This is an identity reference. It explains what CJC-1295 denotes, how the DAC and non-DAC forms differ structurally, and what that means when you order and analyse. It makes no statement about what either compound does and contains no preparation or handling guidance.
The shared backbone
Both compounds are based on a modified fragment of growth hormone-releasing hormone — the first 29 residues, commonly written GRF(1–29) — carrying four amino acid substitutions relative to the native sequence. Those substitutions are conventionally described as D-alanine at position 2, glutamine at position 8, alanine at position 15 and leucine at position 27. They are stabilising modifications to the peptide chain, and they are present in both forms.
The non-DAC compound is therefore often listed as modified GRF(1–29), and you will see it sold under that name, under “CJC-1295 no DAC”, and under “CJC-1295 without DAC”. All three refer to the same 29-residue peptide.
What DAC adds
DAC stands for Drug Affinity Complex. It is a chemical modification appended to the peptide — a maleimidopropionyl group carried on a lysine linker — that is designed to form a covalent bond with a thiol on serum albumin. Structurally, the DAC form is the same 29-residue chain plus that additional moiety.
The practical consequences for a purchaser are concrete: the DAC form has a higher molecular weight, a different retention time under reverse-phase conditions, and a different mass spectrum. They are not interchangeable, they cost differently, and a record that says only “CJC-1295” is ambiguous.
Why this generates ordering errors
Two products whose names differ by three letters in brackets sit adjacent in most catalogues. Substituting one for the other changes the material without changing the label in any way that catches the eye at a receiving desk. When checking a shipment against an invoice, read the full product name including the bracketed suffix rather than matching on the first token.
Analytical notes
Length. At 29 residues these are substantially larger than most compounds in this catalogue, and larger peptides generally give broader peaks. Column pore size matters more here than for short sequences.
The maleimide group. In the DAC form, the maleimide is a reactive electrophile by design. It is chemically susceptible to hydrolysis, and hydrolysed material is a distinct species with a different mass. This is one compound where the age and condition of an analysis is a fair question.
D-alanine at position 2. As with any D-residue, racemisation at that position produces a diastereomer with an identical mass. Mass spectrometry cannot see it; only chromatography can.
Basic residues. A 29-residue GRF fragment carries several basic sites, so counter-ion mass is significant and net peptide content will sit well below chromatographic purity.
Confirming identity independently
Check the sequence, the substitution positions and the presence or absence of the DAC modification against public chemical databases. Our product pages carry compound identity links that run those searches directly.
What we publish
Both forms sit in our GHRH and ghrelin receptor peptides category, listed as separate products with separate analyses. Each product page carries an independent reverse-phase HPLC analysis, net peptide content, counter-ion form and vial size. Vials carry no batch or lot numbers and are matched to their published test by crimp and cap colour.
Research use only. All products supplied by Battle Born Peptides are laboratory reference materials for in-vitro research and analytical use by qualified professionals. They are not drugs, foods, dietary supplements, cosmetics or medical devices; they are not approved by the FDA or any other regulator for use in humans or animals; and they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease, or to affect the structure or any function of the body of humans or animals. Nothing in this article is preparation, handling or dosing guidance. See our full research-use terms.