CJC-1295 with DAC

Research Overview

CJC-1295 (With DAC) serves as a valuable research tool for investigating sustained growth hormone releasing hormone receptor stimulation and long-term GH/IGF-1 axis modulation in laboratory settings. This modified GHRH analog incorporates both amino acid substitutions for enhanced stability and a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) moiety that enables albumin binding for dramatically extended plasma half-life. Research applications have expanded to encompass investigations of sustained somatotroph stimulation, chronic GH elevation effects, and long-term metabolic and anabolic pathway modulation.

The peptide’s development addressed the challenge of maintaining elevated GH levels for extended research periods. While CJC-1295 without DAC requires multiple daily administrations, the DAC modification enables less frequent dosing while maintaining sustained biological activity. The maleimidoproprionic acid component of DAC forms a stable bond with cysteine residues on serum albumin, creating a peptide-albumin complex that slowly releases active peptide over time. Laboratory studies investigate CJC-1295 with DAC’s effects on sustained GH secretion patterns, cumulative IGF-1 elevation, and long-term metabolic outcomes.

CJC-1295 with DAC research demonstrates the peptide’s ability to maintain elevated GH and IGF-1 levels for days following single administration in animal models. This property makes it particularly valuable for investigating chronic GH elevation effects distinct from physiological pulsatile patterns. Studies examine the peptide’s effects in various research contexts including body composition alterations, metabolic adaptations, and anabolic process modulation over extended timeframes.

Molecular Characteristics

Complete Specifications:

• CAS Registry Number: 863288-34-0 (base peptide sequence)
• Molecular Weight: Approximately 3,883 Da (including DAC modification)
• Base Molecular Formula: C₁₆₅H₂₆₉N₄₇O₄₆
• Amino Acid Count: 29 amino acids (modified GHRH 1-29) + DAC moiety
• Peptide Classification: Synthetic GHRH analog with Drug Affinity Complex
• Appearance: White to off-white lyophilized powder
• Solubility: Water, bacteriostatic water, phosphate buffered saline

The peptide’s structure consists of the 29-amino acid modified GHRH sequence with strategic substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27, identical to CJC-1295 No DAC. The distinguishing feature is the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) consisting of maleimidoproprionic acid conjugated to lysine residues. This modification enables reversible binding to serum albumin through reactive thiol groups, creating a depot effect that slowly releases free peptide. The DAC-albumin interaction is non-covalent and reversible, with continuous equilibrium between bound and free peptide maintaining sustained biological activity.

Pharmacokinetic Profile in Research Models

CJC-1295 (With DAC) pharmacokinetic characterization in preclinical research reveals important properties for experimental design:

Absorption and Extended Half-Life:

• Plasma half-life: Approximately 6-8 days in research models (versus 30-60 minutes for No DAC version)
• Single administration provides sustained activity for multiple days
• Albumin binding creates depot effect with slow release kinetics
• Subcutaneous administration demonstrates excellent bioavailability

GH and IGF-1 Elevation Dynamics:

• Sustained GH elevation beginning within hours of administration
• Peak GH levels occur 6-48 hours post-administration depending on model
• Elevated GH maintained for multiple days
• Cumulative IGF-1 elevation peaking 2-4 days post-administration
• IGF-1 levels remain elevated 1-2 weeks in some animal models

Distribution and Elimination:

• Extensive binding to serum albumin (>90% protein bound)
• Slow release from albumin-bound state maintains free peptide levels
• Wide tissue distribution as free peptide released from albumin complex
• Prolonged clearance enables less frequent experimental dosing

These pharmacokinetic characteristics inform research protocol design, particularly for studies examining chronic GH elevation effects, body composition changes over extended periods, and metabolic adaptations to sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation.

