CJC-1295 exists in 2 versions that are NOT interchangeable — CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29, MW ~3,367.9 Da, ~30 min half-life) and CJC-1295 with DAC (MW significantly higher, 6–8 day half-life). Mislabelling between them is one of the most common errors in the peptide supply chain — and a safety issue because dosing protocols are completely different.
This article applies 7 verification checks to CJC-1295 using data from Peptigrity's independent lab tests, community reviews, and reviewed peptide shops. Peptigrity does not sell peptides or recommend vendors.
What Is CJC-1295 and Why Do 2 Versions Exist?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic GHRH analog that stimulates pulsatile growth hormone release — but 2 distinct versions exist with incompatible dosing protocols, and vendors frequently label them ambiguously.
CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) is a 29-amino-acid peptide, MW ~3,367.9 Da. It targets the GHRH receptor, activating the cAMP/PKA pathway to stimulate GH synthesis. Half-life: approximately 30 minutes. 4 amino acid substitutions (D-Ala², Gln⁸, Ala¹⁵, Leu²⁷) prevent enzymatic degradation and methionine oxidation. Produces pulsatile GH release mimicking natural physiology. Dosed multiple times daily in research contexts.
CJC-1295 with DAC adds a Drug Affinity Complex (maleimidopropionyl-Lysine at position 30) that binds covalently to serum albumin. This extends the half-life to 6–8 days, producing continuous, non-pulsatile GH elevation. The study "Prolonged stimulation of GH and IGF-1 secretion by CJC-1295" (Teichman et al., JCEM 2006) demonstrated that a single CJC-1295 DAC injection raised GH levels for up to 6 days and IGF-1 for 9–11 days in healthy adults. Dosed once weekly.
The buyer problem: many vendors label their product simply "CJC-1295" without specifying which version. A vial labelled "CJC-1295" with no version identifier is ambiguous. Without mass spectrometry confirmation, you do not know which version you received. Using the DAC version at no-DAC frequency produces sustained supraphysiological GH — not the intended pulsatile effect. Using the no-DAC version at DAC frequency produces no meaningful effect. The versions are not interchangeable.
Regulatory status: both versions were placed on FDA Category 2 in 2023 but were removed in September 2024 when nominators withdrew their submissions. Neither is currently restricted. WADA bans both under S2 (peptide hormones and growth factors).
7 Things to Check Before Ordering CJC-1295
The same 7 checks apply to CJC-1295 — with version confirmation (DAC vs no-DAC) as the single most important verification step, because mislabelling between versions creates incompatible dosing protocols.
1. Third-Party HPLC Purity (≥98%)
Check for a CoA from a named third-party lab showing ≥98% HPLC purity. CJC-1295 impurities include deamidation products (Gln→Glu at position 8), truncated sequences, and oxidation artifacts. Cross-reference on peptigrity.com/lab-tests — filter by "CJC-1295." The study "Peptide Impurities in Commercial Synthetic Peptides" (PMC2238048) demonstrated that contamination at 1% produced measurable biological effects.
2. Mass Spectrometry: Confirm Version (DAC vs No-DAC)
This is the critical check for CJC-1295. No-DAC (Mod GRF 1-29): MW ~3,367.9 Da. With DAC: significantly higher MW due to the maleimidopropionyl-Lysine extension. If you ordered no-DAC but MS shows the higher DAC MW, you received the wrong version. Confirm which version the CoA MW matches before use. See Mass Spectrometry for Peptides: Verifying Identity & Molecular Weight for the methodology.
3. CoA From a Named, Verifiable Lab
Verify through the lab's portal: Janoshik (Task #), Chromate (QR code + Job Number), Freedom Diagnostics (online system). For CJC-1295 specifically: the CoA must specify which version was tested (no-DAC or DAC) and list the corresponding MW. A CoA that says "CJC-1295" without version identification is incomplete. See Red Flags in Peptide Certificates of Analysis for the fraud detection checklist.
4. Independent Data on Peptigrity
Search peptigrity.com/lab-tests for the vendor + CJC-1295. Check the shop's profile on peptigrity.com/shops — trust score, ✓ Lab Verified badge, and test count. Independent community-submitted data carries more weight than vendor-published CoAs.
5. Community Reviews
Read reviews on the vendor's Peptigrity page. Each includes 5 sub-ratings: Quality, Delivery, Pricing, Customer Service, and Product Accuracy. GH-axis buyers often report on sleep quality, recovery response, and batch-to-batch consistency — look for these specific mentions.
