VialOwlLibrary / Growth hormone
CJC-1295 (with DAC)
Also known as CJC-1295 DAC, DAC:GRF
Failed trials
Long acting synthetic analogue of growth hormone releasing hormone with a drug affinity complex that binds to albumin. Early human studies were published, but clinical development was discontinued.
Not an approved medicine. CJC-1295 (with DAC) is not an approved medicine for this use in Australia or the United States. This page summarises published research for information only. It is not a recommendation to use CJC-1295 (with DAC), and VialOwl does not sell or supply it.
Background
A synthetic analogue of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) developed by the Canadian company ConjuChem in the early 2000s. Its 'drug affinity complex' (DAC) lets it bind to albumin in the blood so it lasts about a week; clinical development was discontinued.
How it is thought to work
It activates GHRH receptors on the pituitary, raising growth hormone and in turn IGF-1. With DAC, one injection raised growth hormone 2 to 10 fold for 6 days or more and IGF-1 for 9 to 11 days in healthy adults.
What is claimed, and the evidence
| Claim | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raising growth hormone and IGF-1 levels | Small human studies | Two randomised placebo controlled ascending dose studies in healthy adults (2006) showed sustained increases; no controlled efficacy trials followed. |
| Fat loss, muscle gain, better sleep, youthful skin and injury healing | No published evidence | Common reasons given in online forums; no human efficacy evidence. |
| CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) benefits | No published evidence | A 2026 review found no peer reviewed human studies of the no DAC version. |
Side effects
| Effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Injection site reactions, flushing and headache | Frequency unknown | Mild local and systemic effects were reported in the 2006 studies; exact rates are not in the abstract. |
| Increased heart rate and whole body vasodilation reactions Serious | Case reports | The FDA reports serious adverse events of this kind with CJC-1295. |
| Water retention, joint and muscle aches, blood sugar changes | Frequency unknown | Class effects of raised growth hormone and IGF-1 described in reviews; not measured in trials of this compound. |
Warnings
- Long term safety is unknown; sustained high IGF-1 raises a theoretical cancer concern that has not been studied.
- In Australia it is Schedule 4 and listed in Appendix D, so possession without authority is illegal.
- The TGA warned in April 2026 about unapproved peptide products, citing reports of severe allergic reactions needing adrenaline and hospitalisation, a systemic inflammatory response, and poor product quality.
- Unapproved products bought online are not checked by any regulator for purity, sterility or strength; they may be contaminated, underdosed, overdosed or contain a different substance to the label.
Regulatory status
- Australia
- Not included on the ARTG (unapproved). Schedule 4 in the Poisons Standard (listed by name), with Appendix D clause 5 possession controls.
- United States
- Not FDA approved. Previously in 503A Category 2 (significant safety risks); nomination withdrawn and removed from Category 2 in April 2026. Not on the 503A bulks list.
Sources
- Teichman et al. 2006, Prolonged stimulation of GH and IGF-I secretion by CJC-1295 in healthy adults (PubMed)
- Dominikowski et al. 2026, Performance enhancing peptides modulating the GH-IGF1 axis, Frontiers in Endocrinology (PMC full text)
- FDA: Certain bulk drug substances for use in compounding that may present significant safety risks
- TGA: Understanding your responsibilities when importing, compounding and supplying unapproved peptide products (13 April 2026)
- Poisons Standard June 2026 (Federal Register of Legislation)
Also in Growth hormone
From the VialOwl library, reviewed 26 September 2026. For education and general information. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use CJC-1295 (with DAC).