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CJC-1295

Tier 1 · Human trials
Also known as CJC1295 · DAC:GRF

The strongest evidence is Tier 1: the Teichman et al. 2006 Phase 1 randomised controlled trial in healthy adults and a related pulsatility RCT in healthy young men2,3,9. However, multiple sources emphasize that human evidence rests essentially on this small Phase 1 work — no completed Phase 2 or Phase 3 efficacy trials exist, and a 2006 Phase II trial in HIV lipodystrophy patients was discontinued. Many use-case claims derive from Tier 2 animal/in-vitro work and Tier 3 vendor, consumer, and forum sources. CJC-1295 is not FDA-approved for any indication.

Half-life
~168 h
Routes
subcutaneous injection
Goals
growth hormone / IGF-1 elevation · muscle mass and recovery · fat loss / body composition · sleep quality · skin rejuvenation / anti-aging · performance enhancement
Cost / mg
Not recorded

How it works

According to Phase 1 trial reports and multiple reviews, CJC-1295 is a long-acting synthetic version of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Sources describe it as being built from the first 29 amino acids of natural GHRH with four amino-acid substitutions that make it resist breakdown by enzymes. The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version carries a chemical group that latches onto albumin, a blood protein, which sources say extends its active life from minutes to roughly a week. Reviews describe it binding the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotroph cells to prompt the body's own growth hormone (GH) release, which in turn raises IGF-1. Sources emphasize that, unlike injecting GH directly, it amplifies the body's existing pulsatile GH pattern rather than replacing it.

Overview

Overview

A Phase 1 randomised trial in healthy adults reports that CJC-1295 is a long-acting analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)2,3. Multiple sources describe it as a synthetically modified GHRH-(1–29)NH2 core carrying four amino-acid substitutions that make it more resistant to proteolytic cleavage18; a peptide information site places these substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15 and 27 and describes them as designed to resist degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV). A peptide guide states CJC-1295 was developed by ConjuChem, a Canadian biotechnology firm, in the early 2000s, and that it has never been approved by the FDA for any indication(vendor claim).

The DAC vs non-DAC distinction

Sources distinguish two forms. A peptide information site explains that the DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version uses a maleimidopropionic acid group that forms a covalent bond with serum albumin at cysteine-34 after subcutaneous injection, with the majority becoming albumin-bound within 15–30 minutes(vendor claim). The same source states this extends the half-life from minutes to approximately 6–8 days, allowing once-weekly or biweekly dosing, whereas the Modified GRF(1-29) version lacking albumin binding has a half-life of approximately 30 minutes. A regulatory review similarly reports ~30 minutes without DAC and 6 days with DAC18.

Key human findings (Teichman Phase 1 trial)

The Teichman trial reports that after a single subcutaneous injection, mean plasma GH concentrations rose dose-dependently by 2- to 10-fold for 6 days or more, and mean plasma IGF-I concentrations increased by 1.5- to 3-fold for 9–11 days2,3. It estimated the half-life at 5.8–8.1 days2,3. After multiple doses, mean IGF-I levels remained above baseline for up to 28 days with evidence of a cumulative effect2,3. Subcutaneous administration produced sustained, dose-dependent GH and IGF-I increases in healthy adults aged 21–61 years over study durations of 28 and 49 days2,3. A separate RCT in healthy 20- to 40-year-old men reports that CJC-1295 (half-life 8 days) increased GH secretion with preserved pulsatility — pulse frequency and magnitude were unaltered — while basal GH rose 7.5-fold (P<0.0001), mean GH rose 46% (P<0.01), and IGF-I rose 45% (P<0.001)9; that study reported no significant differences between 60 and 90 μg/kg doses and suggested clinical utility in patients with intact pituitary GH secretory capability9. A peptide information site reports that CJC-1295 amplifies the existing pulsatile GH pattern rather than replacing it(vendor claim).

Mechanism at the pituitary

Sources describe CJC-1295 binding the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) on somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary and stimulating GH production and release through a cyclic-AMP (cAMP)-dependent signaling cascade. A review characterizes it as a growth hormone secretagogue that activates IGF-1 signaling and satellite-cell repair16. A GH-peptide guide states that GH output falls by roughly 14–15% per decade in healthy adults, that GH is secreted in four to nine discrete pulses per day driven by competing GHRH and somatostatin signals, and that the primary role of GHRH analogues like CJC-1295 is to increase GH pulse amplitude.

