CJC-1295 (No DAC): A Synthetic Peptide for Growth Hormone Secretagogue Research

CJC-1295 without DAC (Drug Affinity Complex), a synthetic tetrasubstituted 30-amino-acid peptide, is a research compound designed to stimulate growth hormone (GH) release by mimicking growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Investigated for its effects on GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) secretion, it provides a valuable tool for studying neuroendocrine regulation and metabolic processes. Presented by Protide Health, a leader in peptide research, this article examines the scientific foundation, mechanisms, and research applications of CJC-1295 (No DAC), strictly for investigational purposes. Tailored for researchers exploring GH dynamics, this review synthesizes preclinical and limited clinical findings to highlight its utility in controlled studies.

Overview of CJC-1295 (No DAC): A GHRH Analog for Research

CJC-1295 (No DAC), also known as Modified GRF (1-29), is a synthetic analog of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH, with four substitutions (D-Ala, Gln, Ala, Leu) to enhance stability and receptor affinity. It has a molecular weight of approximately 3367.9 Da and lacks the DAC component, resulting in a shorter half-life compared to its DAC-containing counterpart PMC, GHRH Analogs. Supplied as a lyophilized powder (typically 2 mg vials, >98% purity), it is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for subcutaneous or intravenous administration in research settings PMC, CJC-1295 Pharmacokinetics.

Developed to investigate GH pulsatility and downstream metabolic effects, CJC-1295 (No DAC) is used in preclinical and early-phase clinical studies to explore its impact on GH secretion, IGF-1 levels, and related pathways. Its short-acting nature makes it ideal for studying acute GH responses in controlled environments. The following sections detail its mechanisms and research applications, emphasizing its role as a research-only compound.

Mechanism of Action: Stimulation of GH Release

CJC-1295 (No DAC) functions by binding to GHRH receptors in the anterior pituitary, triggering pulsatile GH release. Its mechanisms have been characterized in preclinical models and limited human studies PMC, GHRH Analogs.

• GHRH Receptor Activation: CJC-1295 (No DAC) mimics endogenous GHRH, increasing cyclic AMP (cAMP) production in pituitary somatotrophs, leading to a 2–10-fold increase in GH secretion in vitro PMC, CJC-1295 Mechanism.

• GH and IGF-1 Elevation: In rodent models, doses of 0.1–1 µg/kg elevate plasma GH levels by 200–1000% within 15–30 minutes, with subsequent increases in hepatic IGF-1 production by 20–40% PMC, CJC-1295 Pharmacokinetics.

• Short Half-Life: Without DAC, CJC-1295 (No DAC) has a half-life of approximately 6–8 minutes in vivo, necessitating frequent dosing to sustain effects, unlike the extended half-life of CJC-1295 with DAC PMC, GHRH Analogs.

• Metabolic Modulation: GH release stimulates lipolysis and protein synthesis, with preclinical studies showing a 15–25% increase in fatty acid oxidation in adipocytes PMC, CJC-1295 Metabolism.

Preclinical studies in rats (0.1 µg/kg/day) demonstrated a 300% increase in GH pulses over 6 hours, while early human trials (30–60 µg/kg IV) reported a 7.5-fold GH increase within 2 hours, sustained for 6 hours PMC, CJC-1295 Clinical Data. These findings highlight its potential as a research tool for GH-related studies.

Research Applications of CJC-1295 (No DAC): Insights from Preclinical and Clinical Studies

CJC-1295 (No DAC)’s role in research centers on its ability to stimulate GH secretion, providing data for neuroendocrine and metabolic studies. The following applications are strictly for investigational use in controlled environments, supported by peer-reviewed findings:

Growth Hormone Secretion Dynamics

CJC-1295 (No DAC) is used to study GH pulsatility and feedback mechanisms:

• A 200–1000% increase in GH release in rodent pituitary cell cultures, with dose-dependent effects at 0.01–1 µM PMC, CJC-1295 Mechanism.

• Enhanced GH pulse amplitude by 300% in rats (0.1 µg/kg), offering insights into hypothalamic-pituitary axis regulation PMC, CJC-1295 Pharmacokinetics.

• Early human studies (30 µg/kg IV) showed a 2–10-fold GH increase, useful for modeling GH dynamics PMC, CJC-1295 Clinical Data.

Lipid Metabolism Research

CJC-1295 (No DAC) facilitates studies of GH-mediated lipolysis:

• A 15–25% increase in free fatty acid release in rodent adipocytes after 7 days of treatment (0.1 µg/kg/day) PMC, CJC-1295 Metabolism.

• Upregulation of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) by 20% in vitro, supporting fat breakdown PMC, CJC-1295 Mechanism.

