CJC-1295

What is CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 is a 30-amino acid synthetic peptide analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), the hypothalamic hormone that signals the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone (GH).

The compound was designed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies using their Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) technology, which binds the peptide to albumin in the bloodstream, dramatically extending its half-life from minutes (like native GHRH) to 6–8 days.

There are two key forms:

• CJC-1295 with DAC: Extended half-life (~8 days), used for once or twice-weekly dosing
• CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29): Shorter half-life (~30 minutes), used for pulsatile dosing

How CJC-1295 Works

1. Binds to and activates GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotroph cells
2. Stimulates the pituitary to produce and release growth hormone (GH)
3. GH then signals the liver to produce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)
4. GH and IGF-1 together drive muscle protein synthesis, fat metabolism, and tissue repair

Clinical Research

A 2006 Phase II study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found:

• CJC-1295 produced dose-dependent increases in GH levels (2–10x baseline)
• IGF-1 levels increased 1.5–3x over baseline
• Effects persisted for up to 28 days after a single dose
• The compound was generally well-tolerated

Common Uses in Research

CJC-1295 is frequently studied in combination with ipamorelin, a GH secretagogue that works through a complementary mechanism (GHS-R receptor). The combination produces synergistic GH release while limiting side effects.

Side Effects

• Water retention and bloating
• Numbness or tingling (extremities)
• Injection site reactions
• Headache
• Flushing
• At high doses: hypoglycemia (from elevated GH)

Medical Disclaimer: CJC-1295 is not FDA-approved and is available for research purposes only. Do not use this peptide without medical supervision. Manipulating growth hormone levels carries significant risks including insulin resistance, carpal tunnel syndrome, and potential oncological concerns.

Related Reading

• Ipamorelin and CJC-1295: The GH Secretagogue Stack Explained — Deep dive on the CJC-1295 + ipamorelin combination and clinical evidence
• Sermorelin: Growth Hormone Therapy Guide — Compare CJC-1295 with the FDA-regulated GHRH analogue sermorelin
• Peptide Combination Therapy: Evidence and Principles — Framework for combining GH secretagogues safely
• Peptide Therapy for Aging and Sarcopenia — How GH secretagogues fit into an older adult’s health strategy
• Peptide Therapy Lab Monitoring Guide — IGF-1 and glucose monitoring essentials for GH axis peptides