CJC-1295
CJC-1295 with Drug Affinity Complex
Regulatory Status
Not FDA-approved for human use. Classified as a research chemical. Falls under Category 2 of the FDA's peptide reclassification framework, meaning it may face additional restrictions under future rulemaking.
FDA · Updated Mar 2026
Available for research purposes under MHRA guidelines. Not licensed as a medicinal product. Purchase and possession for personal research use is not explicitly prohibited under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, but sale for human consumption is unlawful without marketing authorisation.
MHRA · Updated Mar 2026
Listed as a Schedule 4 (Prescription Only) substance under TGA scheduling. Not approved as a registered therapeutic good. Importation for personal use requires a valid prescription and TGA personal importation scheme approval.
TGA · Updated Mar 2026
Prohibited at all times as a growth hormone releasing factor under WADA S2 category.
WADA · Updated Jan 2026
What Is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), a naturally occurring peptide produced by the hypothalamus that signals the pituitary gland to synthesise and secrete growth hormone (GH). The peptide consists of 30 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 3367.97 Da. What distinguishes CJC-1295 from native GHRH is the addition of a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC), a chemical modification that dramatically extends its biological half-life.
Native GHRH has an extremely short half-life of roughly 7 minutes in circulation, which limits its therapeutic potential. The DAC modification enables CJC-1295 to bind to serum albumin after injection, extending its effective half-life to approximately 6 to 8 days. This prolonged activity means that a single administration may sustain elevated growth hormone pulsatility over an extended period, which has attracted significant research interest.
CJC-1295 was originally developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies (now ConjuChem LLC) as a potential treatment for growth hormone deficiency, lipodystrophy, and age-related GH decline. While early clinical development showed promise, the peptide has not received regulatory approval from the FDA, MHRA, or TGA for any therapeutic indication.
How CJC-1295 Works
Mechanism of Action
CJC-1295 functions as a GHRH analogue, meaning it mimics the action of the body’s own growth hormone-releasing hormone. When administered, it binds to GHRH receptors on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland. This binding activates the cAMP/PKA signalling pathway, which in turn stimulates both the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone.
A key distinction between CJC-1295 and exogenous growth hormone (HGH) administration is that CJC-1295 works within the body’s natural feedback loops. Rather than introducing a fixed dose of GH directly, CJC-1295 amplifies the pituitary’s own pulsatile GH release pattern. Research suggests this pulsatile stimulation may more closely mimic physiological GH secretion compared to direct GH injection, which delivers a supraphysiological bolus.
The DAC modification deserves particular attention. After subcutaneous injection, the maleimidopropionic acid component of the DAC reacts covalently with albumin in the bloodstream. This albumin binding serves two purposes: it protects the peptide from enzymatic degradation, and the large albumin-peptide complex is filtered more slowly by the kidneys, dramatically extending circulation time.
Downstream Effects
Growth hormone itself acts on multiple tissues, but many of its effects are mediated through insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which is produced primarily in the liver in response to GH stimulation. Studies indicate that CJC-1295 administration may lead to sustained elevations in both GH and IGF-1 levels, which are associated with a range of physiological processes including protein synthesis, lipolysis, and tissue repair.
Research and Clinical Evidence
Growth Hormone Secretion
The most robust evidence for CJC-1295 relates to its ability to elevate growth hormone and IGF-1 levels. A Phase I/II clinical trial published by Teichman et al. (2006) examined CJC-1295 in healthy adults aged 21 to 61. The study demonstrated dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-1 levels, with mean IGF-1 levels increasing by 1.5- to 3-fold above baseline and remaining elevated for up to 28 days following a single subcutaneous injection. GH levels increased by 2- to 10-fold, with the pulsatile pattern of GH release preserved [1].
These findings suggest that CJC-1295 may effectively stimulate the GH/IGF-1 axis without disrupting the natural rhythm of GH secretion, though larger and longer-term trials are needed to confirm sustained efficacy and safety.
Body Composition
Animal studies and limited human data suggest that sustained GH elevation via CJC-1295 may influence body composition. Growth hormone is well established as a lipolytic hormone — it promotes the breakdown of stored triglycerides in adipose tissue. Research in GH-deficient populations indicates that restoring GH levels may support reductions in visceral fat mass and modest improvements in lean body mass.
However, it is important to note that no large-scale, randomised controlled trial has specifically examined the effects of CJC-1295 on body composition as a primary endpoint. The available human evidence is primarily derived from biomarker studies (GH and IGF-1 levels) rather than clinical outcomes data.
Sleep Quality
Growth hormone secretion is closely linked to sleep architecture, with the largest natural GH pulse typically occurring during slow-wave sleep (SWS). Some researchers have hypothesised that GHRH analogues like CJC-1295 may support sleep quality by enhancing this natural nocturnal GH pulse. Preclinical studies with GHRH and its analogues have shown associations between GHRH receptor activation and increased slow-wave sleep duration [2].