Animal and in-vitro evidence

In normal male Sprague Dawley rats, CJC-1295 showed a 4-fold increase in GH area-under-the-curve over 2 hours versus hGRF(1-29), was present in plasma beyond 72 hours, and appeared as an albumin-associated immunoreactive species after 15 minutes14. In GHRH-knockout mice, once-daily 2 μg CJC-1295 over 5 weeks maintained normal body weight, length, bone length, and body composition, while less frequent dosing was less effective13. An orthopaedic review reports that CJC-1295 combined with ipamorelin significantly improved maximum tetanic tension in murine models with glucocorticoid-induced muscle loss, but that these findings are limited to animal studies and there is currently a lack of evidence supporting clinical use in orthopaedic applications10.

Regulatory and use-case context

A peptide guide states no FDA-approved finished drug product containing CJC-1295 was identified, and no robust clinical trial evidence establishing combinations for anti-aging, body composition, sports recovery, or general wellness(vendor claim). CJC-1295 and CJC-1295 with DAC are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) under the S2 category (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors and Mimetics)11,12,18. Claimed uses reported across sources — improving GH and IGF-1, increasing muscle mass/strength, performance and recovery, energy, sleep, cognition, bone density, and weight management — largely derive from vendor pages, consumer guides, and forum analyses1,17. A comparison article states CJC-1295 may improve muscle protein synthesis, enhance fat burning, and improve sleep quality, and consumer sources claim synergy with ipamorelin for lean mass and fat loss(vendor claim); these are not supported by controlled human efficacy data.

What the research shows

142 findings extracted from the 18 sources cited below, strongest evidence first within each group. Every one links to the source it came from.

What human studies found

Based on 21 human trial findings, 8 animal findings and 5 expert opinion findings.

  • human trialSubcutaneous administration of CJC-1295 resulted in sustained, dose-dependent increases in growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels1

  • human trialAfter a single injection of CJC-1295, there were dose-dependent increases in mean plasma GH concentrations by 2- to 10-fold for 6 d or more2

  • human trialAfter a single injection of CJC-1295, mean plasma IGF-I concentrations increased by 1.5- to 3-fold for 9-11 d2

  • human trialAfter multiple CJC-1295 doses, mean IGF-I levels remained above baseline for up to 28 d2

  • human trialSubcutaneous administration of CJC-1295 resulted in sustained, dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-I levels in healthy adults2

  • human trialThere was evidence of a cumulative effect after multiple doses2

  • human trialAfter a single injection of CJC-1295, there were dose-dependent increases in mean plasma GH concentrations by 2- to 10-fold for 6 d or more2

  • human trialAfter a single injection of CJC-1295, there were increases in mean plasma IGF-I concentrations by 1.5- to 3-fold for 9-11 d2

Show 26 more findings

  • human trialAfter multiple CJC-1295 doses, mean IGF-I levels remained above baseline for up to 28 d2

  • human trialSubcutaneous administration of CJC-1295 resulted in sustained, dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-I levels in healthy adults2

  • human trialAfter a single injection of CJC-1295, there were dose-dependent increases in mean plasma GH concentrations by 2- to 10-fold for 6 d or more3

  • human trialAfter a single injection of CJC-1295, there were dose-dependent increases in mean plasma IGF-I concentrations by 1.5- to 3-fold for 9-11 d3

  • human trialAfter multiple CJC-1295 doses, mean IGF-I levels remained above baseline for up to 28 d3

  • human trialCJC-1295 is capable of stimulating GH production for more than six days in humans after a single administration6

  • human trialCJC-1295 stimulates GH and IGF-I secretion in several animal species and in normal human subjects9

  • human trialGH secretion was increased after CJC-1295 administration with preserved pulsatility9

  • human trialThe frequency and magnitude of GH secretory pulses were unaltered after CJC-1295 administration9

  • human trialBasal (trough) GH levels were markedly increased 7.5-fold (P < 0.0001) after CJC-1295 administration9

  • human trialOverall increase in mean GH levels of 46% (P < 0.01) after CJC-1295 administration9

  • human trialIGF-I levels increased by 45% (P < 0.001) after CJC-1295 administration9

  • human trialThe IGF-I increases did not correlate with any parameters of GH secretion9

  • animalCJC-1295 combined with ipamorelin showed significantly improved maximum tetanic tension in murine models with glucocorticoid-induced muscle loss10

  • animalCJC-1295 combined with ipamorelin findings are limited to animal studies10

