CJC-1295 DAC (2mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Long-acting GHRH analog (DAC) — research/educational dosing reference.
Why CJC-1295 DAC draws research interest
These are the directions researchers and the peptide community most often explore CJC-1295 DAC for — so you know you’re in the right place. They describe what is being studied, not proven benefits, approved uses, or promised results.
GH & IGF-1 support
Studied as a long-acting GHRH analog for stimulating growth hormone release and producing sustained IGF-1 elevation; investigational, not FDA-approved.
Fat metabolism / lipolysis
Investigated for how sustained GH signaling may influence lipolysis and fat metabolism; preclinical and early-stage research, not an approved use.
Recovery & tissue repair
Explored in research on how the GH/IGF-1 axis relates to tissue repair and recovery; largely preclinical, with no approved indication.
Sleep & slow-wave sleep
Researched for the link between GHRH signaling and slow-wave (deep) sleep architecture; investigational and preclinical, not an approved treatment.
Research context, not medical advice. Nothing here says CJC-1295 DAC treats, cures, or improves any condition. Evidence ranges from early laboratory work to clinical trials depending on the use — the sections below cover the actual data and sources.
Mix & measure CJC-1295 DAC · 2 mg
Pre-filled with this protocol’s recommended BAC water and documented starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers.
Reconstitution math only — not dosing advice. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL. Full reconstitution guide → · Advanced calculator →
Quickstart Highlights
CJC-1295 DAC is a lab-made growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog. The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) modification lets the peptide bind serum albumin, stretching its half-life to roughly 6–8 days and producing a sustained, non-pulsatile rise in GH and IGF-1 — a so-called “GH bleed”[1][2]. This educational page outlines a once- or twice-weekly subcutaneous approach with a dilution chosen so doses land on easy-to-read insulin-syringe marks. It is an unapproved research chemical, not a medicine: clinical development was abandoned and there are no controlled human efficacy trials for body composition, performance, or anti-aging — presented for research and educational use only.
Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 2 mg vial → 1 mg/mL (1,000 mcg/mL), a practical dilution for accurate dosing.
300–1000 mcg per injection, twice weekly (roughly 1–2 mg per week), titrated upward gradually because the DAC version is long-acting.
At 1 mg/mL, 1 unit = 10 mcg (0.01 mL); 500 mcg = 50 units and 1000 mcg = 100 units on a U-100 syringe (units = dose ÷ 1 mg/mL).
Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); once reconstituted, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the solution.
Important: Start with the Prep & Injection Guide — it covers the preparation and safety basics every protocol on this site assumes.
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
A single practical dilution with accurate twice-weekly dosing, step by step
Standard / Gradual Approach (2 mL = 1 mg/mL)
Reconstitute: Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 2 mg vial → final concentration 1 mg/mL (1,000 mcg/mL).
Typical dose range: 300–1000 mcg per injection, twice weekly, raised gradually over an 8–12 week course.
Easy measuring: At 1 mg/mL, 1 unit = 10 mcg (0.01 mL) on a U-100 syringe. Units = dose (mg) ÷ 1, so 1 mg lands at 100 units (1.0 mL).
Storage: Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the mixed solution.
Frequency: two subcutaneous injections per week (e.g. Monday/Thursday), spaced 3–4 days apart. The extended 6–8-day half-life from the DAC modification is what supports less frequent dosing than non-DAC GHRH analogs[1][2]. Once-weekly schedules are also described. For very small volumes (≤0.10 mL), a 30- or 50-unit insulin syringe improves readability. These figures come from reference protocols, not from approved human dosing.
Reconstitution Steps
Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Release it slowly down the vial’s inner wall to limit foaming.
Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don’t shake.
Label with the date and concentration, then refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), shielded from light.
The 2.0 mL dilution gives a clean 1 mg/mL, where each 1-unit mark equals 25 mcg. Avoid freezing the reconstituted solution, since freeze–thaw can denature the peptide.
Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Supplies Needed
Quantities below assume an 8–16 week course of twice-weekly injections with gradual titration.
A 2 mg vial covers several weeks at twice-weekly dosing, so fewer vials are needed than with daily peptides.
- 8 weeks: ~3 vials
- 12 weeks: ~4 vials
- 16 weeks: ~6 vials
- Per week (2×): 2 syringes
- 8 weeks: ~16 syringes
- 16 weeks: ~32 syringes
Use ~2.0 mL per 2 mg vial for reconstitution.
- 8 weeks (3 vials): ~6 mL → 1 bottle
- 16 weeks (6 vials): ~12 mL → 2 bottles
One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each injection.
- Per injection: 2 swabs
- 8 weeks (2×/week): ~32 swabs → 1 box
Protocol Overview
A concise summary of the twice-weekly regimen, drawn from commonly cited reference protocols.
- ▪Goal: Drive a sustained, non-pulsatile rise in GH and IGF-1 for research into the GH axis — an effect characterized in early pharmacology but never validated for body composition or performance in controlled human trials[1][2].
- ▪Schedule: Twice-weekly subcutaneous injections for 8–12 weeks, optionally extended to ~16 weeks.
- ▪Dose Range: 300–1000 mcg per injection with gradual titration (roughly 1–2 mg per week).
- ▪Reconstitution: 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water per 2 mg vial gives 1 mg/mL for accurate unit measurements.
- ▪Storage: Keep the dry vial frozen at −20 °C (−4 °F); once mixed, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and do not freeze the solution.
Dosing Protocol
A suggested twice-weekly titration approach based on common reference doses.
- ▪Start: Begin at 300 mcg per injection, twice weekly, to gauge tolerability.
- ▪Titrate: Increase by roughly 250 mcg every two weeks as tolerated.
- ▪Target: Reach about 750–1000 mcg per injection by weeks 5–12.
- ▪Frequency: Twice per week, spaced 3–4 days apart; the DAC half-life carries levels between doses.
- ▪Timing: Inject at a consistent time (e.g. evenings) and rotate injection sites systematically.
Storage Instructions
Correct storage is what preserves the peptide’s stability and activity.
- ▪Lyophilized: Hold the dry vial at −20 °C (−4 °F) in dry, dark conditions and limit moisture exposure[6].
- ▪Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within about 2–4 weeks; do not freeze the mixed solution, as freezing can denature peptides[7].
- ▪Handling: Let frozen vials warm to room temperature before opening so condensation won’t form, and keep the solution clear of heat and direct light.
- ▪Freeze–thaw: Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles of the reconstituted solution.
Important Notes
Practical points that keep administration safe and consistent.
- ▪Sterile technique: Use a fresh sterile U-100 insulin syringe each time and drop it straight into a puncture-proof sharps container afterward.
- ▪Site rotation: Move between abdomen, thighs and upper arms to reduce local irritation and lipohypertrophy[5].
- ▪Long-acting profile: Because the DAC version provides sustained release, hold to a consistent twice-weekly schedule rather than stacking extra doses; effects accumulate over days.
- ▪Recordkeeping: Log each dose, injection site and any observations to keep the protocol consistent.
- ▪Regulatory note: CJC-1295 is a GH-axis agent prohibited by WADA for athletic use and is not FDA-approved for human administration; its clinical development was abandoned[8].
How This Works
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It binds GHRH receptors on the pituitary’s somatotroph cells and signals them to release growth hormone (GH)[3].
The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version adds a small maleimide group that bonds covalently to serum albumin. Instead of clearing in minutes like native GHRH, the molecule then circulates for days — a half-life of roughly 6–8 days[1]. The trade-off is important: rather than reproducing the body’s natural pulses of GH, continuous receptor stimulation drives a sustained, non-pulsatile elevation of GH and IGF-1, often described as a “GH bleed.” Early pharmacology in healthy adults documented multi-fold, multi-day increases in both hormones[1][2].