Anecdotal reports from research participants frequently cite improvements in sleep depth and quality, though controlled human studies specifically evaluating CJC-1295’s effects on sleep architecture remain limited.
Recovery and Tissue Repair
The GH/IGF-1 axis plays a well-documented role in tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and musculoskeletal recovery. IGF-1 is a potent stimulator of chondrocyte proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis. Studies indicate that elevated IGF-1 levels may support connective tissue repair and bone mineral density, though the clinical significance of CJC-1295-mediated IGF-1 elevation for recovery outcomes has not been established in controlled trials.
Dosage Information
The following dosage information is derived from published clinical research and is provided for educational purposes only. This is not a prescribing recommendation.
In the Teichman et al. Phase I/II trial, doses of 30 mcg/kg, 60 mcg/kg, and 125 mcg/kg were evaluated as single subcutaneous injections. The most commonly referenced research protocol in the literature involves doses ranging from 1 mg to 2 mg administered once or twice weekly, reflecting the extended half-life conferred by the DAC modification.
Due to the long half-life of approximately 6 to 8 days, CJC-1295 with DAC is typically studied at less frequent dosing intervals compared to non-DAC GHRH analogues (such as Modified GRF 1-29/CJC-1295 without DAC), which require multiple daily administrations.
Researchers should note that CJC-1295 with DAC and CJC-1295 without DAC (also known as Mod GRF 1-29) are distinct compounds with different pharmacokinetic profiles and dosing requirements. These should not be confused or used interchangeably.
Side Effects and Safety Considerations
In the published Phase I/II clinical data, CJC-1295 demonstrated a generally favourable safety profile at the doses studied. The most commonly reported adverse effects include:
- Injection site reactions: Redness, swelling, or mild pain at the injection site, typically resolving within 24 to 48 hours
- Flushing and warmth: Transient facial flushing reported shortly after injection
- Headache: Mild to moderate headaches, particularly during the initial dosing period
- Water retention: Mild peripheral oedema, consistent with the known fluid-retaining effects of GH elevation
- Dizziness and nausea: Reported infrequently and typically at higher doses
- Paraesthesia: Tingling or numbness in extremities, particularly at higher doses
Sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1 levels carries theoretical risks that warrant consideration. Chronically elevated IGF-1 has been associated with increased risk of certain malignancies in epidemiological studies, though a causal relationship has not been established specifically with CJC-1295 use. Individuals with a personal or family history of cancer should exercise particular caution and consult with an oncologist before considering any GH-stimulating therapy.
Long-term safety data for CJC-1295 remain limited, as no extended Phase III trials have been completed. The absence of long-term data represents a significant gap in the evidence base.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and without DAC?
CJC-1295 with DAC includes a Drug Affinity Complex that extends its half-life to approximately 6 to 8 days by binding to serum albumin. CJC-1295 without DAC, commonly called Modified GRF (1-29) or Mod GRF, has a half-life of approximately 30 minutes. The two compounds have different dosing frequencies and pharmacokinetic profiles.
Is CJC-1295 the same as growth hormone?
No. CJC-1295 is a growth hormone-releasing hormone analogue, not growth hormone itself. It stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release its own growth hormone, rather than introducing exogenous GH directly. This distinction is important both pharmacologically and from a regulatory perspective.
Can CJC-1295 be used for athletic performance?
CJC-1295 is included on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list under category S2 — Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics. Its use is banned in all competitive sports governed by WADA. Athletes subject to anti-doping testing should be aware that detection methods for GH secretagogues continue to advance.
How long does it take for CJC-1295 to produce noticeable effects?
Published research suggests that GH and IGF-1 elevations are measurable within hours of the first injection and may remain elevated for up to 28 days. However, any downstream physiological effects on body composition or recovery would likely require weeks to months of sustained use, and the clinical significance of such effects has not been established in controlled trials.
Are there drug interactions to be aware of?
CJC-1295 may interact with insulin and glucose metabolism, as GH has well-known counter-regulatory effects on insulin sensitivity. Individuals using insulin, oral hypoglycaemics, or those with diabetes should approach any GH-stimulating compound with caution and under medical supervision. Concurrent use with exogenous GH or other GH secretagogues may result in supraphysiological GH levels.
References
- Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, Gagnon C, Castaigne JP, Bhatt DL. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799-805.
- Steiger A, Holsboer F. Neuropeptides and human sleep. Sleep. 1997;20(11):1038-1052.
- Ionescu M, Bhatt DL, Engelman K, et al. Pulsatile growth hormone secretion after CJC-1295 administration in healthy male subjects. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2004;76(2):P56.
- Frohman LA, Kineman RD. Growth hormone-releasing hormone and pituitary development, hyperplasia and tumorigenesis. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2002;13(7):299-303.
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