  • animalGHRHKO animals receiving daily doses of CJC-1295 exhibited normal body weight and length13

  • animalMice treated every 48 and 72 h reached higher body weight and length than placebo-treated animals, without full growth normalization13

  • animalFemur and tibia length remained normal in animals treated every 24 and 48 h13

  • animalRelative lean mass and subcutaneous fat mass were normal in all treated groups13

  • animalWhen the maleimido derivatives were individually administered sc to normal male Sprague Dawley rats, an acute secretion of GH was measured in plasma14

  • animalCJC-1295 showed a 4-fold increase in GH area under the curve over a 2-h period compared with hGRF(1-29)14

  • expert opinionTherapeutic peptides are a promising tool for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, for skin rejuvenation, and as hormone analogs for specific diseases and conditions4

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 has limited clinical evidence compared to FDA-approved peptide therapeutics5

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 requires rigorous validation through well-designed clinical trials to establish safety and efficacy for healthspan extension5

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 has potential performance-enhancing effects12

  • expert opinionAdministering CJC 1295 once weekly helps to increase plasma GH concentrations (2-10 times)18

How it works

Based on 13 human trial findings, 4 animal findings, 7 in vitro findings, 5 expert opinion findings and 1 anecdotal finding.

  • human trialCJC-1295 is a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone2

  • human trialCJC-1295 is a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone (GHRH)2

  • human trialCJC-1295 is a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone (GHRH)3

  • human trialCJC-1295 is a peptide-based drug that stimulates the production of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland6

  • human trialCJC-1295 incorporates a functional maleimido group at the C-terminus that allows it to covalently bind plasma proteins such as serum albumin6

  • human trialCJC-1295 is a 30 amino acid peptide-based drug that stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland7

  • human trialCJC-1295 has a reactive maleimidopropionic acid group that covalently links the peptide to free thiols on the surface of plasma proteins7

  • human trialSerum GH and IGF-1 levels have been shown to increase with administration of GHRH or CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog8

Show 22 more findings

  • human trialCJC-1295 is a long-acting GHRH analog8

  • human trialTwo protein spots that displayed decreased intensities after CJC-1295 treatment were identified as an apolipoprotein A1 isoform and a transthyretin isoform8

  • human trialThree protein spots upregulated by CJC-1295 treatment included beta-hemoglobin, a C-terminal fragment of albumin, and a mix of an immunoglobulin fragment and another C-terminal albumin fragment8

  • human trialA linear relationship was found between the spot containing immunoglobulin and albumin fragments and IGF-1 levels8

  • human trialCJC-1295 is a synthetic GHRH analog that binds permanently to endogenous albumin after injection9

  • animalCJC-1295 is a synthetic GHRH analog that selectively and covalently binds to endogenous albumin after injection, thereby extending its half-life and duration of action13

  • animalCJC-1295 caused an increase in total pituitary RNA and GH mRNA, suggesting that proliferation of somatotroph cells had occurred13

  • animalAll three human serum albumin conjugates were bioactive in a GH secretion assay in cultured rat anterior pituitary cells14

  • animalCJC-1295 is a stable and active hGRF(1-29) analog with an extended plasma half-life14

  • in vitroCJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH)11

  • in vitroNineteen major in vitro metabolites of GHRH synthetic analogs including CJC-1295 were identified11

  • in vitroCJC-1295 is a 29 amino acid peptide with a C-terminal amide function12

  • in vitroCJC-1295 is a releasing factor for growth hormone12

  • in vitroThree maleimido derivates of human GH-releasing factor (hGRF)(1-29) were synthesized and bioconjugated to human serum albumin ex vivo14

  • in vitroAll three human serum albumin conjugates showed enhanced in vitro stability against dipeptidylpeptidase-IV14

  • in vitroCJC-1295 is a tetrasubstituted form of hGRF(1-29) with an added N epsilon-3-maleimidopropionamide derivative of lysine at the C terminus14

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 is a modified GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone)1

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 is a peptide therapeutic that modulates growth hormone5

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 is a growth hormone secretagogue that activates IGF-1 signaling and satellite cell repair16

  • expert opinionCJC 1295 is a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue18

  • expert opinionCJC 1295 has 4 amino acid substitutions in GHRH (1-29) to enhance activity and render it resistant to degradation by proteolytic enzymes18

  • anecdotalCJC-1295 is a synthetic growth hormone analogue17

Dosing

Based on 1 human trial finding, 2 animal findings and 4 expert opinion findings.