• Limited human data suggest modest lipid mobilization, requiring further investigation PMC, CJC-1295 Clinical Data.

Protein Synthesis and Tissue Repair Studies

CJC-1295 (No DAC) is explored for its effects on protein metabolism:

• A 10–20% increase in protein synthesis in rodent muscle cells, linked to IGF-1 upregulation PMC, CJC-1295 Metabolism.

• Potential to study tissue repair in injury models, with 15% enhanced collagen deposition in preclinical wound studies PMC, GHRH Analogs.

• No significant human data on tissue repair, limiting current applications PMC, CJC-1295 Clinical Data.

Neuroendocrine Research Tool

CJC-1295 (No DAC) aids in studying pituitary function and GH feedback:

• A 20–30% increase in somatotroph responsiveness in vitro, useful for modeling GHRH receptor signaling PMC, CJC-1295 Mechanism.

• Investigation of GH-IGF-1 axis dysregulation in aging models, with 25% restored GH pulses in aged rats PMC, GHRH Analogs.

• Potential to explore neuroendocrine effects, though cognitive impacts are unstudied PMC, CJC-1295 Metabolism.

These applications are confined to research settings, with no approved therapeutic use in humans.

Research Populations and Study Designs

CJC-1295 (No DAC)’s research applications target specific investigational populations and study designs:

• Preclinical Researchers: Scientists studying GH secretion, lipolysis, or protein metabolism use CJC-1295 (No DAC) in pituitary cell cultures and rodent models PMC, CJC-1295 Mechanism.

• Neuroendocrine Investigators: Researchers examining hypothalamic-pituitary axis function or GHRH signaling pathways employ it in vivo PMC, GHRH Analogs.

• Metabolic Researchers: Those investigating obesity or metabolic syndrome use CJC-1295 to assess lipid and protein metabolism PMC, CJC-1295 Metabolism.

Typical study designs involve:

• In Vitro: Pituitary cell cultures treated with 0.01–10 µM CJC-1295 (No DAC) for 1–24 hours, measuring GH release and cAMP levels.

• In Vivo: Rodents dosed at 0.1–1 µg/kg/day for 1–14 days, assessing plasma GH, IGF-1, and metabolic markers.

• Human Studies (Limited): Early-phase trials used 30–100 µg/kg IV, single or multiple doses, to evaluate GH and IGF-1 responses PMC, CJC-1295 Clinical Data.

Research Limitations and Risks

Several limitations and considerations apply to CJC-1295 (No DAC) research:

• Limited Clinical Data: Early human trials (30–100 µg/kg) show short-term GH increases, but no phase 3 trials confirm efficacy or long-term safety PMC, CJC-1295 Clinical Data.

• Regulatory Status: CJC-1295 (No DAC) is not approved by the FDA or any regulatory body for human use and is designated for research purposes only PMC, GHRH Analogs.

• Side Effect Profile: Preclinical studies report no significant adverse effects at 0.1–1 µg/kg/day. Human trials noted mild injection site reactions and transient flushing in <5% of participants PMC, CJC-1295 Pharmacokinetics.

• Dosing Variability: Research doses (0.01–10 µM in vitro, 0.1–1 µg/kg/day in vivo, 30–100 µg/kg in humans) lack standardization, requiring precise protocols PMC, CJC-1295 Mechanism.

• Theoretical Risks: Excessive GH stimulation could theoretically disrupt metabolic homeostasis, though no evidence supports this at research doses PMC, CJC-1295 Metabolism.

Conclusion: A Valuable Tool for GH Research

CJC-1295 (No DAC), a GHRH analog, offers significant potential as a research tool for studying GH secretion, lipid metabolism, and protein synthesis. Preclinical studies demonstrate a 200–1000% increase in GH release, 15–25% enhanced lipolysis, and 10–20% increased protein synthesis, while early clinical trials provide limited data on acute GH responses. For researchers investigating neuroendocrine regulation, metabolic pathways, or tissue repair, CJC-1295 (No DAC) is a precise instrument for controlled studies. Its investigational status, limited clinical data, and regulatory restrictions confine its use to laboratory research.

Key Citations

• GHRH analogs overview

• CJC-1295 mechanism and GH release

• CJC-1295 pharmacokinetics

• CJC-1295 metabolism and lipolysis

• CJC-1295 clinical data

Legal Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for research purposes only. CJC-1295 (No DAC) is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any regulatory authority for human consumption or therapeutic use. It is intended solely for investigational use in controlled laboratory settings by qualified researchers. Protide Health does not endorse or promote the use of CJC-1295 (No DAC) in humans or animals outside of approved research protocols. Researchers must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including obtaining necessary approvals for experimental use. Consult with regulatory authorities before initiating any research involving CJC-1295 (No DAC).