In research settings CJC-1295 DAC is frequently paired with a ghrelin-receptor agonist such as Ipamorelin, which acts on a separate receptor to amplify GH release. IGF-1, produced mainly in the liver in response to GH, is the downstream mediator of most GH-axis effects[4].
Important caveat: the early human pharmacology measured only hormone levels, not clinical outcomes. Clinical development was abandoned, and there are no controlled human efficacy trials for body composition, athletic performance, or anti-aging. A sustained, non-physiological elevation of GH and IGF-1 also has an unestablished long-term safety profile, and chronically high IGF-1 is a recognized theoretical concern. Popular claims about muscle gain, fat loss, and recovery should be read as hypotheses, not established facts.
CJC-1295 DAC is not an approved medicine. It is an unapproved research chemical presented here for research and educational purposes only.
Lifestyle Factors
Habits often discussed alongside GH-axis research protocols.
- ▪Nutrition: Keep protein intake adequate to support tissue maintenance; tailor energy intake to research goals.
- ▪Activity & rest: Pair appropriate resistance and aerobic work with genuine recovery time.
- ▪Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours; the body’s own largest GH pulse occurs during deep sleep[4].
- ▪Stress: Manage stress with evidence-based practices, since it influences hormonal balance.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
What the limited literature describes; outcomes in humans are not established and individual results vary.
Reported / Hypothesized Effects
- ▪GH / IGF-1 elevation (measured): Early pharmacology showed sustained, dose-dependent rises in GH and IGF-1[1].
- ▪Body-composition claims (unproven): Lean-mass and fat-loss benefits are inferred from GH-axis biology but have not been demonstrated for CJC-1295 in controlled human trials.
- ▪Pharmacokinetics: The DAC half-life of ~6–8 days is well characterized and underlies the infrequent dosing[1].
- ▪Note on evidence: No completed efficacy trials exist; development was abandoned, so all performance and anti-aging benefits remain unestablished[2].
Possible Side Effects
- ▪Injection-site reactions: Mild redness, tenderness or soreness can occur; rotating sites helps.
- ▪GH-related effects: Transient flushing, headache, tingling, or fluid retention are described, consistent with raised GH/IGF-1.
- ▪Unknown long-term profile: Sustained, non-physiological GH/IGF-1 elevation has unestablished long-term safety; chronically high IGF-1 is a theoretical concern.
- ▪Sport restriction: GHRH analogs including CJC-1295 are WADA-prohibited for athletes.
Injection Technique
General subcutaneous technique, following established clinical best-practice guidance[5][10].
Pre-Injection Preparation
- ▪Wash your hands well with soap and water.
- ▪Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab and let it air-dry.
- ▪Choose a site (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) and clean it with a fresh alcohol swab, letting it dry fully[10].
- ▪Draw the intended dose, then check for air bubbles and push any out.
Injection Procedure
- ▪Pinch a skinfold at the chosen site between thumb and forefinger.
- ▪Insert the needle into the pinch at a 45–90-degree angle (use 45 degrees if the fat layer is thin)[5].
- ▪Skip aspiration for subcutaneous shots — it isn’t needed[5].
- ▪Press the plunger slowly and steadily until it’s fully down.
- ▪Wait 5–10 seconds, then pull the needle straight out to prevent leakage.
Post-Injection Care
- ▪Drop the used syringe straight into a puncture-proof sharps container — never recap a needle.
- ▪Return the reconstituted vial to the fridge right away.
- ▪Rotate the injection site each time to prevent irritation and lipohypertrophy[5].
- ▪Watch the site for excess redness, swelling, or signs of infection.
Recommended Source
For high-purity research peptides, we point researchers to Prime Lab Peptides.
Why Prime Lab Peptides?
- ▪Top-rated on Trustpilot: Independently reviewed as the highest-rated peptide lab on Trustpilot — making it the best current source in the USA.
- ▪Third-party tested: Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming purity and composition.