  • human trialNo significant differences were observed between responses to 60 or 90 microg/kg doses of CJC-12959

  • animalOnce-daily administration of CJC-1295 is able to maintain normal body composition and growth in GHRHKO mice13

  • animalThe same dose is less effective when administered every 48 or 72 h13

  • expert opinionKnowledge gaps for CJC-1295 include optimal dosing regimens, combination therapy effects, and biomarkers for monitoring efficacy5

  • expert opinionInformation regarding the indications, dosing, frequency, and duration of treatment for CJC-1295 remains unknown10

  • expert opinionCJC 1295 dosage without DAC is 0.05 ml to 0.1 ml QHS, 5 days out of the week18

  • expert opinionCJC 1295 with DAC inject 600 mcg once weekly18

How the body handles it

Based on 11 human trial findings, 3 animal findings, 2 in vitro findings and 4 expert opinion findings.

  • human trialCJC-1295 DAC has a half-life of 6-8 days1

  • human trialCJC-1295 (DAC) has a cumulative effect observed after multiple doses1

  • human trialThe estimated half-life of CJC-1295 was 5.8-8.1 d2

  • human trialThe estimated half-life of CJC-1295 was 5.8-8.1 d2

  • human trialThere was evidence of a cumulative effect after multiple doses2

  • human trialThe estimated half-life of CJC-1295 was 5.8-8.1 d3

  • human trialThere was evidence of a cumulative effect after multiple doses3

  • human trialCJC-1295-protein conjugates have a much greater half-life compared to the unconjugated peptide6

Show 12 more findings

  • human trialConjugated CJC-1295 is difficult to detect in blood by mass spectrometry due to its low abundance, high molecular weight, and conjugation to a range of different protein substrates6

  • human trialOnce conjugated, CJC-1295 remains active in the bloodstream for significantly longer than non-conjugated peptide-based drugs that are rapidly excreted7

  • human trialCJC-1295 has a half-life of 8 days9

  • animalGHRH analogs have a very short half-life13

  • animalCJC-1295 was found to be present in plasma beyond 72 h14

  • animalWestern blot analysis of rat plasma showed CJC-1295 immunoreactive species on the band corresponding to serum albumin, appearing after 15 min and remaining in circulation beyond 24 h14

  • in vitroGHRH synthetic analogs do not appear to have been found in anti-doping samples by WADA accredited laboratories, possibly due to their small concentration in urine and limited knowledge about their metabolism11

  • in vitroCJC-1295 undergoes in vitro metabolism that can be detected via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry11

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 has a longer half-life (30 minutes) compared to Sermorelin (11-12 minutes)1

  • expert opinionCJC 1295 without DAC has half-life of approximately 30 minutes18

  • expert opinionCJC 1295 with DAC has half-life of 6 days18

  • expert opinionIpamorelin half-life is 120 minutes18

Safety and side effects

Based on 12 human trial findings, 1 animal finding, 12 expert opinion findings and 1 anecdotal finding.

  • human trialCJC-1295 (DAC) was safe and relatively well tolerated, particularly at doses of 30 or 60 μg/kg1

  • human trialThe most frequently reported adverse events were injection site reactions, consisting of transient pain, swelling, and induration, sometimes accompanied by local urticaria1

  • human trialNo serious adverse reactions were reported in either Phase 1 study1

  • human trialCommon reported side effects include flu-like symptoms, headaches, irritability, anxiety, nausea, and hives1

  • human trialA 2006 12-week Phase II clinical trial in 192 HIV patients with lipodystrophy reported 1 death from myocardial infarction; the attending physician believed this was unrelated to treatment1

  • human trialNo serious adverse reactions were reported2

  • human trialCJC-1295 was safe and relatively well tolerated, particularly at doses of 30 or 60 microg/kg2

  • human trialNo serious adverse reactions were reported2

Show 18 more findings

  • human trialCJC-1295 was safe and relatively well tolerated, particularly at doses of 30 or 60 microg/kg2

  • human trialNo serious adverse reactions were reported3

  • human trialCJC-1295 was safe and relatively well tolerated, particularly at doses of 30 or 60 microg/kg3

  • human trialA 12-week, Phase II clinical trial for CJC-1295 DAC in lipodystrophy in 192 HIV patients reported 1 death from a myocardial infarction18

