CJC-1295

What is cjc-1295?

A synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) engineered for a longer half-life. It stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone in a sustained, dose-dependent manner.

CJC-1295 comes in two forms: with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex), which binds to albumin and extends its half-life to 6-10 days, and without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29), which has a half-life of about 30 minutes and produces sharper GH pulses. A clinical study in healthy adults showed that a single injection increased plasma GH levels 2- to 10-fold for 6+ days and IGF-1 levels 1.5- to 3-fold for 9-11 days. Phase II trials were conducted but discontinued after a participant death unrelated to the drug's mechanism. It is not FDA-approved.

Benefits & evidence

How it works

CJC-1295 binds to GHRH receptors on the pituitary gland, stimulating somatotroph cells to synthesize and secrete growth hormone. Unlike exogenous GH, it preserves the body's natural pulsatile release pattern and feedback loops, which helps avoid the suppression of endogenous production.

The DAC version covalently binds to serum albumin via a reactive linker, dramatically extending its circulating half-life. This means a single injection can elevate GH and IGF-1 levels for days. The no-DAC version (Mod GRF 1-29) clears faster, producing acute GH pulses more similar to natural physiology, which is why it is often preferred in combination with a secretagogue like ipamorelin.

Dosing information

Side effects

Most side effects tend to improve as your body adjusts.

Research (10 studies)