CJC-1295

What is CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), designed to stimulate natural growth hormone production from the pituitary gland. It represents a significant advancement over natural GHRH due to modifications that dramatically extend its half-life and duration of action.

There are two primary forms of CJC-1295 used in research:

1. CJC-1295 DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) - with a lysine-bound DAC that provides extended half-life
2. CJC-1295 (no DAC) - also called Modified GRF 1-29, with shorter duration

This peptide has become one of the most studied GHRH analogs due to its ability to maintain elevated growth hormone and IGF-1 levels over extended periods.

Research Note: CJC-1295 is a research compound not approved by the FDA for human use. It is prohibited by WADA in competitive sports. This information is for educational purposes only.

Development History

Origins

CJC-1295 was developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies in the early 2000s. The company specialized in creating long-acting versions of therapeutic peptides through their Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) technology.

Key Timeline

• 2000-2005: Initial development of long-acting GHRH analogs
• 2005: Phase I clinical trials begin
• 2006: Phase II clinical trials for lipodystrophy
• 2006: Clinical program halted after adverse event reports
• 2010s: Continued research interest in non-clinical settings
• Present: Extensively studied research compound

Clinical Trial History

Phase I and II trials studied CJC-1295 DAC for:

• HIV-associated lipodystrophy
• Growth hormone deficiency
• Body composition optimization

The clinical program was discontinued due to concerns that arose during trials, though the exact reasons were not fully disclosed publicly.

Molecular Profile

CJC-1295 DAC

Tyr-D-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Gln-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Ala-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Leu-Ser-Arg-Lys(Maleimidopropionyl-Lys-DAC)-NH2

CJC-1295 (No DAC) / Modified GRF 1-29

Tyr-D-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Gln-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Ala-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Leu-Ser-Arg-NH2

Key Molecular Data

Structural Modifications

Key changes from native GHRH (1-29):

1. Position 2: Ala → D-Ala (protects against DPP-IV)
2. Position 8: Asn → Asp (prevents amide rearrangement)
3. Position 15: Gly → Ala (stabilizes structure)
4. Position 27: Met → Nle or Leu (prevents oxidation)
5. DAC version: Lysine-maleimide linker attaches to serum albumin

Mechanism of Action

GHRH Receptor Activation

CJC-1295 works through the GHRH receptor (GHRHR) on pituitary somatotrophs:

Signal Cascade:

1. CJC-1295 binds GHRH receptor
2. G-protein activation (Gs)
3. Adenylyl cyclase activation
4. cAMP production increases
5. Protein kinase A activation
6. GH gene transcription increases
7. GH synthesis and release occur

Extended Duration (DAC Version)

The DAC technology provides extended action through:

1. Albumin binding: The DAC moiety covalently binds serum albumin
2. Protected circulation: Albumin-bound peptide resists degradation
3. Slow release: Gradual release from albumin maintains levels
4. Extended half-life: 6-8 days vs 30 minutes

Pulsatile vs Sustained Release

Research Applications

Growth Hormone Augmentation

Primary research focus:

Observed Effects:

• Significant GH elevation (2-10 fold increase)
• Sustained IGF-1 increases (1.5-3 fold)
• Extended duration of action
• Preserved response over time

Body Composition Studies

Research on metabolic effects:

Findings in Studies:

• Increased lean body mass
• Reduced visceral adipose tissue
• Improved body composition ratios
• Enhanced protein synthesis markers

Lipodystrophy Research

The original clinical indication:

• Studied in HIV-associated lipodystrophy
• Investigated for fat redistribution
• Explored for metabolic improvements
• Examined for body composition changes

Anti-Aging Research

Studies exploring age-related effects:

• GH/IGF-1 axis restoration
• Metabolic improvements in aging models
• Tissue regeneration studies
• Functional outcome measures

Sleep and Recovery Research

Effects on recovery parameters:

• Deep sleep enhancement
• Recovery marker improvements
• Tissue repair studies
• Exercise recovery research

Comparison: DAC vs No DAC

CJC-1295 DAC Characteristics

Advantages:

• Once weekly dosing convenience
• Sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation
• Consistent blood levels
• Reduced injection frequency

Considerations:

• Less pulsatile release pattern
• Longer clearance time
• Less control over timing
• Higher IGF-1 baseline elevation

CJC-1295 (No DAC) Characteristics

Advantages:

• More pulsatile GH release
• Mimics natural secretion pattern
• Rapid clearance allows timing control
• Can be combined with GHRPs

Considerations:

• Requires multiple daily doses
• Shorter duration of effect
• More frequent administration
• Timing-dependent effects

Which is Used More?