- ▪Consistent quality: ISO-aligned manufacturing and handling keep product integrity reliable batch to batch.
- ▪Cold-chain integrity: Temperature-controlled shipping and storage across the whole fulfilment chain.
- ▪Research-grade purity: Fit for educational and research use that demands high-quality peptides.
Note: Product availability and specifications subject to change. Verify current product details on supplier website.
References
- 1
J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2006) — Teichman SL et al.Prolonged stimulation of GH and IGF-1 secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting albumin-bound GHRH analog, in healthy adults.
- 2
J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2006) — Ionescu M, Frohman LAPulsatile GH secretion persists during continuous CJC-1295 stimulation, but the net effect is a sustained, non-pulsatile rise in GH and IGF-1.
- 3
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab (2006) — Alba M et al.Once-daily CJC-1295 (a GHRH analog) normalizes growth in a GHRH-knockout mouse model — mechanistic GHRH-receptor activation.
- 4
StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf) — Brinkman JE et al.Physiology, Growth Hormone — GH/IGF-1 axis, pulsatile secretion, and downstream signalling.
- 5
CDC Pink Book (Chapter 6)Vaccine administration: subcutaneous route — angle, site, and no-aspiration guidance.
- 6
Peptide Storage Guide (GenScript)Best practices for storing lyophilized peptides (temperature, humidity and light protection).
- 7
Bacteriostatic Water GuidanceBacteriostatic water for injection: multi-dose vial stability and handling.
- 8
WADA Prohibited ListGrowth-hormone secretagogues and GHRH analogs (including CJC-1295) are prohibited substances in competitive sport.
- 9
Postgrad Med J (2006) — Ayuk J, Sheppard MCGrowth hormone and its disorders — physiology and risks of GH/IGF-1 excess.
- 10
Johns Hopkins Arthritis CenterHow to give a subcutaneous injection — patient guidance on technique and site rotation.
How to reconstitute CJC-1295 DAC
- 1Wipe the vial stopper and your bacteriostatic-water vial with an alcohol swab.
- 2Draw your chosen amount of bacteriostatic water and inject it slowly down the inner wall of the CJC-1295 DAC vial.
- 3Let it rest, then gently swirl until fully dissolved — do not shake.
- 4Refrigerate the reconstituted vial and draw each dose with a U-100 insulin syringe.
CJC-1295 DAC — frequently asked questions
How do I reconstitute a 2 mg vial of CJC-1295 DAC?
Wipe the stopper with an alcohol swab, then inject your bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial. Let it sit and gently swirl until dissolved — never shake. Store the mixed vial in the refrigerator and draw doses with an insulin syringe. Use the calculator above to turn any dose into syringe units.
How much bacteriostatic water should I add to CJC-1295 DAC?
There is no single correct amount — more water simply spreads the same 2 mg of peptide across a larger volume, which makes small doses easier to measure accurately. 1 to 3 mL per vial is typical. Enter your chosen volume in the calculator above to see the resulting concentration and syringe units.
What do the "units" on an insulin syringe mean?
On a U-100 insulin syringe, 100 units equal 1 mL, so 1 unit equals 0.01 mL. The calculator above converts your draw volume into these units automatically so you can measure without doing the math by hand.
How should I store CJC-1295 DAC after mixing?
Keep the reconstituted vial refrigerated at roughly 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, away from light, and avoid freezing it. Reconstituted research peptides are generally used within a few weeks. Always follow the specific guidance supplied with your product.
How many doses does a 2 mg vial of CJC-1295 DAC provide?
Divide the vial strength of 2 mg by the amount you use per injection. The calculator above reports this as "doses per vial" the moment you enter a dose.
Is CJC-1295 DAC approved for human use?
No. CJC-1295 DAC is sold strictly for laboratory and research purposes and is not approved by the FDA or other regulators for human use. Everything on this page is research information, not medical advice — consult a licensed healthcare professional before any use.
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