6. Vial Presentation and Storage
Lyophilised CJC-1295 should be a white to off-white powder. Neither version is lipidated — standard storage profile, no heightened oxidation sensitivity from fatty acid modifications. Most RUO vendors ship at ambient temperature in standard tracked parcels. For 2–5 day domestic transit of lyophilised powder, this is acceptable. Store at −20°C on arrival. After reconstitution: 2–8°C, use within 28 days.
The label must specify "CJC-1295 no DAC," "Mod GRF 1-29," or "CJC-1295 with DAC." A label that says only "CJC-1295" without version specification is ambiguous — treat it as a verification failure until MS confirms the version.
7. Pricing Reality Check
Research-grade CJC-1295 pricing (March 2026):
CJC-1295 no DAC 2 mg: $20–50.
CJC-1295 no DAC 5 mg: $30–70.
CJC-1295 with DAC 2 mg: $25–60.
Below $15 for 2 mg is suspicious. Compare across vendors on Peptigrity. See Peptide Purity Standards: What Percentage Is Actually Acceptable? for the quality-price framework.
CJC-1295 on Peptigrity's Lab Test Database
Filter by CJC-1295 at peptigrity.com/lab-tests to compare independent purity data across vendors before ordering.
Community-submitted data from third-party laboratories represents real products from real buyers. Use the data before ordering. Browse the CJC-1295 (without DAC) peptide guide and CJC-1295 (with DAC) peptide guide for compound profiles alongside lab data.
CJC-1295 Alone vs CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Blend
CJC-1295 is most commonly paired with Ipamorelin for synergistic GH release — but buying it standalone gives you more verification control over each compound.
The synergy: CJC-1295 amplifies GH pulse amplitude through the GHRHR/cAMP pathway. Ipamorelin modulates GH pulse frequency through the GHSR/calcium pathway. Two receptors, two signalling cascades, one synergistic outcome. Ipamorelin is the preferred GHRP partner because it is the most selective — no cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH elevation.
Standalone CJC-1295 is the right choice when you already have Ipamorelin separately, when you want to verify each compound independently through Peptigrity before combining, or when you want to control the exact ratio yourself. Pre-mixed blends are convenient but introduce 4 additional verification challenges (two identities, two purities, ratio verification, DAC exclusion). For blend-specific verification guidance, see Peptigrity's CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin buying guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and without DAC?
Without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29): MW ~3,367.9 Da, ~30 min half-life, pulsatile GH release, dosed multiple times daily. With DAC: significantly higher MW, 6–8 day half-life, continuous GH elevation, dosed once weekly. They are not interchangeable — receiving the wrong version means a completely wrong dosing protocol. MS differentiates them by molecular weight. A label that says only "CJC-1295" without version specification is ambiguous.
What purity should CJC-1295 have?
≥98% HPLC from a third-party lab. CJC-1295 impurities include deamidation at position 8 and truncated sequences. Cross-reference on peptigrity.com/lab-tests.
How much does research-grade CJC-1295 cost?
No-DAC 2 mg: $20–50, 5 mg: $30–70. With DAC 2 mg: $25–60. Below $15 for 2 mg is suspicious. Pricing changes frequently — compare across vendors on peptigrity.com/shops.
Is CJC-1295 on FDA Category 2?
No. Both versions were removed from Category 2 in September 2024 when nominators withdrew submissions. Neither is currently restricted for compounding. WADA bans both under S2 (peptide hormones and growth factors) for competitive athletes.
Should I buy CJC-1295 alone or as a blend with Ipamorelin?
Standalone gives more verification control — the compound is verified independently with its own HPLC, MS, and Peptigrity cross-reference. The blend is convenient but harder to verify (two identities, two purities, ratio, DAC exclusion). Start with individual vials from a new vendor, switch to blends once trust is established through verified data.
For the complete buyer verification framework, see How to Verify Peptide Quality Before You Buy and What to Look for in a Peptide Shop: A Buyer's Checklist. Browse all peptide shops ranked by trust score.
This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. CJC-1295 (both versions) is a research compound not approved by the FDA for human use. Human clinical data is limited. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide or research compound. Peptigrity is an independent review platform and does not sell, endorse, or recommend specific products or vendors.