  • animalThe assay effectiveness for controlling illicit use of CJC-1295 was confirmed in equine blood samples after administration in thoroughbred race horses7

  • expert opinionFurther studies are needed before most new peptides can be used safely in humans4

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 is an investigational peptide that lacks long-term safety data and systematic validation5

  • expert opinionCurrent lack of evidence to support the clinical use of CJC-1295 in orthopaedic applications10

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 administration is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)11

  • expert opinionUnapproved peptides like CJC-1295 operate largely outside of regulatory oversight15

  • expert opinionMany unapproved peptides demonstrate favorable tissue repair and metabolic outcomes in animal models, but rigorous human safety data are scarce15

  • expert opinionCJC 1295 and CJC 1295 with DAC are banned by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency)18

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 is reported safe in recommended dosages18

  • expert opinionMost common side effects include flushing, injection site erythema, rash, edema, joint and muscle pain, and fatigue18

  • expert opinionGH may be mitogenic; if patient prone to cancer or has cancer, use with caution18

  • expert opinionGH may mask symptoms of hypothyroidism; make sure to test thyroid hormone levels18

  • expert opinionSafety in pediatrics and in pregnancy has not been established18

  • anecdotalConcerns were described relating to female consequences of use given gender variations in growth hormone pulses affecting estimation of dosage, cycling, and long-term consequences17

What people use it for

Based on 2 human trial findings, 1 animal finding, 13 expert opinion findings and 6 anecdotal findings.

  • human trialSubcutaneous administration of CJC-1295 resulted in sustained, dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-I levels in healthy adults3

  • human trialCJC-1295 may have clinical utility in patients with intact pituitary GH secretory capability9

  • animalCJC-1295 enhances growth in rats9

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 improves GH and IGF-11

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 restores circadian growth hormone1

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 increases muscle mass/strength1

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 improves performance and recovery1

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 provides better energy, sleep, cognition, and bone density1

Show 14 more findings

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 provides weight management support1

  • expert opinionTherapeutic peptides are short chains of amino acids used to treat metabolic and endocrine conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes4

  • expert opinionNovel, unapproved compounds have emerged and are rapidly expanding into preventive medicine and performance enhancement4

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 is considered a Prohibited Substance under Section S2 of the WADA Prohibited List12

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 is an unapproved peptide marketed direct to patients15

  • expert opinionCJC-1295 is used in sports medicine for accelerated injury recovery and performance enhancement15

  • expert opinionStimulates pituitary endogenous GH (growth hormone)18

  • expert opinionIncreases endogenous IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1)18

  • anecdotalCJC-1295 is readily available and is being used within the bodybuilding community12

  • anecdotalForum users reported use of CJC-1295 for weight loss17

  • anecdotalForum users reported use of CJC-1295 for muscle enhancement17

  • anecdotalForum users reported use of CJC-1295 for youthful skin17

  • anecdotalForum users reported use of CJC-1295 for improved sleep17

  • anecdotalForum users reported use of CJC-1295 for injury healing17

Other findings

Based on 2 human trial findings and 1 animal finding.

  • human trialConjugation of CJC-1295 to plasma proteins prevents its detection by top-down mass-spectrometry-based peptide screening protocols7

  • human trialAn immuno-polymerase chain reaction (I-PCR) assay was developed capable of detecting the CJC-1295-protein conjugate at concentrations down to 0.8 pg/mL7

  • animalA screening threshold for CJC-1295 in equine plasma of 50 pg/mL was established to account for endogenous equine GHRH detection7

Points of contention

Where the evidence is unsettled, thin, or says less than the popular claim — worth knowing before you draw conclusions.

Limited evidence

Human evidence rests essentially on one small 2006 Phase 1 trial; no completed efficacy trials.

The core human findings (2-10x GH, 1.5-3x IGF-I, 5.8-8.1 d half-life) all trace to the Teichman et al. 2006 Phase 1 RCT and a related pulsatility study in healthy young men. Multiple sources note no completed Phase 2 or Phase 3 efficacy trials exist, long-term safety data are limited, and animal/orthopaedic findings do not support clinical use.

Contested

Reported half-life of the non-DAC version varies and the 6-day vs 6-8-day DAC figure differs slightly across sources.

Non-DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) half-life is cited as ~30 minutes by most sources but as 'twenty-five to thirty minutes' by one; native GHRH half-life is given as 7 minutes in some sources and 7-10 minutes in others. DAC half-life is stated as 6 days in one regulatory document but 6-8 days (and 5.8-8.1 d, and 8 d) elsewhere.

