CJC-1295 DAC

CJC-1295 DAC is a modified growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that incorporates a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) designed to bind serum albumin after administration. The protocol explains that albumin binding markedly extends the compound’s functional half-life—from minutes to roughly a week—supporting once-weekly dosing. Biologically, CJC-1295 DAC binds GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, increasing growth hormone synthesis and amplifying pulsatile GH release. A key point emphasized is that, despite raising baseline GH levels, it is described as maintaining the natural rhythm of GH pulses rather than replacing physiologic secretion with continuous exogenous hormone exposure. Sustained downstream increases in IGF-1 are also highlighted, with clinical studies cited for multi-fold elevations that can persist for weeks during and after dosing cycles. Overall, the mechanism is extended-duration GHRH receptor activation that preserves pulsatility.