Research Applications

Sustained GH Axis Investigation

CJC-1295 with DAC serves as a research tool for investigating long-term GH axis stimulation. Laboratory studies examine the peptide’s effects on:

• Chronic Somatotroph Stimulation: Investigation of prolonged pituitary cell activation, receptor regulation, and sustained signaling pathway engagement
• Sustained versus Pulsatile GH Patterns: Comparative research on physiological pulsatile release versus maintained elevation on downstream effects
• IGF-1 Production Dynamics: Studies on hepatic IGF-1 synthesis in response to sustained GH elevation and feedback mechanisms
• GHRH Receptor Regulation: Research on receptor expression, desensitization, and responsiveness during chronic stimulation
• Negative Feedback Investigation: Studies examining long-term feedback regulation including somatostatin modulation

Research protocols typically employ extended experimental designs spanning days to weeks in animal models to characterize sustained GH axis activation effects.

Long-Term Metabolic Research

Substantial research focuses on extended metabolic pathway investigation:

• Sustained Lipolysis Studies: Research on prolonged adipose tissue lipolysis, fat oxidation, and metabolic adaptation
• Chronic Glucose Metabolism Effects: Investigation of long-term GH effects on insulin sensitivity, glucose handling, and diabetogenic potential
• Protein Metabolism Research: Studies on cumulative effects of sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation on protein synthesis, nitrogen balance, and lean tissue
• Energy Expenditure Investigation: Research on basal metabolic rate changes and substrate utilization shifts with chronic GH elevation
• Lipid Profile Alterations: Studies examining long-term effects on cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein metabolism

Laboratory protocols investigate these metabolic effects using extended observation periods, serial measurements, and comprehensive metabolic phenotyping in animal models.

Body Composition Research Applications

Laboratory studies investigate CJC-1295 with DAC in body composition research:

• Fat Mass Reduction Studies: Research on sustained lipolysis effects, adipose tissue loss, and regional fat distribution changes
• Lean Mass Accretion Research: Investigation of muscle protein synthesis, muscle fiber hypertrophy, and nitrogen retention over extended periods
• Bone Density Studies: Research on osteoblast activity, bone formation markers, and skeletal effects of sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation
• Body Composition Remodeling: Studies examining simultaneous fat loss and lean mass gain during chronic GH elevation
• Regional Fat Distribution Research: Investigation of visceral versus subcutaneous adipose tissue responses

Experimental models include body composition assessment techniques (DEXA, MRI, CT) in longitudinal animal studies examining changes over weeks to months.

Anabolic Process Investigation

Research applications extend to long-term anabolic pathway investigation:

• Sustained Muscle Protein Synthesis: Examination of cumulative protein accretion, myofibrillar protein content, and fiber size increases
• Collagen Synthesis Research: Studies on connective tissue collagen production, extracellular matrix remodeling, and tissue structural changes
• IGF-1 Signaling Pathway Studies: Investigation of sustained IGF-1 receptor activation, downstream kinase engagement, and anabolic gene expression
• mTOR Pathway Research: Studies examining mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway activation and regulation during chronic GH/IGF-1 elevation
• Muscle Fiber Type Investigation: Research on fiber type distribution, oxidative capacity, and contractile protein expression changes

Laboratory protocols investigate anabolic effects using muscle tissue analysis, protein synthesis measurement techniques, and molecular pathway assessment.

Aging and Regeneration Research

Emerging research areas include age-related process investigation:

• GH Restoration Studies: Research on effects of sustained GH elevation in models of age-related GH decline
• Tissue Maintenance Research: Investigation of chronic GH effects on tissue homeostasis, repair capacity, and cellular turnover
• Metabolic Aging Research: Studies examining reversal or prevention of age-related metabolic changes
• Cellular Senescence Investigation: Research on GH/IGF-1 effects on senescent cell markers and tissue aging characteristics
• Regenerative Capacity Studies: Investigation of tissue repair and regeneration in contexts of sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation

Research in this area examines potential benefits and risks of sustained GH elevation in aging models and age-related decline scenarios.

