CJC-1295 (DAC)

CJC-1295 with DAC is a long-acting GHRH analog peptide that promotes growth hormone release.

CJC-1295 with DAC binds to circulating albumin, which shields it from breakdown and extends its half-life to about 6-8 days, allowing for sustained signaling to the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. [Source: Peptide Dosing Protocols]

CJC-1295 with DAC is a 30-amino acid GHRH analog that has been modified with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) at position 30. This modification allows the peptide to bind to circulating albumin, which protects it from degradation and significantly extends its half-life from minutes (as seen with the non-DAC version) to approximately 6-8 days. This means that a single injection can stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone for nearly a week.

The mechanism of action involves the activation of the growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis. In clinical studies, CJC-1295 has been shown to elevate GH levels by 2-10 fold for over 6 days and IGF-1 levels by 1.5-3 fold for 9-11 days, with cumulative IGF-1 elevation lasting up to 28 days with repeated weekly dosing (Teichman et al., 2006, JCEM). This sustained release of GH is crucial for various physiological processes, including growth, metabolism, and tissue repair.

In terms of clinical evidence, the only direct human data comes from a small number of Phase 1 trials and a halted Phase 2 trial. The Phase 1 trials demonstrated that CJC-1295 with DAC was relatively well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported at lower doses. However, the Phase 2 trial for HIV lipodystrophy was halted after a participant experienced a cardiovascular death, which was attributed to pre-existing coronary disease rather than the drug itself. This incident raised concerns about the cardiovascular safety of CJC-1295, leading to the discontinuation of its development (ConjuChem Phase 2 trial, NCT00267527).

Overall, CJC-1295 with DAC represents a significant advancement in the field of growth hormone therapy, but its investigational status and the lack of FDA approval highlight the need for caution and further research to fully understand its long-term safety and efficacy. [Source: Peptide Dosing Protocols]

Provider notes: [PDP compound] cjc-1295-dac