• Research preference: No DAC version often preferred for controlled studies
• Combination protocols: No DAC commonly paired with GHRPs (Ipamorelin, GHRP-6)
• Convenience preference: DAC version for fewer administrations

Synergistic Combinations

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin

The most studied combination:

Rationale:

• CJC-1295 (GHRH analog): Stimulates GH synthesis pathway
• Ipamorelin (GHRP): Amplifies GH release via different receptor
• Different receptors: GHRHR vs GHS-R
• Synergistic effect: Combined GH release exceeds sum of individual

Research Protocol Features:

• Typically CJC-1295 no DAC
• Co-administered timing
• Fasted state often preferred
• Multiple daily administrations studied

CJC-1295 + GHRP-6

Another common combination:

• Stronger hunger stimulation (GHRP-6 effect)
• Robust GH release
• More side effects than Ipamorelin combination
• Cost-effective research option

CJC-1295 + GHRP-2

Balanced combination:

• Moderate hunger effects
• Strong GH release
• Good tolerability profile
• Widely studied

Research Administration

Common Protocols

CJC-1295 DAC:

• Typical: Once or twice weekly
• Subcutaneous injection
• Evening administration often studied
• Steady-state achieved in ~2 weeks

CJC-1295 (No DAC):

• Typical: 2-3 times daily
• Often pre-bed and morning
• Fasted administration preferred
• Combined with GHRP

Reconstitution

Standard Procedure:

1. Use bacteriostatic water
2. Inject diluent gently against vial wall
3. Swirl gently—never shake
4. Allow complete dissolution
5. Store reconstituted solution refrigerated

Stability

Lyophilized Powder:

• Long-term: -20°C (freezer)
• Short-term: 2-8°C (refrigerator)
• Avoid light exposure
• Protect from moisture

Reconstituted Solution:

• Store at 2-8°C
• Use within 3-4 weeks
• Avoid contamination
• No freeze-thaw cycles

Safety Profile in Research

Reported Effects

Common:

• Injection site reactions
• Water retention
• Tingling/numbness (transient)
• Headache
• Flushing

Less Common:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Hyperglycemia (with prolonged use)
• Joint discomfort

Clinical Trial Observations

During Phase I/II trials:

• Generally well-tolerated
• Dose-dependent side effects
• Some cardiovascular observations reported
• Led to program discontinuation (details not fully public)

Monitoring Considerations

Research studies typically monitor:

• IGF-1 levels
• Fasting glucose
• Blood pressure
• Body composition
• Subjective well-being

Regulatory Status

FDA Status

• Not approved for human use
• No approved therapeutic indications
• Clinical development discontinued
• Research chemical classification

WADA Status

• Prohibited substance (S2 category)
• Banned at all times
• Detectable via testing methods
• Listed under Growth Hormone Releasing Factors

Legal Availability

• Available for research purposes
• Regulated in some jurisdictions
• Quality varies by source
• Requires appropriate credentials

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between CJC-1295 and Sermorelin?

Both are GHRH analogs, but CJC-1295 has modifications for longer duration. Sermorelin is GRF 1-29 (natural sequence), with a half-life of ~10 minutes. CJC-1295 no DAC lasts ~30 minutes, while the DAC version lasts 6-8 days.

Does CJC-1295 cause desensitization?

Research shows minimal desensitization with proper protocols, especially compared to direct GH administration. Pulsatile release (no DAC version) may better preserve sensitivity than continuous elevation.

Can CJC-1295 be taken orally?

No. Like most peptides, CJC-1295 would be degraded by digestive enzymes and has poor oral bioavailability. Injection is required for systemic effects.

How quickly does CJC-1295 work?

The no DAC version produces acute GH release within 15-30 minutes. The DAC version builds to steady-state over 1-2 weeks. IGF-1 elevation follows GH increases by several days.

Is CJC-1295 the same as Modified GRF 1-29?

Yes, "CJC-1295 no DAC" and "Modified GRF 1-29" refer to the same peptide—the tetrasubstituted GRF(1-29) analog without the albumin-binding DAC group.

Key Research References

1. Teichman, S.L., et al. (2006). "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." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 91(3), 799-805.

2. Alba, M., et al. (2006). "Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse." American Journal of Physiology, 291(6), E1290-E1294.

3. Ionescu, M., & Bhupathi, D. (2006). "The development of CJC-1295 for HIV lipodystrophy." Growth Hormone & IGF Research, 16(Suppl 2), S89.

4. Bowers, C.Y. (2012). "History to the discovery of ghrelin and of the GH secretagogues." Methods in Enzymology, 514, 3-32.

5. Van Hout, M.C., & Hearne, E. (2016). "Netnography of Female Use of the Synthetic Growth Hormone CJC-1295." Substance Use & Misuse, 51(6), 666-676.

Summary

CJC-1295 represents a significant advancement in GHRH analog development, offering extended duration of action compared to natural GHRH. Its ability to sustain GH and IGF-1 elevation makes it valuable for various research applications.

Key Points:

• Classification: Synthetic GHRH analog
• Forms: DAC (long-acting) and no DAC (modified GRF 1-29)
• Mechanism: GHRH receptor activation, stimulates GH synthesis
• Half-life: 30 minutes (no DAC) vs 6-8 days (DAC)
• Primary use: Often combined with GHRPs like Ipamorelin
• Status: Research compound, not FDA-approved

The choice between DAC and no DAC versions depends on research goals—sustained elevation versus pulsatile release patterns. When combined with GHRPs, CJC-1295 (no DAC) produces robust, synergistic growth hormone release that has made it one of the most studied peptide combinations in regenerative medicine research.