CJC-1295 (No DAC) Research Overview
Overview
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that has been investigated for its effects on growth hormone physiology. The designation "No DAC" refers to formulations that lack the Drug Affinity Complex component, which in other formulations is incorporated to extend systemic exposure through reversible binding to circulating albumin. This structural distinction has significant implications for the pharmacokinetic profile and duration of biological activity.
The CJC-1295 molecule is a modified GHRH analog incorporating specific amino acid substitutions designed to confer resistance to enzymatic degradation and extend its biological activity compared with native GHRH. Native GHRH is rapidly cleaved by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and other proteolytic enzymes, resulting in a short half-life of approximately 5-7 minutes in circulation. The amino acid modifications in CJC-1295 protect the peptide from enzymatic cleavage while maintaining its agonist activity at the GHRH receptor.
In the absence of DAC, CJC-1295 exhibits a shorter duration of systemic activity compared with DAC-containing formulations. Pharmacokinetic investigations have reported that administration of CJC-1295 No DAC is associated with a more rapid decline in circulating peptide concentrations, which may influence the pattern and magnitude of growth hormone release in research settings.
Published human clinical studies have demonstrated that CJC-1295 administration is associated with increased circulating growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels under controlled study conditions. The No DAC formulation produces a distinct pharmacokinetic profile characterized by a shorter half-life and more rapid clearance than DAC-containing formulations.
Current evidence suggests that CJC-1295 No DAC may be more appropriate for research protocols requiring shorter-term GHRH receptor stimulation. In contrast, DAC-containing formulations may be better suited for investigating the physiological consequences of sustained GHRH receptor activation. These distinctions are important considerations in the design of research protocols investigating growth hormone physiology.
Key Scientific Characteristics
Synthetic GHRH analog with modified amino acid structure
Formulated without the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC)
Demonstrates resistance to enzymatic degradation compared with native GHRH
Activates the GHRH receptor on anterior pituitary somatotrophs
Shorter duration of systemic activity compared with DAC-containing formulations
Pharmacokinetic profile characterized by more rapid clearance and shorter half-life
Investigated in laboratory and human clinical studies of growth hormone physiology
Not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for therapeutic use
Research Notes
Published human clinical studies have demonstrated that CJC-1295 administration is associated with increased circulating growth hormone and IGF-1 levels under controlled study conditions. The No DAC formulation produces a distinct pharmacokinetic profile characterized by a shorter half-life and more rapid clearance than DAC-containing formulations, which may influence the pattern of growth hormone release in research settings.
Research involving CJC-1295 continues to examine the relationship between GHRH receptor activation, endogenous growth hormone secretion, and downstream physiological effects. The comparison between DAC and No DAC formulations is an important consideration in growth hormone research, and researchers should select the appropriate formulation based on the specific objectives of their investigation. Additional clinical studies are needed to further characterize the optimal research protocols for the No DAC formulation specifically.