Contested

The Phase II trial death was attributed differently across documents.

A 2006 12-week Phase II trial in 192 HIV patients with lipodystrophy reported 1 death from myocardial infarction. One regulatory document notes the attending physician believed it was unrelated to treatment, while a peptide site frames the trial discontinuation as following the death reportedly due to a cardiovascular event.

Limited evidence

Many use-case claims come from vendor, forum, and low-tier sources, not clinical trials.

Claims of muscle growth, fat loss, improved sleep, skin rejuvenation, cognition, and injury recovery derive from tier-3 vendor pages, consumer guides, and analyzed forum posts (anecdotal/expert_opinion), not controlled human efficacy data. FDA identified serious adverse events and voted 13-0 against adding CJC-1295 to the 503A bulks list.

Single source

Amino-acid count is reported inconsistently (29 vs 30).

Some sources describe CJC-1295 as based on the 29-amino-acid GHRH(1-29) core, while others (including anti-doping studies and a vendor guide) describe it as a 30-amino-acid peptide, reflecting whether the DAC/lysine linker moiety is counted.

Using it with other compounds

Check a stack
  • KlothoStack with caution

    Worth caution

    CJC-1295 raises GH and IGF-1 by 1.5–3 fold, whereas Klotho's anti-aging action partly depends on restraining IGF-1/insulin signaling. Because the two push IGF-1 in opposite directions, combining them for longevity purposes may blunt Klotho's mechanism; the tension is theoretical but real and worth flagging.

    Tier 4Theoretical — not established
    What the research doesn't establish
    While CJC-1295 clearly raises IGF-1 by 1.5–3 fold, it is not established that Klotho's longevity effect depends on restraining IGF-1 signaling; Klotho modulates the IGF-1/insulin axis as part of a multi-target mechanism rather than opposing it. The claimed directional conflict between the two on IGF-1 signaling has not been demonstrated.

    Shares IGF1 signaling

  • SermorelinSame mechanism

    Worth caution

    Both are GHRH analogs that hit the exact same receptor (GHRH-R) on pituitary somatotrophs to trigger the cAMP-driven GH pulse. Stacking them is redundant rather than additive — you'd just be doubling up on one mechanism. CJC-1295 is longer-acting than sermorelin, so most people choose one or the other rather than combining.

    Tier 3Largely anecdotal — commonly discussed

    Timing If transitioning, pick one GHRH agent rather than running both simultaneously.

    Shares GH axis · protein synthesis · IGF1 signaling · cAMP PKA

  • TesamorelinSame mechanism

    Worth caution

    Tesamorelin is also a stabilized GHRH analog acting on the same GHRH-R/cAMP pathway to raise GH and IGF-1. Combining it with CJC-1295 stacks two drugs doing the identical job, which is redundant and could over-drive IGF-1 without adding a distinct benefit. Choose one GHRH agent for a given goal.

    Tier 3Largely anecdotal — commonly discussed

    Timing Avoid running two GHRH analogs at once; select one.

    Shares GH axis · IGF1 signaling · cAMP PKA

  • IpamorelinComplementary

    May be complementary

    Ipamorelin works through a different receptor (the ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptor) than CJC-1295's GHRH-R. GHRH analogs increase the size of each GH pulse while ghrelin-mimetics increase pulse frequency and suppress somatostatin — so the two amplify each other's GH release. This GHRH + GHRP pairing is the classic synergistic GH stack.

    Tier 3Largely anecdotal — commonly discussed

    Timing Commonly co-administered in the same injection, typically on an empty stomach at night.

    Shares GH axis · IGF1 signaling

  • HexarelinComplementary

    Worth caution

    Hexarelin is a ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist, a different upstream mechanism from CJC-1295's GHRH receptor. The two converge on greater GH secretion, so combining amplitude (GHRH) with a secretagogue can be additive. Note hexarelin also stimulates ACTH/cortisol and prolactin and can desensitize its receptor over time, so it's less selective than ipamorelin.

    Tier 3Largely anecdotal — commonly discussed

    Timing Dose on an empty stomach; watch for cortisol/prolactin effects with repeated hexarelin use.

    Shares GH axis · IGF1 signaling

  • Follistatin-344Complementary

    Worth caution

    Follistatin-344 builds muscle by blocking myostatin/activin (disinhibiting mTOR/Akt), an entirely different mechanism from CJC-1295's GH/IGF-1 elevation. Both converge on protein synthesis and lean mass, so they can be complementary for body-composition goals via independent pathways.