Laboratory Handling and Storage Protocols

Lyophilized Powder Storage:

• Store at -20°C to -80°C in original sealed vial
• Protect from light exposure and moisture
• Desiccated storage environment recommended
• Stability data available for 24+ months at -20°C

Reconstitution Guidelines:

• Reconstitute with sterile water, bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol), or appropriate buffer
• Add solvent slowly down vial side to minimize foaming
• Gentle swirling motion recommended (avoid vigorous shaking)
• Allow complete dissolution before use (typically 3-5 minutes)
• Final pH should be 6.0-7.0 for optimal stability

Reconstituted Solution Storage:

• Short-term storage: 4°C for up to 7-10 days
• Long-term storage: -20°C in aliquots to avoid freeze-thaw cycles
• Single-use aliquots recommended to maintain peptide integrity
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles (maximum 2-3 cycles)

Stability Considerations:
CJC-1295 with DAC demonstrates good stability as a lyophilized powder. The DAC modification enhances in vivo stability through albumin binding, while the base peptide modifications confer protease resistance. Reconstituted solutions should be used within recommended timeframes to ensure optimal activity.

Quality Assurance and Analytical Testing

Each CJC-1295 (With DAC) batch undergoes comprehensive analytical characterization:

Purity Analysis:

• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): ≥98% purity
• Analytical method: Reversed-phase HPLC with UV detection at 214nm
• Multiple peak integration to ensure accurate purity determination

Structural Verification:

• Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS): Confirms molecular weight including DAC modification
• Amino acid analysis: Verifies sequence composition
• Peptide content determination: Quantifies actual peptide content by weight

Contaminant Testing:

• Bacterial endotoxin: <5 EU/mg (LAL method)
• Heavy metals: Below detection limits per USP standards
• Residual solvents: TFA and acetonitrile within acceptable limits
• Water content: Karl Fischer titration (<8%)

Documentation:

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) provided with each batch
• Third-party analytical verification available upon request
• Stability data documented for recommended storage conditions
• Batch-specific QC results traceable by lot number

Research Considerations

Experimental Design Factors:

Researchers should consider several factors when designing CJC-1295 with DAC experiments:

1. Dosing Schedule: Extended half-life enables once or twice weekly dosing in most research models. Consider steady-state achievement requires multiple doses over 2-3 weeks.

2. Timeline Planning: Effects accumulate over days to weeks. Plan experimental endpoints to capture both acute and chronic effects. IGF-1 measurements are particularly valuable given sustained elevation.

3. Comparative Studies: Direct comparison with No DAC version enables investigation of pulsatile versus sustained GH pattern effects on various outcomes.

4. Washout Periods: Extended half-life requires longer washout periods (2-3 weeks) between experimental phases or treatment groups.

5. Combination Considerations: Less commonly combined with GHRPs compared to No DAC version, as sustained elevation differs from synergistic pulsatile stimulation.

Mechanism Investigation:

CJC-1295 with DAC’s mechanisms include:

• GHRH receptor activation (identical to No DAC version)
• Albumin binding via DAC moiety creating depot effect
• Sustained adenylyl cyclase/cAMP/PKA pathway activation
• Prolonged GH gene transcription and protein synthesis
• Cumulative IGF-1 production from sustained GH elevation

The DAC modification affects pharmacokinetics rather than fundamental receptor signaling mechanisms.

Compliance and Safety Information

Regulatory Status:
CJC-1295 (With DAC) is provided as a research chemical for in-vitro laboratory studies and preclinical research only. This product has not been approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use, dietary supplementation, or medical applications.

Intended Use:

• In-vitro cell culture studies
• In-vivo preclinical research in approved animal models
• Laboratory investigation of biological mechanisms
• Academic and institutional research applications

NOT Intended For:

• Human consumption or administration
• Therapeutic treatment or diagnosis
• Dietary supplementation
• Veterinary therapeutic applications without appropriate oversight

Safety Protocols:
Researchers should follow standard laboratory safety practices when handling CJC-1295 (With DAC):

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (lab coat, gloves, safety glasses)
• Handle in well-ventilated areas or fume hood
• Follow institutional biosafety guidelines
• Dispose of waste according to local regulations for biological/chemical waste
• Consult material safety data sheet (MSDS) for additional safety information

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