MOD GRF 1-29 vs CJC-1295: Naming Guide
| Category | Comparisons |
|---|---|
| Also known as | MOD GRF vs CJC-1295, CJC-1295 vs MOD GRF, Are MOD GRF and CJC-1295 the same, GHRH peptide naming |
| Last updated | 2026-04-22 |
| Reading time | 5 min read |
| Tags | comparisongrowth-hormoneghrhcjc-1295mod-grfnaming |
TL;DR
- MOD GRF 1-29 = the modified GHRH(1-29) fragment, with four amino acid substitutions for stability.
- CJC-1295 (no DAC) = the same molecule. Different name, identical compound.
- CJC-1295 with DAC = MOD GRF 1-29 + Drug Affinity Complex (DAC). Different molecule, very different pharmacokinetics.
- The shorthand: "MOD GRF 1-29" and "CJC-1295" without the DAC suffix are the same thing. Add DAC and it becomes a different drug entirely.
If you only remember one thing: when you read "CJC-1295," check whether the seller says "with DAC" or "without DAC." Without DAC, it's MOD GRF 1-29. With DAC, it's the long-acting weekly version.
The headline difference, in one sentence
There are really only two products here despite three names: the short-acting peptide (MOD GRF 1-29 = CJC-1295 no DAC) and the long-acting peptide (CJC-1295 with DAC).
log scale (values span orders of magnitude)
The naming history, briefly
Researchers wanted a more stable version of GHRH(1-29) — the active fragment of natural GHRH. They made four amino-acid substitutions to resist enzymatic breakdown. That stabilized fragment is MOD GRF 1-29 (literally: modified growth-releasing factor, residues 1-29).
Then a company called ConjuChem developed two versions of this molecule:
- One was the bare modified fragment — they called it CJC-1295.
- The other was the same fragment with a Drug Affinity Complex attached. The DAC is a maleimide group that binds to circulating albumin, dramatically extending half-life. They called this CJC-1295 with DAC or sometimes CJC-1293 in early literature.
Over time, the research-supply market started using "MOD GRF 1-29" to refer specifically to the no-DAC version (because saying "CJC-1295 without DAC" every time is awkward), and "CJC-1295" alone usually meant the with-DAC version. But not always. Hence the confusion.
What you'll see in the wild
| Label you might see | What it actually is |
|---|---|
| "MOD GRF 1-29" | Short-acting peptide, no DAC |
| "CJC-1295 (no DAC)" | Same as above |
| "CJC-1295 without DAC" | Same as above |
| "CJC-1295 DAC" | Long-acting peptide, with DAC |
| "CJC-1295 (DAC)" | Same as above |
| "CJC-1295 with DAC" | Same as above |
| "CJC-1293" | Older name, usually means with-DAC version |
| Just "CJC-1295" with no DAC clarification | Ambiguous — ask the supplier |
If a vendor sells both "MOD GRF 1-29" and "CJC-1295" as separately-priced products without saying "with DAC" on the second one, that's a red flag. They might be selling the same molecule twice with different markup.
How they actually behave
This is where they really diverge:
| Feature | MOD GRF 1-29 (CJC-1295 no DAC) | CJC-1295 with DAC |
|---|---|---|
| Half-life | ~30 minutes | ~6–8 days |
| Dosing frequency | 2–3x daily | Weekly |
| GH release pattern | Pulsatile | Sustained |
| Best paired with | Ipamorelin for combined pulses | Ipamorelin, but pulse logic breaks down |
| Side effect profile | Cleaner | More flushing, water retention |
The mechanism is otherwise identical — both bind the GHRH receptor on the pituitary. DAC just makes the peptide hang around in circulation longer.
For a deeper comparison of the two pharmacokinetic profiles, see CJC-1295 with DAC vs without DAC.
Pick the no-DAC version (MOD GRF 1-29) if...
- You want physiologic GH pulses that mimic natural release.
- You're building a classic GHRH + GHRP stack with Ipamorelin.
- You're willing to inject 2–3x daily for maximum effect.
- You want a cleaner side-effect profile.
Pick the DAC version if...
- Once-weekly dosing convenience is the deciding factor.
- The research target is sustained IGF-1 elevation rather than physiological GH pulses.
- You accept the trade-off of GH "bleed" instead of pulses, and the typically more pronounced side effects.
Honest tradeoffs
- Naming is a minefield: when buying or reading research, always confirm whether you're talking about the with-DAC or no-DAC version. They behave very differently.
- Stacking math: pairing a short-acting peptide (Ipamorelin) with a long-acting peptide (CJC-1295 with DAC) means the GHRP pulses but the GHRH is constant — different from the classic pulse-pulse stack.
- Stability: both versions are typical lyophilized peptides; reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate after mixing.
- Cost per cycle: MOD GRF 1-29 is generally cheaper per dose but you use more of it. CJC with DAC is pricier per vial but lasts longer per injection. Total cost-per-week tends to be similar.
Quick decision shortcut
| Your question | Probably go with |
|---|---|
| "I want natural GH pulses." | MOD GRF 1-29 |
| "I want one injection per week." | CJC-1295 with DAC |
| "I want to pair with ipamorelin properly." | MOD GRF 1-29 |
| "I want sustained IGF-1 elevation." | CJC-1295 with DAC |
| "Vendor just lists 'CJC-1295' with no DAC info." | Ask the vendor, don't assume |
Where to read more
- Full breakdown of MOD GRF 1-29.
- Full breakdown of CJC-1295 (no DAC).
- Full breakdown of CJC-1295 with DAC.
- The deeper pharmacokinetic comparison: CJC-1295 with DAC vs without DAC.
- Stack pairings: CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Stack, CJC-1295 DAC + Ipamorelin Stack.
Important context
These are research peptides without FDA approval for any indication. Pre-clinical and limited human trial data exist. Nothing on this page is medical advice.
Related entries
- CJC-1295 with DAC— A long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone analog featuring a Drug Affinity Complex that extends its half-life to approximately 6-8 days through albumin binding, enabling sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation.
- CJC-1295— A synthetic analog of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) available in two forms — with and without Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) — studied for sustained stimulation of pituitary GH secretion.
- Ipamorelin— A selective growth hormone secretagogue pentapeptide that stimulates GH release from the pituitary with minimal effects on cortisol, prolactin, and appetite compared to other GHRPs.
- Mod GRF 1-29— A modified 29-amino-acid fragment of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with four amino acid substitutions for improved metabolic stability, commonly paired with GH-releasing peptides to stimulate pulsatile growth hormone secretion.
- Sermorelin— A 29-amino-acid synthetic analog of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) with a history of FDA approval, studied for age-related GH decline, pediatric growth deficiency, and anti-aging applications.