CJC-1295 Without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29): What the Evidence Actually Shows
A plain-English, evidence-first look at CJC-1295 without DAC: what it is, why its half-life is short, what the research does and does not show, and the real risks.
By Research Rats Editorial TeamReviewed by Research Rats Editorial Team
Evidence profile
Assessed 2026-06-13A short-acting GHRH(1-29) analogue (Mod GRF 1-29) with a coherent mechanism, but the famous human GH/IGF-1 numbers belong to the long-acting DAC version — there are essentially no dedicated human trials of the without-DAC form. Unapproved, WADA-prohibited, and frequently mislabelled vs the DAC version.
Plausible DPP-IV-resistant GHRH(1-29) analogue, but a short (~30 min) half-life gives only a brief pulse.
The rat backbone study characterised the DAC compound; the without-DAC form specifically is sparse.
No dedicated human trials of the without-DAC form; the cited human data are for the DAC version. Community anecdote only.
Specific efficacy in humans is untested.
Safety inferred from the GHRH class, not measured for this form.
No registrational programme for the without-DAC form.
Low — claims are extrapolation from related molecules.
Unapproved; FDA Category 2 nomination (2023) later withdrawn — not currently in the active table, and a withdrawal is not a clearance; WADA-prohibited at all times; routinely mislabelled vs the DAC version.
Bars show the state of evidence, not desirability. A strong rating on any axis does not mean a compound is safe, effective, or recommended. Human evidence is often limited. Not medical advice.
What to know before reading further
Free for everyone — safety, evidence and regulatory context are never members-only.
Evidence context
A short-acting GHRH(1-29) analogue with a coherent mechanism, but essentially no dedicated human trials of this form — the famous human GH/IGF-1 data belong to the long-acting DAC version.
Safety snapshot
Safety is inferred from the GHRH class rather than measured for this form; growth-hormone-class effects (insulin resistance, fluid retention, joint pain) and a theoretical neoplasia concern apply.
Regulatory & legality
Unapproved; WADA-prohibited at all times; routinely mislabelled versus the DAC version. Nominated to FDA Category 2 in 2023 under a single undifferentiated CJC-1295 entry that does not distinguish no-DAC from DAC; the nomination was later withdrawn, so it is not currently in the active Category 2 table, but a withdrawal is not approval or clearance and the FDA still publishes the concerns it identified.
Where claims can exceed the evidence
Specific human efficacy is untested; claims are extrapolation from related molecules and community anecdote.
This article does not provide dosing, protocol, administration, sourcing, stack, or self-experimentation guidance, or personalised medical advice. It is educational and non-prescriptive — the evidence profile describes the state of research, not an individual decision.
Overview
"CJC-1295 without DAC" is one of the most confusingly named peptides in the self-experimentation world. It is the same molecule sold as Mod GRF (1-29) or "Modified GRF 1-29": a tweaked copy of the active fragment of human growth hormone-releasing hormone, GHRH(1-29). The job of any GHRH analogue is simple in principle. It nudges your pituitary into releasing your own growth hormone (GH), which in turn raises IGF-1 from the liver.
Here is the single most important thing to understand before anything else. The name "CJC-1295" became famous from human studies, but those studies tested a different molecule. The published human trials (Teichman 2006, Ionescu 2006) used the version with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) bolted on, which lets the peptide latch onto serum albumin and stick around for the best part of a week [2][3]. The "without DAC" version strips that linker off. The result is a peptide that behaves nothing like the one in the trials: a short, sharp pulse that clears in roughly half an hour.
So the honest summary is this: there are essentially no dedicated peer-reviewed human trials of the without-DAC form by that name. Almost everything we can say about it is extrapolated from closely related GHRH biology, from sermorelin, and from the approved GHRH analogue tesamorelin. Treat confident claims about it with healthy suspicion.
Disclaimer. For educational and research purposes only. Not medical advice. We do not sell peptides or compounds.
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