CJC-1295: The Long-Acting GHRH Analogue

CJC-1295 targets the growth-hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR), a class B GPCR that couples Gs to cAMP/PKA and GH gene transcription in somatotroph models. In its DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) format it uses a reactive maleimide group to form a covalent thioether bond with albumin Cys34, extending half-life to days — an unusual mechanism studied in covalent protein-binding and pharmacokinetic assays. The non-DAC format omits this linker for a shorter-acting profile.

Comparator work in this class examines how DAC versus non-DAC half-life extension changes receptor-occupancy kinetics, and contrasts GHRHR signalling with the GHSR-1a pathway engaged by secretagogues such as ipamorelin.

Because the DAC and non-DAC variants have substantially different pharmacokinetic profiles, clear labelling and physical separation of the two formats is a recurring practical consideration when both are open at once.