CJC-1295 is a peptide, often known by other names like CJC-1295 DAC, or DAC:GRF (which stands for drug affinity complex: growth hormone-releasing factor). It’s a synthetic peptide that helps regulate growth hormone levels [1].
So what does it do?
CJC-1295 is a chemical analog to one of the body’s natural hormones called growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) [2]. Because the two have a similar chemical structure, CJC-1295 does the same thing as GHRH: It stimulates the body to produce and release more growth hormone (GH) [3].
That means it increases the amount of GH that makes it into the bloodstream and to the cells. GH is essential for stimulating cell growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration [4]. Since growth hormone is used in so many bodily processes, CJC-1295 purportedly makes those processes more efficient.
CJC-1295 is just one of several GHRH analogs like Sermorelin and Tesamorelin.
One of the differences between CJC-1295 and other GH secretagogues is that CJC preserves the normal physiological release of GH. That means that while it does increase GH in the bloodstream, it follows the normal circadian rhythm of peaks and valleys in concentration, which helps reduce side effects [5].
It also lasts longer. While natural growth hormone-releasing hormone has a half-life of about seven minutes [6], CJC-1295 DAC has a half-life of 6 to 8 days in humans and so its effects can persist for weeks [3]. In other words, it’s powerful.