Maple CJC-1295 is a synthetic 30-amino acid peptide analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH, also known as somatoliberin). Originally designated as GRF(1-29) with amino acid substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27, CJC-1295 was engineered by ConjuChem Biotechnologies to resist dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) cleavage while maintaining full GHRH receptor agonist activity. The peptide exists in two research variants: CJC-1295 with Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) for extended half-life through albumin binding, and CJC-1295 without DAC (also referred to as Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF) for shorter-duration receptor activation.
Maple Research Labs supplies both CJC-1295 DAC and CJC-1295 (No DAC) variants to Canadian laboratories, universities, and documented research buyers. Every batch ships with an independent third-party Certificate of Analysis confirming identity and purity.
For research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.
Molecular Profile
| Parameter | CJC-1295 DAC | CJC-1295 No DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 863288-34-0 | 863288-34-0 |
| Amino Acids | 30 + DAC moiety | 29 |
| Key Substitutions | Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27 | Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27 |
| DAC (MPA) | Yes (maleimidopropionic acid-lysine linker) | No |
| Half-life (preclinical) | Extended (~6-8 days via albumin binding) | ~30 minutes |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC) | ≥99% (HPLC) |
| Storage | -20°C, lyophilized, desiccated | -20°C, lyophilized, desiccated |
Primary Research Mechanisms
GHRH Receptor Agonism
CJC-1295 binds and activates the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R), a G-protein coupled receptor expressed primarily on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland. Receptor activation stimulates adenylyl cyclase, increasing intracellular cAMP levels and triggering growth hormone (GH) synthesis and secretion. The four amino acid substitutions (Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27) were specifically selected to prevent DPP-IV cleavage at the position 2-3 bond, the primary degradation site of native GHRH, without altering receptor binding affinity.
Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) Technology
The DAC variant incorporates a maleimidopropionic acid (MPA) linker attached to a lysine residue, enabling covalent binding to serum albumin following administration. This albumin conjugation dramatically extends the circulating half-life from approximately 30 minutes (without DAC) to approximately 6-8 days in preclinical models. The extended half-life results in sustained GHRH receptor stimulation and tonic GH elevation, which produces a different pharmacodynamic profile compared to the pulsatile GH release pattern generated by the non-DAC variant.
Pulsatile vs. Tonic GH Release
The distinction between the DAC and non-DAC variants is pharmacologically significant. CJC-1295 without DAC produces a sharp, pulsatile GH release that mimics physiological GH secretion patterns. CJC-1295 with DAC produces sustained, tonic GH elevation due to continuous GHRH receptor stimulation over its extended half-life. In research settings, this distinction is relevant because pulsatile and tonic GH patterns activate different downstream signaling cascades and produce different tissue-level responses in preclinical models.
Synergy with GHRP-Class Peptides
CJC-1295 (particularly the non-DAC variant) is frequently studied in combination with growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) agonists such as ipamorelin. GHRH receptor agonists and GHS-R1a agonists stimulate GH release through complementary pathways: GHRH via adenylyl cyclase/cAMP, and GHS-R1a agonists via phospholipase C/IP3/intracellular calcium. In preclinical models, co-administration produces synergistic rather than additive GH release, a pharmacological interaction that has made the CJC-1295/Ipamorelin combination one of the most commonly studied growth hormone secretagogue pairings.
CJC-1295 vs. Other GHRH Analogues
| Feature | CJC-1295 (No DAC) | CJC-1295 DAC | Tesamorelin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | GHRH(1-29) analogue | GHRH(1-29) analogue + DAC | GHRH(1-44) analogue |
| DPP-IV resistance | Yes (4 substitutions) | Yes (4 substitutions) | Yes (trans-3-hexenoic acid) |
| Half-life | ~30 min | ~6-8 days | ~26 min |
| GH release pattern | Pulsatile | Tonic/sustained | Pulsatile |
| Receptor | GHRH-R | GHRH-R | GHRH-R |
| Research focus | Pulsatile GH, combination studies | Sustained GH elevation | Visceral adiposity, lipodystrophy |
Product Specifications
| Specification | CJC-1295 DAC | CJC-1295 No DAC |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified) | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Form | Lyophilized powder | Lyophilized powder |
| COA | Third-party COA included | Third-party COA included |
| Storage | -20°C, desiccated | -20°C, desiccated |
| Shipping | Same-day from Canada | Same-day from Canada |
| Use | Research only | Research only |
CJC-1295 DAC product page | CJC-1295 No DAC product page | CJC-1295/Ipamorelin Blend
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CJC-1295 DAC and CJC-1295 without DAC?
CJC-1295 DAC includes a Drug Affinity Complex (maleimidopropionic acid linker) that enables covalent albumin binding, extending the half-life to approximately 6-8 days and producing sustained, tonic GH elevation. CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) has a half-life of approximately 30 minutes and produces pulsatile GH release that more closely mimics physiological secretion patterns. The two variants serve different research objectives.
Why is CJC-1295 often studied with ipamorelin?
CJC-1295 (GHRH receptor agonist) and ipamorelin (GHS-R1a agonist) stimulate GH release through complementary intracellular signaling pathways: cAMP and IP3/calcium respectively. Preclinical research demonstrates synergistic rather than additive GH release when both pathways are activated simultaneously, making this combination one of the most studied growth hormone secretagogue pairings.
Can I buy CJC-1295 in Canada?
Yes. Maple Research Labs supplies both CJC-1295 DAC and CJC-1295 (No DAC) variants from within Canada, as well as a pre-formulated CJC-1295/Ipamorelin blend. All products are verified at 99%+ purity via independent HPLC analysis and ship with batch-specific Certificates of Analysis. All compounds are sold exclusively for research purposes.
What makes CJC-1295 resistant to DPP-IV degradation?
Native GHRH is rapidly cleaved by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) at the position 2-3 bond, resulting in a circulating half-life of minutes. CJC-1295 incorporates four amino acid substitutions (Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27) that prevent DPP-IV recognition while maintaining full GHRH receptor binding affinity and agonist activity.
Related Research Resources
- Ipamorelin Research — Selective GHS-R1a agonist mechanisms
- Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295 Comparison — GHRP vs GHRH research
- Understanding Certificates of Analysis — COA interpretation guide
- All Research Peptides — Complete compound catalog
For research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.