CJC-1295 (no DAC) vs IGF-1 LR3
Growth Hormone
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
Modified GRF (1-29) analog with four amino acid substitutions conferring resistance to enzymatic degradation.
Growth Hormone
IGF-1 LR3
83-amino-acid IGF-1 analog engineered for markedly reduced binding to IGF binding proteins.
Side by side
| Dimension | CJC-1295 (no DAC) | IGF-1 LR3 |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight A 2.7× difference in mass — these are not comparable on a milligram-for-milligram basis. | 3367.9 g/mol | 9117.6 g/mol |
| Size class | mid-length peptide | protein-scale |
| CAS number | 863288-34-0 | 946870-92-4 |
| Research area | growth hormone | growth hormone |
| Sequence | Not published as a linear sequence | Not published as a linear sequence |
| Available sizes | 5mg, 10mg | 1mg |
| Entry price | $39 | $69 |
| Cost per mg Cost per milligram differs by more than 3×. Compare against the concentrations your protocol actually requires, not the headline vial price. | $5.80 | $69.00 |
Mechanism
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
CJC-1295 without DAC — more precisely Modified GRF (1-29) — is a 29-amino-acid GHRH analog carrying four substitutions (D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27) that increase stability against DPP-4 cleavage and plasma degradation. The 'no DAC' designation distinguishes it from the drug affinity complex variant, which incorporates a maleimido group for albumin conjugation and a substantially longer half-life. The two are frequently conflated in supplier catalogs; they are pharmacokinetically very different molecules.
IGF-1 LR3
IGF-1 LR3 is a recombinant analog of human IGF-1 carrying two modifications: an arginine substitution at position 3, and a 13-amino-acid N-terminal extension. The Arg3 substitution sharply reduces affinity for IGF binding proteins, which normally sequester the great majority of circulating IGF-1. The practical research consequence is a much larger free fraction and correspondingly extended activity — which also means potency comparisons against native IGF-1 are not straightforward.
Evidence quality
Mechanism is not the same as evidence. Where we have assessed the literature, the verdict is stated plainly.
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
Evidence base: the GHRH receptor pathway is well established. Compound-specific evidence for the no-DAC form is limited, and the most-cited pharmacokinetic result belongs to the DAC version, which is a different molecule.
Full research reference →IGF-1 LR3
Evidence base: very thin, sixteen indexed results, dominated by fetal sheep models. The most recent primary result in that model is negative, and a 2025 mouse study shows biomarker change without functional benefit.
Full research reference →Research applications
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
- GHRH receptor binding and activation studies
- Comparative half-life studies against DAC-conjugated variants
- Combination studies with GHS-R1a agonists
- Enzymatic stability and degradation kinetics
IGF-1 LR3
- IGF-1 receptor binding and autophosphorylation assays
- IGFBP interaction and displacement studies
- Cell proliferation and differentiation in culture
- Akt/mTOR pathway signaling research
Common questions
What is the difference between CJC-1295 (no DAC) and IGF-1 LR3?
CJC-1295 (no DAC) is modified GRF (1-29) analog with four amino acid substitutions conferring resistance to enzymatic degradation. IGF-1 LR3 is 83-amino-acid IGF-1 analog engineered for markedly reduced binding to IGF binding proteins. They differ in molecular weight (3367.9 vs 9117.6 g/mol) and in the pathways they are studied against.
Which is more cost-effective per milligram, CJC-1295 (no DAC) or IGF-1 LR3?
CJC-1295 (no DAC) is lower at approximately $5.80 per milligram at its best tier, against $69.00 for the other. Cost per milligram is only meaningful relative to the concentrations a given protocol requires, since these compounds are not used at comparable masses.
Can CJC-1295 (no DAC) and IGF-1 LR3 be studied together?
Combination designs appear in the published literature for a number of these compounds. Whether it is appropriate for a given protocol depends entirely on the model and endpoint. We supply research compounds and do not provide protocol guidance — consult the primary literature for your specific model.
How should CJC-1295 (no DAC) and IGF-1 LR3 be stored?
Store lyophilized powder at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 30 days. For IGF-1 LR3: Store lyophilized at -20°C protected from light. This is a larger protein than most of the catalog and is more sensitive to freeze-thaw; aliquot on first reconstitution.
Which has the stronger evidence base?
CJC-1295 (no DAC) — Evidence base: the GHRH receptor pathway is well established. Compound-specific evidence for the no-DAC form is limited, and the most-cited pharmacokinetic result belongs to the DAC version, which is a different molecule. IGF-1 LR3 — Evidence base: very thin, sixteen indexed results, dominated by fetal sheep models. The most recent primary result in that model is negative, and a 2025 mouse study shows biomarker change without functional benefit.
All products sold on this website are intended for research and identification purposes only. These products are not intended for human dosing, injection, or ingestion.
Comparison generated from Lyra Vital catalog data. Every specification is reconciled against the certificate of analysis for the shipped batch.