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CJC-1295 (No DAC) vs IGF-1

CJC-1295 (No DAC) and IGF-1 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.

Shared research areas:Hormonal & EndocrineMetabolic
ClassGHRH(1-29) tetra-substituted analogue (DAC-free)70-residue single-chain protein (native IGF-1), three disulfide bonds
Molecular weight3367.9 g/mol7648.7 g/mol
CAS numberNot assigned / not specifiedNot assigned / not specified
Purity spec≥99%≥99%
Research areasHormonal & Endocrine, MetabolicHormonal & Endocrine, Musculoskeletal, Metabolic
Primary diluentBacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol)Dilute acetic acid for initial dissolution
Working windowCommonly worked with for 2-3 weeks at 2-8 °C.Short — days rather than weeks — and shorter still with repeated handling.
Lead degradation routeDeamidation at Asn/Gln residues over long solution storage.Misfolding and irreversible denaturation — the dominant failure mode.
Freeze–thawAliquot on first reconstitution; avoid re-freezing the solution.Poorly tolerant. Repeated freeze-thaw denatures the folded structure permanently, so aliquot for single use rather than relying on any freeze tolerance.
Light sensitivityNo specific light requirement beyond normal practice.No specific light requirement beyond normal practice.

How they actually differ

Comparing the two: CJC-1295 (No DAC) is ghrh(1-29) tetra-substituted analogue (dac-free), while IGF-1 is 70-residue single-chain protein (native igf-1), three disulfide bonds — different molecular classes with different handling consequences; they call for different primary diluents (bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) versus dilute acetic acid for initial dissolution); their leading degradation routes differ (deamidation at asn/gln residues over long solution storage. for CJC-1295 (No DAC), misfolding and irreversible denaturation for IGF-1), 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.

IGF-1 — origin

IGF-1 is the native insulin-like growth factor — a folded 70-amino-acid protein stabilised by three internal disulfide bonds. It is the downstream messenger produced after growth hormone acts, and it is handled as a protein rather than a short peptide. This is the native sequence, distinct from the long-acting LR3 analogue.

CJC-1295 (No DAC) research themes

Pulsatile GH release

Studied for prompting growth-hormone release in short, physiological pulses via the GHRH receptor.

DPP-4 resistance

The four substitutions are studied for extending the molecule beyond the minutes-long survival of native GHRH.

Complementary pairing

Frequently studied alongside ghrelin-receptor secretagogues such as Ipamorelin, which recruit a second GH-release pathway.

IGF-1 research themes

IGF-1 receptor signalling

Studied as the native ligand for the IGF-1 receptor and its downstream proliferation and survival pathways.

Satellite cell activation

Examined in muscle research models for its role in satellite-cell behaviour and anabolic signalling.

Native versus analogue

Compared with IGF-1 LR3, whose reduced binding-protein affinity gives a longer active window — a contrast studied directly in the literature.

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.

IGF-1 handling

  • Dissolve first in dilute acetic acid, then dilute into the working buffer — never expect plain water to take it up fully.
  • Use a carrier protein and low-bind labware to prevent adsorptive loss.
  • Aliquot for single use; do not re-freeze reconstituted protein.

Both third-party tested

Every Popular Peptides batch of CJC-1295 (No DAC) and IGF-1 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

IGF-1 reference

Related comparisons

CJC-1295 (No DAC) and IGF-1 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.