Cjc-1295 Without Dac Peptide

CJC-1295 without DAC peptide is a synthetic 29-amino acid analog of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) evaluated in preclinical models for its ability to stimulate physiological, pulsatile growth hormone secretion. PX1 Research supplies high-purity, USA-manufactured CJC-1295 without DAC exclusively for laboratory, in vitro, and preclinical research applications.

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Quick answer

CJC-1295 without DAC peptide is a synthetic 29-amino acid analog of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) evaluated in preclinical models for its ability to stimulate physiological, pulsatile growth hormone secretion. PX1 Research supplies high-purity, USA-manufactured CJC-1295 without DAC exclusively for laboratory, in vitro, and preclinical research applications.

Reviewed by PX1 Research scientific team

Key takeaways

  • [CJC-1295](/research-peptides/cjc-1295-no-dac) without DAC peptide is a 29-amino acid synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) designed to stimulate natural, pulsatile growth hormone (GH) secretion from the anterior pituitary.
  • Endogenous GHRH(1-44) and its fully active truncated form GHRH(1-29) possess an extremely short half-life in biological fluids—typically under 12 minutes—due to rapid enzymatic degradation by DPP-IV, which cleaves the peptide between the Ala-2 and Asp-3 residues.
  • Understanding the distinction between GHRH analogs with and without the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) is critical for experimental design.
  • In secretagogue research, [CJC-1295](/research-peptides/cjc-1295-no-dac) without DAC is often compared to other synthetic GHRH derivatives as well as growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) agonists.

Definition and Core Mechanism of CJC-1295 Without DAC

CJC-1295 without DAC peptide is a 29-amino acid synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) designed to stimulate natural, pulsatile growth hormone (GH) secretion from the anterior pituitary. Lacking the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC), it exhibits a shorter half-life that closely mirrors physiological GHRH release patterns in preclinical research models.

Also referred to in scientific literature as Modified GRF 1-29 (Growth Hormone Releasing Factor 1-29), this compound features four amino acid substitutions relative to wild-type GHRH(1-29). These specific substitutions—located at positions 2 (D-Ala), 8 (Ala), 15 (Ala), and 27 (Leu)—enhance enzymatic resistance against dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) cleavage. As a result, researchers utilize the CJC-1295 without DAC peptide to investigate targeted GHRH receptor binding without causing the prolonged, continuous elevation of growth hormone associated with lysine-conjugated variants.

When introduced into isolated cell lines or animal models, the compound selectively targets the GHRH receptor (GHRHR) located on pituitary somatotropes. Activation of this G-protein coupled receptor triggers an intracellular cascade, increasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production and downstream protein kinase A (PKA) signaling, culminating in the exocytosis of stored growth hormone.

Structural Chemistry and Enzymatic Stability

Endogenous GHRH(1-44) and its fully active truncated form GHRH(1-29) possess an extremely short half-life in biological fluids—typically under 12 minutes—due to rapid enzymatic degradation by DPP-IV, which cleaves the peptide between the Ala-2 and Asp-3 residues. CJC-1295 without DAC was engineered specifically to overcome this metabolic instability while maintaining precise binding affinity.

The molecular modification replaces naturally occurring L-alanine at position 2 with D-alanine, steric hindrance that prevents DPP-IV recognition and cleavage. Additional substitutions at positions 8, 15, and 27 further stabilize the alpha-helical secondary structure of the peptide, extending its circulating half-life in rodent models to approximately 30 minutes. This balance allows investigators to study sharp, physiological GH pulses rather than non-pulsatile, continuous exposure.

For comparative analytical studies, review our catalog of research peptides to analyze how subtle amino acid sequence alterations affect secondary protein structures and receptor binding kinetics.

Pharmacokinetic Profiles: CJC-1295 Without DAC vs. CJC-1295 With DAC

Understanding the distinction between GHRH analogs with and without the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) is critical for experimental design. The DAC moiety consists of a maleimidopropionic acid linker covalently bound to a lysine residue at the C-terminus. In vivo, this reactive group forms a covalent bond with circulating serum albumin, extending the peptide's elimination half-life to several days.