    Tier 4Theoretical — not established

    Shares protein synthesis · IGF1 signaling

  • MK-677Complementary

    Worth caution

    MK-677 is an oral ghrelin-receptor agonist that raises GH/IGF-1 via a different receptor than CJC-1295. The mechanisms are complementary (pulse amplitude from GHRH vs. secretagogue-driven pulses), but because MK-677 produces sustained IGF-1 elevation, combining the two can push IGF-1 high — monitor levels and watch for water retention/appetite effects.

    Tier 3Largely anecdotal — commonly discussed

    Timing MK-677 is long-acting/daily; monitor IGF-1 if combined with a GHRH analog.

    Shares GH axis · protein synthesis · IGF1 signaling

  • BPC-157Same downstream effect

    Worth caution

    BPC-157 is reported to upregulate growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts, sensitizing tissue to GH/IGF-1-driven repair. CJC-1295 raises systemic GH and IGF-1 from a different starting point (GHRH receptor). Together they may converge on the same anabolic/repair output — one increasing the signal (IGF-1), the other increasing receptor availability at the repair site.

    Tier 4Theoretical — not established
    What the research doesn't establish
    It is not established that BPC-157 upregulates growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts or sensitizes tissue to GH/IGF-1 signaling; while CJC-1295 clearly raises GH and IGF-1 via the GHRH receptor, BPC-157's documented repair pathways do not show that the two converge on a shared GH/IGF-1 output.
  • AOD-9604Complementary

    May be complementary

    CJC-1295 boosts GH (and downstream IGF-1) through the GHRH receptor, a hormone-mediated path to fat mobilization, while AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis directly at the adipocyte. The two hit fat loss from different directions and are not redundant with each other.

    Tier 3Largely anecdotal — commonly discussed

    Shares cAMP PKA

Safety and side effects

Safety and Tolerability

The Teichman trial reports no serious adverse reactions and describes CJC-1295 as safe and relatively well tolerated, particularly at doses of 30 or 60 μg/kg2,3. A regulatory document reports the most frequently reported adverse events were injection-site reactions (transient pain, swelling, induration, sometimes local urticaria), with no serious adverse reactions in either Phase 1 study; other reported side effects include flu-like symptoms, headaches, irritability, anxiety, nausea, and hives1. A regulatory review lists common side effects including flushing, injection-site erythema, rash, edema, joint and muscle pain, and fatigue18. A comparison article adds mild injection-site reactions (redness, itching), water retention or mild bloating, and rare tingling or numbness in the extremities. A vendor guide states that Ionescu & Frohman (2006) confirmed GH pulsatility is preserved during continuous CJC-1295 DAC stimulation with no increase in prolactin, cortisol, or ACTH(vendor claim).

Cautions

A regulatory review cautions that GH may be mitogenic (use with caution in patients prone to or with cancer), may mask symptoms of hypothyroidism (thyroid levels should be tested), and that safety in pediatrics and pregnancy has not been established18. A GH-peptide guide states that GH secretagogues tend to have a more favourable safety and side-effect profile than exogenous HGH — particularly regarding IGF-1 overshoot and glucose dysregulation — because the somatostatin self-regulating mechanism is preserved.

The Phase II trial death (attributed differently across sources)

Two regulatory documents report that a 2006 12-week Phase II clinical trial of CJC-1295 DAC in 192 HIV patients with lipodystrophy reported 1 death from myocardial infarction; one notes the attending physician believed it was unrelated to treatment1,18. Separately, a peptide guide reports that ConjuChem advanced CJC-1295 DAC through Phase II trials for adult growth hormone deficiency but discontinued clinical development following the death of a participant, reportedly due to a cardiovascular event, and that it never advanced beyond Phase II or gained approval in any jurisdiction(vendor claim).

