CJC-1295 (No DAC) vs Glutathione
CJC-1295 (No DAC) and Glutathione are studied in overlapping research areas, which is why they are frequently compared. This is a neutral side-by-side reference drawn from published preclinical literature and laboratory handling data.
How they actually differ
Comparing the two: CJC-1295 (No DAC) is ghrh(1-29) tetra-substituted analogue (dac-free), while Glutathione is endogenous thiol tripeptide (γ-l-glutamyl-l-cysteinyl-glycine), reduced form — different molecular classes with different handling consequences; they call for different primary diluents (bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) versus sterile water (usp grade)); their leading degradation routes differ (deamidation at asn/gln residues over long solution storage. for CJC-1295 (No DAC), oxidation of the cysteine thiol to glutathione disulfide (gssg, about 612.6 da), catalysed by trace cu²⁺/fe³⁺ and faster at neutral-to-alkaline ph. for Glutathione), so the storage precautions that matter are not the same; their practical working windows differ once reconstituted. The sections below set out each in full.
CJC-1295 (No DAC) — origin
CJC-1295 without DAC is the first 29 residues of growth-hormone-releasing hormone carrying four stabilising substitutions (D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27) that resist DPP-4 cleavage. Omitting the Drug Affinity Complex — the albumin-binding element of the DAC version — gives it a short half-life, which is the property researchers study it for.
Glutathione — origin
Glutathione is the tripeptide γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine. The glutamate is joined through its side-chain (γ) carboxyl rather than the usual α link, which protects it from most peptidases. It was named by Frederick Gowland Hopkins in 1921, and its role in cellular redox chemistry was mapped out through the 20th century, most influentially in Alton Meister's work on the γ-glutamyl cycle.
CJC-1295 (No DAC) research themes
Studied for prompting growth-hormone release in short, physiological pulses via the GHRH receptor.
The four substitutions are studied for extending the molecule beyond the minutes-long survival of native GHRH.
Frequently studied alongside ghrelin-receptor secretagogues such as Ipamorelin, which recruit a second GH-release pathway.
Glutathione research themes
Glutathione is the most abundant low-molecular-weight thiol in most cells, and the ratio of reduced to oxidised glutathione is widely used as a read-out of oxidative stress in cell-culture and tissue studies.
Meister and Anderson (Annu Rev Biochem 1983) reviewed glutathione synthesis by γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase and glutathione synthetase, and its breakdown by γ-glutamyl transpeptidase — the framework most synthesis and turnover studies still use.
GSTs conjugate glutathione to electrophilic compounds, and this conjugation step is a standard model in xenobiotic-metabolism research.
Glutathione peroxidases use GSH to reduce hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides, with glutathione reductase recycling GSSG back to GSH using NADPH — a common model for studying peroxide handling in vitro.
CJC-1295 (No DAC) handling
- Reach room temperature before opening.
- Swirl to dissolve; do not shake or vortex — foam indicates interfacial stress on the helix.
- Aliquot and refrigerate; never re-freeze reconstituted solution.
Glutathione handling
- Let the vial reach room temperature before opening to stop condensation getting in.
- Use degassed diluent where possible and cap promptly after drawing.
- Avoid metal tools and buffers with trace copper or iron; plastic or glass only.
- Label aliquots with reconstitution date and diluent.
Both third-party tested
Every Popular Peptides batch of CJC-1295 (No DAC) and Glutathione is independently tested by HPLC and LC-MS with a published Certificate of Analysis. Enter a lot number to pull the COA for a specific vial.
CJC-1295 (No DAC) reference
Related comparisons
CJC-1295 (No DAC) and Glutathione are supplied strictly as research chemicals for in-vitro laboratory and research use only. They are not intended for human or animal consumption, diagnostic, or therapeutic use. This comparison summarizes published preclinical literature and laboratory handling data; it is not medical advice, not a claim of efficacy, and not usage guidance.