CJC-1295 (with DAC)
Long-acting GHRH analogue with Drug Affinity Complex. Once or twice weekly GH pulse for sustained elevation.
Last updated: May 2026
Category
Growth Hormone
Frequency
1–2x weekly
Research
Phase 2 Clinical TrialsWhat is CJC-1295 (with DAC)?
CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a modified form of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) that includes a Drug Affinity Complex, a chemical modification that allows it to bind to albumin in the blood, dramatically extending its half-life from minutes to 6–8 days. Browse the full peptide library for related GH compounds.
This long half-life enables once or twice weekly dosing, creating what is known as a "GH bleed", a sustained elevation in growth hormone levels rather than sharp pulsatile spikes. This is fundamentally different from CJC-1295 without DAC, which produces short, natural-pattern GH pulses.
The sustained GH elevation from CJC-1295 with DAC is preferred by users seeking body composition changes (more muscle, less fat) over the long-term, as it maintains growth factor levels more consistently. For clean, pulsatile GH release, consider stacking with ipamorelin. For clinically validated visceral fat reduction, tesamorelin has FDA approval for that specific indication. However, some argue that constant GH elevation is less physiological than pulsatile release.
How It Works
GHRH Mimicry: CJC-1295 (with DAC) binds to the GHRH receptor in the pituitary gland, stimulating the release of growth hormone.
Albumin Binding: The DAC modification causes the peptide to bind to albumin (the most abundant blood plasma protein), protecting it from enzymatic degradation and extending its half-life to 6–8 days.
IGF-1 Elevation: Elevated GH stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1), which is responsible for many of GH's anabolic and regenerative effects in muscle and connective tissue.
Benefits
- Once or twice weekly dosing convenience
- Sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation
- Improved lean muscle mass and body composition
- Enhanced fat oxidation, especially visceral fat
- Improved recovery and connective tissue health
- Better sleep architecture
- Anti-aging and skin quality improvements
Dosing Protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1–2mg | Once per week | 8–12 weeks |
| Stacked (with Ipa) | 1mg CJC + 300mcg Ipa | 2–3x per week | 12 weeks |
Always start at the lowest effective dose and titrate up gradually.
Side Effects
Common
- ⚠Water retention (can be significant)
- ⚠Tingling in hands and feet
- ⚠Fatigue in first 1–2 weeks
- ⚠Mild headaches
- ⚠Increased hunger
Rare
- •Hypoglycemia (if injected near meal)
- •Elevated cortisol in sensitive individuals
- •Carpal tunnel syndrome with long-term high dose use
Who Should NOT Use CJC-1295 (with DAC)
- ✕Active cancer
- ✕Diabetic retinopathy
- ✕Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- ✕Poorly controlled diabetes
What to Expect
Water retention noticeable. Sleep may improve. Mild fatigue as GH levels rise.
Body composition begins shifting. Recovery faster. Skin quality improving.
Clear anabolic effects. Lean mass increasing. Fat (especially visceral) decreasing.
Full benefits established. Most cycle 12 weeks on, 4–8 weeks off.
Notes from Ho Chi Minh City
CJC with DAC is the version I started with in 2024 and eventually moved away from after about 6 months in HCMC because the constant elevated GH bleed combined with the 36-degree April heat in District 1 made the water retention untenable when training BJJ at Saigon Sports Club. By week 8 my gi was visibly tighter at the wrists and my watch strap had moved out two notches; clear sign of fluid retention beyond what was useful. The convenience factor is real though; one weekly subcutaneous shot at 2mg in the belly fat is much easier than the daily no-DAC routine, and for someone whose primary goal is bulking through a winter cycle the bloat is less of a problem. I kept the vial in the door of the fridge in Thao Dien (not the freezer, the temperature swings damage the peptide) and the 5mg lasts about 5 weeks at 1mg per shot. The cost in Vietnam runs roughly 1.8 to 2.8 million VND per 5mg vial through cold-chain importers, slightly more than the no-DAC equivalent due to the longer synthesis. Most people I know in An Phu and Thao Dien who started here switched to no-DAC plus Ipamorelin within 3 months once they felt the difference.
Sourcing in Vietnam
CJC-1295 with DAC is not stocked at Long Châu, Pharmacity, or any retail pharmacy in Vietnam. Sourcing is research-grade only through cold-chain importers (1.8 to 2.8 million VND per 5mg vial). The DAC modification adds synthesis cost vs the no-DAC version. See the supplier list and COA guide before purchasing.
FAQ
Q: CJC-1295 with DAC or without DAC: which should I choose?
A: With DAC gives a GH bleed (sustained elevation, dosed weekly). Without DAC gives pulsatile release (more natural, dosed daily). With DAC is more convenient but the constant elevation may cause more water retention. For body composition goals, with DAC is often preferred. For sleep and recovery, without DAC + Ipamorelin before bed is often better.
Q: Should I combine CJC-1295 (with DAC) with Ipamorelin?
A: Yes, but note that with DAC the Ipamorelin is less critical than with the no-DAC version because CJC-DAC already provides sustained stimulation. Many users do add Ipamorelin doses 2–3x weekly for additional GH pulses. Source from the community-verified supplier list.
Where to Get CJC-1295 (with DAC) in Vietnam
See our community-verified supplier list with COA verification and cold-chain shipping to Vietnam.
Related Peptides
Related Guides
Research & Sources
- Long-acting albumin-binding GHRH analogues: insights into the design of CJC-1295 · Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, Gagnon C, Castaigne JP, Frohman LA · Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (2006) PMID: 16380436
Foundational paper describing the DAC modification and resulting extended half-life of CJC-1295.
- Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295 · Ionescu M, Frohman LA · Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (2006) PMID: 16940447
Clinical pharmacodynamic data supporting weekly dosing schedule of CJC-1295 with DAC.
- Synergy between GHRH and a GH-releasing peptide for stimulation of GH release in humans · Bowers CY, Granda R, Mohan S, Kuipers J, Baylink D, Veldhuis JD · Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (2004) PMID: 15292313
Demonstrates synergistic GH release when GHRH analogues combine with GH secretagogues.
- Effects of growth hormone secretagogues on body composition and bone mineral density · Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW · Sexual Medicine Reviews (2018) PMID: 28526632
Reviews body composition and recovery outcomes from GH secretagogue protocols.
Important Disclaimer
Educational content only. Not medical advice. Peptides discussed on this page are not approved by Vietnam’s Ministry of Health (Bộ Y Tế) or the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) for the indications described. Research peptides are not stocked at Long Châu, Pharmacity, or any retail pharmacy in Vietnam. Consult a licensed physician before any use.