CJC-1295 DAC (2 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a modified 30-amino-acid GHRH analog that covalently binds to serum albumin after injection, extending its half-life from ~30 minutes to approximately 6–8 days. This enables true once-weekly subcutaneous dosing — the only GHRH analog with this capability.
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Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Route: Subcutaneous | Frequency: Once weekly, same day each week
| Phase | Weekly Dose | U-100 Units | Volume | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative (Weeks 1–4) | 1 mg (1,000 mcg) | 50 units | 0.50 mL | Starting dose; assess tolerance |
| Standard (Weeks 5+) | 2 mg (2,000 mcg) | 100 units | 1.0 mL | Full vial per injection |
| Split option | 1 mg twice weekly | 50 units each | 0.50 mL × 2 | Smoother IGF-1 curve |
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the inside glass wall of the vial; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl until dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label with reconstitution date. Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 28 days.
Supplies Planning
| Item | 8 Weeks (2 mg/wk) | 12 Weeks (2 mg/wk) |
|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 DAC vials (2 mg) | 8 vials | 12 vials |
| Insulin syringes (U-100, 1 mL) | 8 | 12 |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL) | 1 × 10 mL | 2 × 10 mL |
| Alcohol swabs | 1 × 100-pack | 1 × 100-pack |
Mechanism of Action
CJC-1295 with DAC is structurally identical to Modified GRF 1-29 (CJC-1295 No DAC) in its GHRH core — the same tetrasubstituted 29-amino acid sequence with stabilizing mutations at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 (D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27) that confer resistance to enzymatic degradation. The DAC modification adds a reactive maleimidopropionyl group at a C-terminal lysine (position 30). After subcutaneous injection, this group spontaneously conjugates to cysteine-34 on circulating serum albumin, creating a covalent peptide-albumin complex.
This albumin conjugation completely shields the peptide from renal clearance and proteolytic degradation, extending the functional half-life from ~30 minutes to approximately 6–8 days. A single injection in clinical pharmacokinetic studies elevated mean GH concentrations 2–10 fold and IGF-1 levels 1.5–3 fold for 6–9 days, with sustained effects. CJC-1295 with DAC was the version used in formal Phase 1/2 ConjuChem clinical trials (discontinued in 2006 for commercial reasons, not safety).
Research Findings & Safety Profile
- Phase 1 JCEM study (Teichman et al. 2006): single injection elevated GH 2–10× for 6+ days; IGF-1 1.5–3× for 9–11 days.
- Multiple-dose study: sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation maintained with once-weekly dosing over 6 weeks.
- Favorable short-term safety profile in healthy adults; most adverse events were injection-site reactions.
- Unlike GHRH analogs without DAC, the extended half-life means adverse effects (water retention, joint aches) may persist longer and are slower to resolve if dose adjustment is needed.
- Not FDA approved; Phase 2 program discontinued commercially. WADA prohibited.
- Possible effects: water retention, tingling/numbness, fatigue, headache, injection-site reactions.
Storage
| State | Temperature | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | Up to 24 months | Dry, dark conditions |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C (35–46°F) | Up to 28 days | Avoid freeze-thaw; protect from light |