GH axis & body composition

CJC-1295 (DAC)

A peptide that tells the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. Its DAC modification keeps it active longer.

A longer-lasting growth-hormone signal.

CJC-1295 (DAC) mimics growth-hormone-releasing hormone, or GHRH. It activates the same receptor in the pituitary gland. DAC lets the peptide attach to albumin, a protein in the blood, extending its time in circulation.

How it works.

GHRH receptor: Receptor activation stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone.
Albumin binding: The DAC modification attaches the peptide to circulating albumin, extending its duration of activity.
IGF-1 signaling: Growth hormone stimulates production of insulin-like growth factor 1 in the liver and other tissues.

Useful terms

GHRH: Growth-hormone-releasing hormone.
DAC: Drug affinity complex: the modification that enables prolonged albumin binding.
IGF-1: Insulin-like growth factor 1, a signal involved in growth and metabolism.

Results.

Human studies · 28 and 49 days

Higher growth hormone and IGF-1.

After a single injection, average growth-hormone levels rose 2–10-fold for at least six days, and IGF-1 rose 1.5–3-fold for 9–11 days. A separate study found that growth-hormone pulses continued during the longer-lasting stimulation.

Hormone response · Teichman et al., 2006 Hormone pulses · Ionescu & Frohman, 2006

Risks, concerns & drawbacks.

Reported side effects: Injection-site irritation, headache, flushing, and loose stools occurred in the human studies. Higher study doses generally produced more reactions.
Long duration: The measured half-life was about six to eight days, and repeated doses had a cumulative effect. The main published trials followed participants for weeks rather than years.

Side effects & duration · Teichman et al., 2006