What is CJC-1295 (No-DAC)?

CJC-1295 (No-DAC) is a synthetic peptide classified as a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, designed to stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. It consists of the first 29 amino acids of the natural 44-amino-acid GHRH sequence, with a substitution of four amino acids (D-Ala², Gln⁸, Ala¹⁵, Leu²⁷) to enhance stability and resistance to enzymatic degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV). The "No-DAC" designation indicates it lacks the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC), a lysine linker with a fatty acid chain present in the longer-acting CJC-1295 with DAC variant. Without DAC, CJC-1295 has a shorter half-life (6-8 minutes) compared to CJC-1295 with DAC (6-8 days), requiring more frequent dosing.

Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 (No-DAC) enhances GH secretion by mimicking the action of endogenous GHRH, with the following mechanisms:

1. GHRH Receptor Activation:

   • Binds to GHRH receptors on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary, activating a G-protein-coupled signaling pathway that increases cyclic AMP (cAMP) and intracellular calcium, triggering GH release.

2. Pulsatile GH Release:

   • Induces short, pulsatile bursts of GH secretion, mimicking the body’s natural rhythm (unlike continuous GH administration), which minimizes pituitary desensitization and maintains hypothalamic feedback.

3. IGF-1 Elevation:

   • GH stimulates hepatic and peripheral production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which mediates anabolic effects like protein synthesis and tissue repair.

4. Amplification of GH Pulses:

   • Enhances the amplitude of natural GH pulses rather than initiating new ones, synergizing with endogenous GHRH or growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) like Ipamorelin when co-administered.

5. Short Duration of Action:

   • Due to its lack of DAC, CJC-1295 (No-DAC) is rapidly cleared from circulation (half-life ~6-8 minutes), producing a brief but potent GH spike, necessitating multiple daily doses for sustained effects.

6. Minimal Off-Target Effects:

   • Does not significantly elevate cortisol or prolactin, unlike some GHRPs, due to its specificity for GHRH receptors.

This short-acting profile contrasts with CJC-1295 with DAC, which binds to albumin for prolonged action, making the No-DAC version preferred for precise GH pulse control.

Benefits

CJC-1295 (No-DAC)’s benefits, inferred from preclinical studies, small human trials, and anecdotal reports, include:

1. Muscle Growth and Repair:

   • Increases GH and IGF-1, promoting protein synthesis and muscle hypertrophy, aiding recovery from exercise or injury.

2. Fat Loss:

   • Enhances lipolysis via GH, reducing body fat, particularly visceral fat, while preserving lean mass.

3. Improved Recovery:

   • Accelerates healing of muscles, tendons, and ligaments by boosting collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration.

4. Bone Density:

   • May strengthen bones via GH/IGF-1-mediated osteoblast activity, potentially benefiting osteoporosis or fracture recovery.

5. Anti-Aging Effects:

   • Anecdotally improves skin elasticity, energy, and vitality due to elevated GH/IGF-1, though evidence is limited.

6. Sleep Quality:

   • Enhances deep sleep by aligning GH pulses with natural circadian rhythms, often reported with nighttime dosing.

7. Metabolic Boost:

   • Increases basal metabolic rate through GH’s effects on fat metabolism and energy expenditure.

These benefits are most pronounced in research or off-label use, as clinical data are sparse compared to approved GH therapies.

Use Cases

CJC-1295 (No-DAC) is primarily experimental, with applications in research and off-label settings:

1. Fitness and Bodybuilding:

   • Used to enhance muscle growth, fat loss, and recovery (e.g., 100-300 mcg, 1-3 times daily), often stacked with GHRPs like Ipamorelin for synergistic GH pulses.

2. Anti-Aging and Wellness:

   • Employed in biohacking to boost GH/IGF-1 for purported rejuvenation (e.g., 100-200 mcg at bedtime), targeting energy, skin, and vitality.

3. Injury Rehabilitation:

   • Investigated for accelerating healing of musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., tendons, ligaments) due to anabolic effects, typically 200-300 mcg daily.

4. Sleep Enhancement:

   • Administered before bed (e.g., 100-200 mcg) to improve sleep quality via GH’s role in deep sleep phases.

5. Research Studies:

   • Used to explore GHRH analogs’ effects on GH secretion, metabolism, and aging in preclinical or small human trials.

6. Performance Enhancement:

   • Anecdotally used by athletes for endurance and recovery, though banned by WADA under the S2 category (peptide hormones).

Dosing typically involves reconstitution (e.g., 2 mg vial with bacteriostatic water) and frequent injections due to its short half-life, contrasting with weekly peptides like CJC-1295 with DAC.

Research Studies

Below is a summary of key studies on CJC-1295 (No-DAC), though data are limited due to its experimental status:

1. Teichman et al. (2006) - Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

   • Phase I/II trial (healthy adults) showed CJC-1295 (No-DAC, 30-60 μg/kg IV) increased GH by 2-10 fold and IGF-1 by 1.5-3 fold within 2 hours, with effects lasting 6-12 hours despite a short half-life.

2. Ionescu et al. (2006) - Clinical Endocrinology

   • Compared CJC-1295 (No-DAC) to GHRH in humans, finding a 44% greater GH peak (7.5 vs. 5.2 μg/L) and confirming its potency and stability enhancements.

3. Sackmann-Sala et al. (2012) - Endocrinology

   • Preclinical study in mice showed CJC-1295 (No-DAC, 2 μg/g) increased GH and IGF-1, enhancing muscle mass and fat metabolism over 2 weeks.

4. Jetté et al. (2005) - Peptide Science

   • Early development study by ConjuChem demonstrated CJC-1295’s resistance to DPP-IV degradation, validating its design for GH stimulation.

5. Alba et al. (2006) - American Journal of Physiology

   • Found CJC-1295 (No-DAC) amplified natural GH pulses in rats without altering pulse frequency, supporting its physiological mimicry.

6. Henninge et al. (2010) - Growth Hormone & IGF Research

   • Small human study (10 subjects, 100-200 mcg SC) reported IGF-1 increases of 20-40% over 24 hours with thrice-daily dosing, with mild injection-site reactions.

7. Limited Clinical Data:

   • Most subsequent research shifted to CJC-1295 with DAC due to its longer action, leaving No-DAC studies sparse. Anecdotal reports dominate off-label use insights.

These studies establish CJC-1295 (No-DAC)’s efficacy as a short-acting GHRH analog, but human data are limited compared to approved therapies like Tesamorelin.

Considerations

• Safety: Generally well-tolerated, with side effects like injection-site irritation, water retention, or mild headaches (10-20% incidence). Rare risks include transient hyperglycemia or numbness. Long-term safety is unknown.

• Regulation: Not FDA-approved; available as a research chemical. Banned by WADA under S2 category.

• Evidence: Supported by early-phase trials and preclinical data; off-label benefits (e.g., anti-aging, recovery) rely heavily on anecdotal evidence due to limited research.

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*Research Use Only, Not For Human Consumption