CJC-1295 (No DAC) Overview
Mechanism of Action
CJC-1295 (no DAC) is a synthetic analog of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) with amino acid substitutions that resist enzymatic degradation. It binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating pulsatile release of growth hormone while preserving the body’s natural feedback mechanisms. Unlike exogenous GH, it maintains physiological GH pulse patterns.
~30 minutes (no DAC version). The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version extends to ~8 days but is less commonly used.
Timing
30–60 minutes before sleep on an empty stomach. GH release is blunted by food (especially carbs/fats).
Injection Site
Subcutaneous, lower abdomen
Food
Fast 2+ hours before and 30 min after. Blood sugar and insulin suppress GH release.
Alternatives in this class
Same mechanism as CJC-1295 (No DAC) — use as an alternative, not combined together.
- Tesamorelin — Alternative GHRH analog (not typically combined)
Common Stacks
- Ipamorelin — GHRH + GHRP synergy (gold standard combination)
CJC-1295 (No DAC) Dosing Protocol
Standard Protocol
8–12 weeks100–300 mcg nightly
Administered before bed to amplify natural nighttime GH pulse. Often combined with Ipamorelin.
5-on/2-off
5 nights/week100–300 mcg
Weekday dosing with weekends off. Helps prevent receptor desensitization.
CJC-1295 (No DAC) Expected Timeline
Week 1–2
Improved sleep quality; vivid dreams
Week 3–4
Better recovery from exercise; mild fat loss begins
Week 6–8
Noticeable body composition changes; improved skin quality
Week 8–12
Significant lean mass improvement; enhanced overall vitality
CJC-1295 (No DAC) Side Effects
Water retention (usually resolves in 2–3 weeks)
Tingling/numbness in extremities
Increased hunger
Vivid dreams
CJC-1295 (No DAC) Research Studies
Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295 in healthy adult subjects
Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al. — J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2006)
Showed single doses of CJC-1295 resulted in sustained, dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-1 for 6+ days, with mean GH levels increasing 2–10-fold.
PubMed: 16352683Effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone on sleep
Steiger A, Guldner J, Hemmeter U, et al. — Sleep (1992)
Demonstrated GHRH administration promotes slow-wave (deep) sleep, supporting the rationale for nighttime dosing protocols.
PubMed: 1455122CJC-1295 (No DAC) FAQ
Why take CJC-1295 at night?
Growth hormone is naturally released in pulses during deep sleep. Administering CJC-1295 before bed amplifies this natural surge, resulting in the highest physiological GH output. Food (especially carbs) blunts GH release.
What’s the difference between CJC with and without DAC?
CJC-1295 without DAC has a ~30-minute half-life, producing a pulse of GH that mimics natural physiology. The DAC version lasts ~8 days, creating a constant GH elevation that can cause more side effects and blunts natural pulsatility. Most practitioners prefer the no-DAC version.
Why combine with Ipamorelin?
CJC-1295 (GHRH analog) tells the pituitary WHEN to release GH, while Ipamorelin (GHRP) amplifies HOW MUCH is released. Together they create a synergistic effect — research shows the combination produces significantly more GH than either alone.