CJC-1295 DAC by Dragon Pharma
CJC-1295 DAC is Dragon Pharma's formulation of the long-acting GHRH analogue CJC-1295 with Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) at 5mg per vial. The DAC modification extends the compound's half-life from approximately 30 minutes (without DAC) to roughly 6-8 days — transforming a short-acting peptide into a long-acting sustained-release compound requiring only once or twice weekly dosing.
Also searched as: CJC-1295 DAC 5mg, long-acting GHRH, CJC 1295 with DAC, CJC-1295 Dragon Pharma.
What Does DAC Mean — The Drug Affinity Complex Explained
DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a chemical modification added to the CJC-1295 peptide chain that enables it to reversibly bind to albumin — the most abundant protein in blood plasma. This albumin binding is the mechanism behind the dramatically extended half-life:
- Without DAC: CJC-1295 is rapidly degraded by DPP-IV (dipeptidyl peptidase IV) enzyme in the bloodstream, resulting in a ~30-minute half-life
- With DAC: the albumin binding protects the peptide from DPP-IV degradation — the molecule dissociates from albumin, acts on GHRH receptors, then re-binds albumin, cycling in and out of active form
- The result is a ~6-8 day effective half-life from a single injection, with the compound gradually releasing from its albumin reservoir over the week
- This albumin-binding mechanism is the same principle used in several pharmaceutical drugs (including semaglutide/Ozempic) to extend peptide half-life
GH Bleed — What It Is and Why It's Debated
CJC-1295 DAC's sustained action produces what's called a "GH bleed" — a continuous, low-level GH elevation maintained throughout the week rather than discrete pulses. This differs fundamentally from both natural GH secretion and the pulsatile pattern produced by CJC-1295 no DAC + Ipamorelin:
- Natural GH pattern: 5-9 discrete pulses per day, largest during slow-wave sleep, near-zero between pulses
- CJC-1295 no DAC + Ipamorelin pattern: amplified discrete pulses, closely mimicking natural pulsatility
- CJC-1295 DAC pattern: sustained low-level elevation throughout the week with blunted pulse amplitude
The GH bleed pattern has practical advantages (convenience, consistent IGF-1 elevation) but also potential concerns: some research suggests sustained non-pulsatile GH elevation may increase insulin resistance more than pulsatile GH, and the loss of the natural pulsatile pattern is a consideration for users prioritising sleep quality and circadian alignment.
Effects and Benefits
- Sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation throughout the week from a single injection
- Minimal injection burden — once or twice weekly dosing
- Consistent, predictable GH elevation without the timing demands of short-acting peptides
- Body recomposition support through elevated GH and downstream IGF-1
- No suppression of natural testosterone — does not require Post Cycle Therapy
Dosage and Administration
| Protocol | Typical Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1–2 mg | Once weekly |
| Twice weekly | 1 mg | Twice weekly (e.g. Mon/Thu) |
At 5mg per vial, a single vial provides 2-5 weekly injections depending on dose. Unlike short-acting peptides, CJC-1295 DAC does not require timing relative to meals — because of its sustained-release mechanism, the compound maintains active levels regardless of insulin fluctuations during the day. This is a practical convenience advantage over short-acting GHRH peptides that must be dosed fasted.
CJC-1295 DAC vs CJC-1295 no DAC + Ipamorelin
Dragon Pharma offers both versions of this compound family:
- CJC-1295 DAC (standalone) — long-acting, once weekly, sustained GH elevation, no meal timing required
- CJC-1295 no DAC + Ipamorelin (blend) — short-acting, 2-3× daily, pulsatile GH pattern, must dose fasted
| Factor | CJC-1295 DAC | CJC-1295 no DAC + Ipamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Injection frequency | Once weekly | 2–3× daily |
| Meal timing required | No | Yes — fasted dosing |
| GH pattern | Sustained "bleed" | Sharp pulsatile bursts |
| Sleep quality benefit | Modest | More pronounced |
| IGF-1 consistency | Very consistent | Variable (dose-timing dependent) |
| Insulin resistance concern | Slightly higher (sustained GH) | Lower (pulsatile pattern) |
| Vial longevity | 5mg = 2–5 weeks | 10mg = 8–25 days depending on frequency |
Combining CJC-1295 DAC with a GHRP
Despite the half-life difference, CJC-1295 DAC can still be combined with a GHRP like Ipamorelin for additive receptor synergy. The practical approach differs from the no-DAC version:
- CJC-1295 DAC is injected once weekly — providing a persistent GHRH receptor background
- Ipamorelin is injected separately 1-3× daily for acute GH pulses on top of that background
- This combination produces persistent GHRH stimulation from DAC plus pulsatile ghrelin receptor stimulation from Ipamorelin — a layered rather than simultaneous approach
Reconstitution and Storage
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water — add slowly along the vial wall and swirl gently. Store reconstituted vial refrigerated at 2-8°C for up to 28-30 days. Never freeze. Calculate reconstitution volume based on intended dose per injection.
"CJC-1295 DAC was formulated for customers who want sustained GH axis support without the daily dosing discipline that short-acting peptides require — the albumin-binding mechanism delivering consistent results from a single weekly injection."
Stacking and Related Compounds
- Ipamorelin for layered GHRH + GHRP protocol alongside weekly CJC-1295 DAC
- Dragontropin (HGH) for users combining exogenous GH with secretagogue support
- BPC-157 + TB-500 Blend for recovery support alongside GH axis optimisation