CJC-1295
Also known as: CJC-1295 DAC, Modified GRF 1-29
Growth Hormone Secretagogue~3367.9 Da
A synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) designed for sustained growth hormone elevation through extended half-life.
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) engineered for an extended biological half-life. By modifying the natural GHRH structure, researchers created a peptide that can sustain elevated growth hormone levels for significantly longer periods than the body own GHRH, which is rapidly degraded after release. CJC-1295 is one of the most commonly prescribed growth hormone secretagogues in peptide therapy clinics, often used alongside ipamorelin. It is not FDA-approved for any medical condition but is available through compounding pharmacies by prescription.
What Is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a 29-amino-acid peptide based on the structure of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH, also called somatoliberin or GRF). Natural GHRH has a very short half-life of roughly seven minutes in the bloodstream, which limits its clinical utility. CJC-1295 was developed using Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) technology, which covalently binds the peptide to albumin in the bloodstream, extending its half-life to approximately six to eight days. This extended duration allows for sustained growth hormone and IGF-1 elevation from a single administration. The molecular weight of CJC-1295 with DAC is approximately 3367.9 Da. It is important to distinguish between CJC-1295 with DAC and Modified GRF 1-29 (sometimes called CJC-1295 without DAC or CJC-1295 no DAC), which has a much shorter half-life and requires more frequent dosing.
How CJC-1295 Is Studied
CJC-1295 with DAC has been evaluated in clinical studies examining its effects on growth hormone and IGF-1 elevation. Published research demonstrated that a single subcutaneous injection could produce sustained growth hormone elevation for six or more days, with corresponding increases in IGF-1 levels. Dose-response studies identified a range of effective doses, with growth hormone increases of two to ten-fold above baseline reported at various dose levels. Research has also investigated potential applications for growth hormone deficiency, body composition changes, and age-related decline in growth hormone secretion. Modified GRF 1-29, the non-DAC version, has been studied in similar contexts but with different pharmacokinetic profiles requiring more frequent administration. Despite promising results, neither variant completed the FDA approval process.
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
CJC-1295 works by binding to the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland, the same receptor targeted by the body natural GHRH. When activated, this receptor triggers a signaling cascade that stimulates the synthesis and release of growth hormone. The DAC modification extends this stimulation by keeping the peptide circulating longer through albumin binding. The resulting sustained growth hormone elevation leads to increased hepatic production of IGF-1, which mediates many of the downstream effects associated with growth hormone, including influences on protein metabolism, adipose tissue utilization, and cellular repair processes. By working through the GHRH pathway rather than the ghrelin pathway, CJC-1295 provides a complementary mechanism to ghrelin-receptor-based secretagogues.
Common Goals Associated with CJC-1295
CJC-1295 is primarily discussed in relation to body composition goals, including both muscle growth and fat loss. The sustained elevation of growth hormone and IGF-1 may influence protein synthesis and fat metabolism over extended periods. Patients seeking growth hormone optimization for age-related decline represent another common use case. Some providers discuss CJC-1295 in relation to improved sleep quality, as growth hormone secretion is closely linked to deep sleep cycles. Recovery from physical training and general wellness optimization are additional goals frequently cited in clinical discussions.
How Clinics May Offer CJC-1295 Therapy
The clinical approach to CJC-1295 depends on which variant is being prescribed. CJC-1295 with DAC is typically administered via subcutaneous injection once or twice weekly due to its extended half-life. Modified GRF 1-29, with its shorter half-life, is usually dosed one to three times daily, often before bed or in the morning. Many clinics prescribe CJC-1295 in combination with ipamorelin, administering both peptides simultaneously. Treatment protocols typically include comprehensive baseline blood work measuring growth hormone, IGF-1, metabolic markers, and other relevant biomarkers. Follow-up testing at regular intervals helps providers monitor response and adjust dosing. Treatment duration commonly spans three to six months.
Safety and Regulatory Status
CJC-1295 is not FDA-approved for any medical indication. Clinical studies reported generally favorable short-term tolerability, with the most common side effects being injection site reactions, flushing, and transient headache. The sustained growth hormone elevation produced by the DAC variant raises theoretical questions about long-term effects of chronic growth hormone stimulation, including potential impacts on insulin sensitivity and cell proliferation. These concerns have not been fully evaluated in long-term controlled studies. A notable safety event occurred during early clinical development when a subject died during a trial; however, the relationship to the study drug was debated. This event contributed to the decision not to pursue further FDA approval studies. As with all compounded peptides, quality assurance depends entirely on the compounding pharmacy source.
Comparison with Related Peptides
CJC-1295 is most directly paired with ipamorelin in clinical practice. The combination leverages two different receptor pathways for growth hormone release. CJC-1295 activates the GHRH receptor, while ipamorelin activates the ghrelin receptor. Practitioners combining these peptides hypothesize that dual-pathway stimulation may amplify the growth hormone response. Compared to earlier GHRH analogs like sermorelin, CJC-1295 with DAC has a significantly longer half-life, requiring less frequent injection. The non-DAC variant, Modified GRF 1-29, has a pharmacokinetic profile more similar to sermorelin. Neither CJC-1295 variant should be confused with tissue repair peptides like BPC-157 or TB-500, which target entirely different biological pathways. Semaglutide operates through the GLP-1 system for metabolic regulation, an unrelated mechanism to CJC-1295 growth hormone stimulation.
Related Goals
Muscle Growth
Peptides researched for potential effects on lean body mass, growth hormone stimulation, and body composition improvements.
Fat Loss
Peptides studied for their potential effects on body composition, appetite regulation, and metabolic support in the context of weight management.
Sleep
Peptides studied for their potential effects on sleep quality, particularly through growth hormone pathway modulation during natural sleep cycles.
Compare Related Peptides
BPC-157
A synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a protective protein found in human gastric juice, investigated in preclinical research for tissue repair and gastrointestinal protection.
Ipamorelin
A selective growth hormone secretagogue peptide studied for its ability to stimulate growth hormone release with fewer side effects compared to earlier secretagogues.
Semaglutide
An FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist prescribed for type 2 diabetes management and chronic weight management in eligible patients.
TB-500
A synthetic peptide fragment of thymosin beta-4, a naturally occurring protein involved in cell migration and tissue repair, studied primarily in preclinical research.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CJC-1295 with and without DAC?
Is CJC-1295 FDA-approved?
Can CJC-1295 be combined with ipamorelin?
What are the side effects of CJC-1295?
How long does CJC-1295 take to work?
Last reviewed: 3/14/2026