Regulatory posture and evidence gaps

A peptide guide reports that the FDA's December 4, 2024 Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee voted 0 yes, 13 no, 0 abstentions against adding CJC-1295 free base to the 503A bulks list, and that the FDA identified serious adverse events including increased heart rate and a systemic vasodilatory reaction, plus immunogenicity and peptide-impurity risks(vendor claim). A consumer guide states CJC-1295 is classified as an FDA 503A Category 2 prohibited substance as of April 2026 and is not FDA-approved for any indication(vendor claim). A comparison article states long-term safety data in healthy adults remain limited, with most research focused on short-term GH/IGF-1 elevations. A review describes CJC-1295 as an investigational peptide that lacks long-term safety data and systematic validation, with knowledge gaps in optimal dosing, combination-therapy effects, and monitoring biomarkers5, and another notes it is used in sports medicine largely outside regulatory oversight, with favorable animal-model outcomes but scarce rigorous human safety data15. It is prohibited by WADA under category S211,12,18.

Reconstitution and handling

Dosing

No dose has been established for this compound. CJC-1295 is not FDA-approved for any indication, and multiple sources note no completed Phase 2 or Phase 3 efficacy trials exist; an orthopaedic review states that indications, dosing, frequency, and duration of treatment remain unknown10. The figures below are what sources report — not guidance — and are administered by subcutaneous injection.

  • A regulatory dosing protocol recommends CJC-1295 without DAC at 0.05–0.1 ml QHS (at bedtime), 5 days out of the week, and CJC-1295 with DAC at 600 mcg injected once weekly18.
  • A half-life explainer gives typical CJC-1295 DAC dosing as once weekly 1–2 mg in a single subcutaneous injection, or twice weekly 0.5–1 mg per injection spaced 3–4 days apart, while CJC-1295 without DAC is dosed once daily pre-bed.
  • A comparison article states CJC-1295 is often administered 1–2 times per week.
  • In the Teichman trial, single doses were studied around 30 and 60 μg/kg, with the trial noting good tolerability particularly at 30 or 60 μg/kg2,3; a pulsatility RCT compared 60 and 90 μg/kg and found no significant difference between responses9.

Pharmacokinetic rationale

A regulatory review reports the once-weekly schedule reflects the DAC half-life of ~6 days10,18. A half-life explainer describes CJC-1295 DAC decaying to about 50% of peak by day 6–8 and 25% by day 12–16, versus the non-DAC version reaching 50% of peak at minute 30 and 25% at minute 60. A peptide site states pharmacokinetic modeling predicts CJC-1295 DAC reaches steady-state plasma concentrations by the second or third weekly dose, forming an ~70 kDa albumin–CJC-1295 complex(vendor claim). The Teichman trial reports a cumulative IGF-I effect with multiple doses, IGF-I remaining above baseline up to 28 days2,3.

Product / preparation notes

A vendor guide lists CJC-1295 with DAC as available in a 2 mg configuration with batch-specific COAs, CAS 863288-34-0, molecular weight ~3,647 Da prior to albumin conjugation, and 30 amino acids12. A regulatory review lists a molecular weight of 3647.15 and molecular formula C165H269N47O4618. Note that amino-acid count is reported inconsistently — 29 (the GHRH(1-29) core) versus 30 (counting the DAC/lysine linker) — across sources. The claims provided do not specify a bacteriostatic-water reconstitution volume; concentration after reconstitution depends on the diluent volume added to the labeled 2 mg vial.

Sources

Ordered by evidence quality — the strongest first.

  1. FDA Presentation – CJC-1295(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 1Web · downloads.regulations.gov
  2. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like ...(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 1Web · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 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(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 1Web · researchgate.net
  4. Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 1PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2026
  5. Therapeutic peptides in gerontology: mechanisms and applications for healthy aging.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 1PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2026
  6. A method for confirming CJC-1295 abuse in equine plasma samples by LC-MS/MS.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 1PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2019
  7. An immuno polymerase chain reaction screen for the detection of CJC-1295 and other growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogs in equine plasma.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 1PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2019
  8. Activation of the GH/IGF-1 axis by CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog, results in serum protein profile changes in normal adult subjects.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 1PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2009
  9. Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 1PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2006
  10. Injectable Peptide Therapy: A Primer for Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Physicians.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2026
  11. Advances in the detection of growth hormone releasing hormone synthetic analogs.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2021
  12. Identification of CJC-1295, a growth-hormone-releasing peptide, in an unknown pharmaceutical preparation.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2010
  13. Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2006
  14. Human growth hormone-releasing factor (hGRF)1-29-albumin bioconjugates activate the GRF receptor on the anterior pituitary in rats: identification of CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analog.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2005
  15. Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2026
  16. Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2026
  17. Netnography of Female Use of the Synthetic Growth Hormone CJC-1295: Pulses and Potions.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2016
  18. CJC 1295(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · downloads.regulations.gov · 2006

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