CJC-1295
Also known as: GHRH Analog (with DAC)
Educational content only. This page does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions related to any medication or health intervention.
Overview
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It consists of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH with chemical modifications designed to extend its biological half-life. The most widely discussed form, CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex), incorporates a maleimido group that enables binding to serum albumin, extending its effective half-life to approximately six to eight days. A shorter-acting variant (sometimes called Mod GRF 1-29 or CJC-1295 without DAC) also exists.
CJC-1295 works by stimulating the pituitary gland to release growth hormone (GH), mimicking the natural signaling pathway used by the body's endogenous GHRH. It is not FDA-approved for any human indication and is classified by the FDA as a substance with safety concerns when used in compounding.
Research & Clinical Context
Published clinical data on CJC-1295 are limited but include a notable clinical study in healthy adults. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism demonstrated that subcutaneous CJC-1295 administration produced sustained, dose-dependent increases in GH and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) levels, with IGF-1 remaining elevated for up to 28 days following repeated dosing. Early-phase trials also evaluated CJC-1295 in the context of HIV-associated visceral obesity, though this program did not advance to registration.
CJC-1295 is frequently discussed in combination with ipamorelin (a growth hormone secretagogue), based on the hypothesis that targeting both the GHRH and ghrelin receptor pathways simultaneously could amplify GH release. However, controlled clinical trials evaluating the combination in healthy adults for body composition outcomes are lacking.
References
- Teichman SL, et al. "Prolonged Stimulation of GH and IGF-I Secretion by CJC-1295 in Healthy Adults." J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2006)
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Safety & Regulatory Notes
CJC-1295 is not FDA-approved for any human use. The FDA has flagged it for safety concerns related to compounding, citing reported serious adverse events and concerns about immunogenicity and impurities. It is prohibited by WADA under the category of growth hormone releasing factors.
CJC-1295 is available through some research chemical suppliers, but these products are not manufactured under FDA-regulated conditions and are labeled for research use only. Quality, purity, and potency of such products are not guaranteed. Regulations vary internationally. Readers should consult a licensed healthcare provider before considering any unapproved substance.
How This Fits Into Our Peptide Hub
CJC-1295 is one of the most commonly discussed growth hormone-related peptides on our platform. It appears in our GH peptide comparison tools and educational overviews, and is frequently viewed alongside ipamorelin, sermorelin, and tesamorelin.