CJC-1295 is one of the most popular growth hormone releasing peptides in research. But there are multiple variants — and understanding the differences matters.
What is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). It stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone (GH) in a pulsatile manner, mimicking the body’s natural rhythm.
There are two primary forms:
CJC-1295 NO DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29)
This is the shorter-acting version without the Drug Affinity Complex. It has a half-life of approximately 30 minutes and produces a brief, defined pulse of growth hormone release.
Key characteristics:
- Shorter half-life (~30 minutes)
- Produces acute GH pulses
- More closely mimics natural GH release patterns
- Requires more frequent administration in research protocols
CJC-1295 WITH DAC
The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) modification allows the peptide to bind to albumin in the bloodstream, significantly extending its half-life to approximately 6-8 days. This creates a sustained elevation of growth hormone levels.
Key characteristics:
- Extended half-life (~6-8 days)
- Produces sustained GH elevation rather than distinct pulses
- Less frequent administration needed in research
- Higher baseline GH levels between doses
What about Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a growth hormone secretagogue — it works through a different mechanism than CJC-1295. While CJC-1295 acts on the GHRH receptor, Ipamorelin acts on the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) to stimulate GH release.
The key advantage of Ipamorelin in research is its selectivity. Studies suggest it promotes GH release without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin levels, unlike some other secretagogues.
Why combine CJC-1295 NO DAC + Ipamorelin?
The combination is popular in research because the two peptides work through complementary pathways:
- CJC-1295 NO DAC stimulates GH release via the GHRH pathway
- Ipamorelin amplifies the signal via the ghrelin pathway
Research suggests this combination may produce a synergistic effect — a greater GH response than either peptide alone. The NO DAC version is preferred for combination protocols because its shorter half-life allows for more controlled, pulsatile release patterns.
Which variant is right for your research?
| CJC-1295 NO DAC | CJC-1295 WITH DAC | CJC-1295 NO DAC + Ipamorelin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-life | ~30 min | ~6-8 days | ~30 min |
| GH pattern | Pulsatile | Sustained | Amplified pulsatile |
| Frequency | Higher | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Natural GH pattern research | Sustained GH research | Synergistic GH research |
Available at Eterna Labs
We stock all three variants for New Zealand researchers:
All independently tested to 98%+ purity.
Eterna Labs supplies research-grade growth hormone peptides across New Zealand. Shop at eternlabs.co.nz/shop.
Research compounds mentioned
- CJC-1295 No DAC— the short-acting variant compared directly in this article
- CJC-1295 With DAC— the long-acting DAC-modified variant reviewed alongside No DAC
- CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin— the combination protocol examined as an alternative research approach