In contrast, CJC-1295 without DAC lacks this reactive complex. Consequently, its plasma clearance occurs rapidly via renal filtration and local proteolysis. In preclinical models, administering CJC-1295 without DAC results in a rapid spike in plasma GH concentrations, reaching peak levels within 15 to 30 minutes, followed by a decline back to baseline within two hours.

Investigators interested in sustained, long-term GHRH receptor stimulation often evaluate CJC-1295 with DAC. However, when research models require the maintenance of endogenous pulsatile secretion patterns—preventing receptor desensitization or downregulation—CJC-1295 without DAC serves as the preferred experimental reference standard. Detailed pharmacokinetic data can be found within the PX1 research library hub.

Comparative Analysis: GHRH Analogs and Secretagogue Classes

In secretagogue research, CJC-1295 without DAC is often compared to other synthetic GHRH derivatives as well as growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) agonists. Each class operates through distinct signaling pathways to modulate the somatotropic axis.

While CJC-1295 without DAC offers enhanced chemical stability over native sequences, early-generation analogs like Sermorelin retain the unmodified 29-amino acid sequence of human GHRH, yielding a shorter biological half-life. Advanced analogs such as Tesamorelin feature a hexenoyl moiety attached to the N-terminal residue, optimizing it for specific lipid metabolism and hepatic signaling investigations.

To achieve synergistic GH release in experimental designs, researchers frequently pair GHRH analogs with ghrelin mimetics. Compounds like Ipamorelin target the GHSR-1a receptor, acting through a calcium-dependent pathway distinct from GHRH's cAMP/PKA mechanism. Co-administration of CJC-1295 without DAC and Ipamorelin in animal models has been demonstrated to elicit a amplified, dual-pathway growth hormone response without inducing significant elevations in cortisol or prolactin.

Preclinical Applications in Growth Hormone and IGF-1 Research

Preclinical studies indicate that CJC-1295 without DAC functions as a potent driver of the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 (GH/IGF-1) axis. Upon GHRHR binding, the resulting pituitary release of GH enters circulation and interacts with hepatic growth hormone receptors.

This hepatic binding event stimulates the transcription and secretion of IGF-1, a primary mediator of cell growth, proliferation, and tissue repair. In rodent models, acute administration of CJC-1295 without DAC has been shown to produce dose-dependent elevations in both circulating GH and total serum IGF-1 levels. Because IGF-1 exhibits a substantially longer half-life than GH, elevated IGF-1 concentrations can serve as a reliable biomarker for GHRH receptor activation over 24-hour observation windows.

Researchers evaluating tissue regeneration protocols rely on this mechanism to explore how transient GH spikes trigger cellular repair mechanisms in skeletal muscle, tendon, and articular cartilage tissues in vitro and in vivo.

Cellular Repair and Metabolic Pathways in Research Models

Beyond its direct impact on pituitary hormone release, CJC-1295 without DAC is routinely studied for its downstream effects on metabolic regulation and cellular repair. In vitro assays demonstrate that growth hormone signaling downstream of GHRH activation increases amino acid uptake and accelerates protein synthesis in myocyte cultures.

In rodent metabolic models, GHRH analog administration correlates with increased lipolysis in adipose tissue. GH activates hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) while downregulating lipoprotein lipase (LPL), shifting energy utilization from carbohydrate oxidation toward fatty acid beta-oxidation.

Furthermore, preclinical research highlights potential applications in connective tissue modeling. Growth hormone and IGF-1 stimulate collagen synthesis in fibroblast and chondrocyte cultures, offering a compelling pathway for investigating tendon healing, extracellular matrix remodeling, and osteoblast differentiation. Further details on experimental design are available for institutional researchers through our wholesale lab account portal.

Laboratory Handling, Reconstitution, and Storage Protocols

Proper handling and reconstitution protocols are essential to preserve the structural integrity of CJC-1295 without DAC and ensure reproducible experimental results. The peptide is supplied as a sterile, lyophilized cake that must be protected from heat, light, and moisture.

For laboratory reconstitution, researchers should use sterile bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) or sterile deionized water, depending on the requirements of the downstream assay. Reconstitution should be performed by gently running the solvent down the inner glass wall of the vial, followed by gentle swirling. Swirling minimizes shear stress; mechanical agitation or high-speed vortexing should be avoided as it can induce peptide denaturation or aggregation.

