC CJC-1295 are sparse because no formal human post-marketing dataset exists. Class-derived concerns mirror those of other GHRH analogs. Glucocorticoids (prednisone, dexamethasone) blunt somatotroph responsiveness and attenuate the GH-releasing effect at the pituitary level. Somatostatin analogs (octreotide, lanreotide) directly oppose GHRH signaling and pharmacologically antagonize Mod GRF 1-29. Thyroid hormone status matters — uncorrected hypothyroidism reduces GH response. Glucose-regulating medications: insulin, sulfonylureas, and GLP-1 agonists may require dose adjustment as GH/IGF-1 rise over weeks of use. The glycemic effect of no-DAC is milder than MK-677's because of the pulsatile rather than sustained GH profile, but is not zero. Oral estrogens reduce hepatic IGF-1 generation and can blunt apparent lab responses — relevant for monitoring. As with any peptide therapy, concurrent medications should be disclosed to the prescribing clinician.
Safety Profile
Common Side Effects
Cautions
- • Not FDA-approved
- • Monitor IGF-1 levels
- • Use under clinician guidance
What We Don't Know
Long-term effects of sustained use for anti-aging purposes are not established through clinical trials.
Legal Status
United States
No-DAC CJC-1295 / Mod GRF 1-29 is not FDA-approved for any medical indication. Historically it has been available through state-licensed compounding pharmacies under individualized prescription, though the FDA's ongoing 503A bulk-list review has narrowed access for all peptides including this one. It is widely sold in the research-chemical market labeled 'not for human consumption,' which is not an authorized channel for human use. Regulatory posture is actively evolving and practitioners should verify current compounding status.
International
The European Medicines Agency and UK MHRA have not authorized Mod GRF 1-29 as a medicine. Australia's TGA classifies GHRH analogs and GH secretagogues as Schedule 4 prescription-only substances. Canada treats it as an unapproved investigational agent.
Sports & Competition
No-DAC CJC-1295 / Mod GRF 1-29 is explicitly prohibited under WADA's S2 category (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics), which covers GHRH and its analogs — prohibited at all times, both in and out of competition. Detection methods for GHRH analogs including the modified 1-29 peptides are established in WADA-accredited labs. Athletes subject to WADA code must avoid it.
Regulatory status changes over time. Verify current local rules with a qualified professional.
Myths & Misconceptions
Myth
No-DAC CJC-1295 is just 'shorter-acting CJC-1295' — it's the same drug with faster clearance.
Reality
They are different molecules with different pharmacology. DAC-containing CJC-1295 has a maleimidopropionic acid linker that covalently binds serum albumin, giving a multi-day half-life and a flat, sustained exposure profile. No-DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) lacks this linker and clears in about 30 minutes, producing discrete GH pulses rather than sustained receptor occupancy. Dosing cadence, stacking rationale, and physiological effect shape differ materially.
Myth
No-DAC CJC-1295 is safer than DAC because it clears faster.
Reality
Faster clearance does reduce some specific concerns (chronic receptor occupancy, accumulation), and the pulsatile profile is arguably more physiological. But both versions elevate IGF-1 via the same downstream pathway, and the theoretical long-term concerns about IGF-1-mediated cancer promotion attach to both. 'Faster clearance' is not 'lower total exposure over a treatment period' — multi-daily dosing of no-DAC produces comparable cumulative IGF-1 elevation over weeks.
Myth
Mod GRF 1-29 is FDA-approved because it's 'just a fragment of natural GHRH.'
Reality
It is not FDA-approved for any indication. It is a modified peptide (four amino acid substitutions from native GHRH 1-29) that is not identical to endogenous GHRH, and it has never been through an FDA approval pathway. 'Fragment of a natural hormone' does not confer regulatory approval.
Myth
No-DAC CJC-1295 plus ipamorelin is 'safer than HGH.'
Reality
The stack preserves physiological pulsatility better than flat exogenous rhGH, which does attenuate some specific side effects like edema and carpal tunnel symptoms. But the downstream mediator — IGF-1 — is the same pathway, and the theoretical concerns about cancer promotion, glucose tolerance, and metabolic impact attach to the stack too. 'Safer in degree' is not 'fundamentally safe.'
Myth
Mod GRF 1-29 is undetectable in drug testing.
Reality
WADA-accredited labs have established detection methods for modified GHRH 1-29 peptides including the D-Ala2 and other substituted variants. Detection windows are shorter than for DAC-containing CJC but use is detectable and explicitly prohibited under S2. Athletes have been sanctioned for Mod GRF 1-29 use.
Published Research
13 studiesSafety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance
A new era of doping? Use of peptide and peptide-analog drugs in recreational and professional sport and bodybuilding
Netnography of Female Use of the Synthetic Growth Hormone CJC-1295: Pulses and Potions.
Effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone on cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults: results of a controlled trial.
Effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor analog, in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial with a safety extension.
Activation of the GH/IGF-1 axis by CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog, results in serum protein profile changes in normal adult subjects.
Tesamorelin, a human growth hormone releasing factor analogue.
Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV.
Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse.
Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295 in healthy adults
Human growth hormone-releasing factor (hGRF)1-29-albumin bioconjugates activate the GRF receptor on the anterior pituitary in rats
Incorporation of D-Ala2 in growth hormone-releasing hormone-(1-29)-NH2 increases the half-life and decreases metabolic clearance in normal men
Growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone-(1-29) twice daily reverses the decreased GH and insulin-like growth factor-I levels in old men
Quick Facts
- Class
- GHRH Analog
- Tier
- B
- Evidence
- Moderate
- Safety
- Moderate Data
- Updated
- May 2026
- Citations
- 13PubMed
Also known as
Tags
Peptide Families
Related Goals
Evidence Score
Clinical Trials
View Clinical TrialsLinks to ClinicalTrials.gov for reference. Listing does not imply endorsement.