Lyophilized CJC-1295 without DAC remains stable at -20°C for up to 24 months. Once reconstituted, solutions should be aliquoted into single-use polypropylene tubes to prevent repeated freeze-thaw cycles and stored at 2°C to 8°C for short-term use (up to 30 days) or -80°C for extended research applications.

Quality Verification: HPLC, Mass Spectrometry, and Endotoxin Testing

To guarantee experimental consistency, laboratory compounds must meet rigorous purity and identity metrics. PX1 Research subjects every batch of CJC-1295 without DAC to comprehensive analytical validation performed by independent, ISO 17025 accredited laboratories.

Purity is verified using Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC). Qualified CJC-1295 without DAC must demonstrate a chemical purity profile exceeding 99.0%, ensuring the absence of truncated sequences, deletion peptides, or synthesis byproducts. Molecular weight identity is confirmed via Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS), matching the theoretical mass of 3367.9 Da.

Crucially, all PX1 peptides undergo Chromogenic Recombinant Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) testing to quantify bacterial endotoxin levels. Endotoxin levels are guaranteed to fall below 0.01 EU/mg, preventing confounding inflammatory responses in cell culture assays or animal models. Every vial is fully traceable to its corresponding lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA).

PX1 Research Standards and Institutional Procurement

PX1 Research is dedicated to supporting scientific discovery by manufacturing high-purity research compounds exclusively within state-of-the-art, GMP-compliant facilities located in the United States. We recognize that empirical research depends on uncompromised material consistency.

Unlike secondary distributors that repackage unverified imported materials, PX1 enforces strict lot-to-lot consistency protocols. Each lot undergoes comprehensive chemical, physical, and microbiological screening before release. Orders are fulfilled directly from our specialized distribution centers in California and Arizona, offering same-day shipping for orders placed Monday through Friday.

Institutional buyers and laboratory procurement specialists can review complete analytical documentation, request custom synthesis parameters, or establish bulk supply agreements via our wholesale portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CJC-1295 without DAC peptide?

CJC-1295 without DAC (also known as Modified GRF 1-29) is a synthetic 29-amino acid tetrasubstituted analog of endogenous GHRH. It is designed to stimulate natural, pulsatile growth hormone release in preclinical research models without extending half-life via albumin binding.

How does CJC-1295 without DAC differ from CJC-1295 with DAC?

CJC-1295 without DAC lacks the Drug Affinity Complex (maleimidopropionic acid linker), resulting in a shorter elimination half-life (~30 minutes) that preserves physiological GH pulsatility. CJC-1295 with DAC binds to serum albumin, extending its biological activity over several days.

What is the primary mechanism of action for CJC-1295 without DAC in cell models?

The peptide binds selectively to GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotropes, activating the Gs protein-coupled adenylate cyclase pathway. This raises intracellular cAMP levels and activates PKA, triggering growth hormone synthesis and exocytosis.

How should CJC-1295 without DAC be stored in the laboratory?

Lyophilized powder should be stored at -20°C in a dry, dark environment. Upon reconstitution with sterile or bacteriostatic water, the solution should be kept at 2°C to 8°C for short-term experimentation or aliquoted and stored at -80°C to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

What analytical methods verify the purity of PX1 CJC-1295 without DAC?

Every lot is analyzed by independent ISO 17025 accredited laboratories using RP-HPLC to confirm >99% purity and ESI-MS mass spectrometry to confirm exact molecular weight. LAL assays verify endotoxin content remains below 0.01 EU/mg.

Can CJC-1295 without DAC be combined with GHRPs in research protocols?

Yes, in preclinical studies, GHRH analogs like CJC-1295 without DAC are frequently co-administered with GHRPs (such as Ipamorelin) to evaluate dual-pathway, synergistic activation of growth hormone release from somatotropes.

Is CJC-1295 without DAC approved for human administration?

No. CJC-1295 without DAC is supplied by PX1 Research strictly for in vitro, laboratory, and preclinical research applications. It is not intended for human consumption, therapeutic use, or clinical administration.

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All products are sold strictly for laboratory and research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, treatment or consumption. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.