CJC-1295
Research OnlyA synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with extended half-life. Limited clinical development; not approved for any indication.
DAC:GRF · Modified GRF 1-29 · Tetrasubstituted GRF
4 human studies
- Preclinical
- 14%
- Clinical
- 29%
Based on 14 cited sources
clinically demonstrated · low confidence
Demonstrated effect magnitude — not a recommendation or safety claim.
Research Depth 49: best human evidence is Teichman 2006 (16352683) — two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ascending-dose Phase 1 trials — plus Ionescu 2006 (17018654) controlled clinical trial; small RCT n<50 with a second supporting controlled study (1A 24), industry-sponsored Phase 1 with no systematic review = "some concerns" (1B 11), total human N near the 50 floor (1C 4), healthy-adult surrogate (GH/IGF-1) endpoints not the target GHD population (1D 6), modest rat/mouse preclinical base — Jette 2005 (15817669), Alba 2006 (16822960) (1E 4). Mechanism 85: GHRH-R target with functional GH secretion assays and GHRHKO-mouse rescue (2A 34), full Gαs-adenylyl cyclase-cAMP-PKA somatotroph pathway characterized (2B 26), monotonic dose-response across rat/mouse/human incl. in vivo (2C 16), confirmed in mammalian models (2D 9). Plausibility 76: mechanism→GH/IGF-1 surrogate proven but surrogate→clinical benefit only inferred (3A 26), coherent with established GH-axis biology (3B 22), multiple same-class GHRH analogs (sermorelin, tesamorelin) reliably elevate GH/IGF-1 (3C 18), but breadth of asserted downstream uses caps specificity (3D 10). Global Coverage 36: replication largely within the Frohman/ConjuChem author cluster (4A 12), Canada/USA institutions (4B 9), small CJC-1295-specific literature (4C 10), historical trial registration but no approval anywhere (4D 5). Community Experience 69: broad anti-aging-clinic and bodybuilding use across venues (5A 22), >7-year track record (5B 24), broadly consistent themes (5C 14), minor anecdotal adverse reports only (5D 9). Effectiveness basis clinical (low confidence): human data quantifies a large pharmacodynamic surrogate effect (GH 2-10 fold, IGF-1 1.5-3 fold) but no clinical-outcome trial, surrogate-only endpoints, superiority vs placebo on the surrogate only.
CJC-1295 is a modified version of GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone) engineered for extended duration. The modifications confer resistance to enzymatic degradation and enable prolonged receptor activation.
How It Works (Simplified)
CJC-1295 stimulates growth hormone release through four key mechanisms:
Four amino acid substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 prevent degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase IV, extending half-life from minutes to hours.
The DAC version contains maleimidoproprionic acid that covalently binds to serum albumin, extending half-life to 6-8 days.
Binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, activating Gαs-adenylyl cyclase-cAMP-PKA signaling cascade.
Key Research: Teichman SL et al. (2006) demonstrated 2-10 fold GH elevation for 6+ days and IGF-1 elevation for 9-11 days in Phase 1/2 trials. PMID:16352683
Important Limitations
- Clinical development discontinued in 2006 after participant death (deemed unrelated to drug - pre-existing coronary disease)
- No approved indications in any country
- WADA prohibited substance
- Sustained vs pulsatile GH elevation may have different safety profiles
- Long-term effects of chronic IGF-1 elevation unknown
- Limited human clinical data due to early termination of development program
Reported positives
- Improved sleep quality and deeper sleep reported
- Enhanced recovery from exercise and injury
- Fat loss and body composition improvements over time
- DAC version provides sustained GH elevation
Reported negatives
- Water retention and bloating common
- Injection site irritation, especially with DAC version
- Flushing and warmth after injection
- Results take weeks to become noticeable
“Commonly paired with ipamorelin or GHRP-6. DAC vs no-DAC versions debated in community.”
Self-reported, unverified accounts — not clinical evidence and no substitute for the cited research. Anecdotes are prone to selection bias and placebo effects.
| NCT ID | Title | Peptide | Phase | Status | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT00267527 | A Study to Evaluate CJC 1295 in HIV Patients With Visceral Obesity Obesity, HIV Infections | CJC-1295 | Phase 2 | Terminated | - |
A Study to Evaluate CJC 1295 in HIV Patients With Visceral Obesity
Based on Phase 1 data: Single injection of CJC-1295 DAC produced IGF-1 elevation within 24-48 hours. GH pulsatility patterns may begin to change. Steady-state levels not yet achieved.
PMID:16352683Phase 1 studies showed sustained IGF-1 elevation lasting 9-11 days after single dose. With repeated dosing (weekly or twice-weekly), approaching steady-state levels. GH response patterns established.
PMID:16352683Steady-state GH/IGF-1 elevations achieved with regular administration. In growth-deficient mouse models, normalization of growth occurred over this timeframe. Body composition changes may begin.
PMID:16822960Limited long-term human data available. Animal studies suggest maintained efficacy. Clinical development was discontinued, so extended human timeline data is lacking.
Research-based observations
This timeline reflects observations from published clinical and preclinical studies. Individual responses may vary significantly. This is not a guarantee of effects or a dosing schedule. Consult qualified healthcare providers for personalized guidance.
Good Signs (7 indicators)
Warning Signs (5 indicators)
Bad Signs (7 indicators)
For Research Evaluation Only
These quality indicators are general guidelines based on typical peptide characteristics. Professional laboratory testing (HPLC, mass spectrometry) provides definitive quality verification. This checklist is for initial visual evaluation only.
Ipamorelin
SynergisticCommonly combined in research. CJC-1295 (GHRH analog) stimulates GH release via GHRH receptor while ipamorelin acts on ghrelin receptor. Different mechanisms may produce additive GH release.
GHRP-6
SynergisticGHRH + GHRP combination produces greater GH release than either alone. CJC-1295 amplifies GH pulse while GHRP-6 initiates it via ghrelin receptor.
GHRP-2
SynergisticSimilar synergistic mechanism as GHRP-6. GHRH and GHRP act through complementary pathways to enhance GH secretion.
MK-677
SynergisticCJC-1295 (GHRH pathway) and MK-677 (ghrelin pathway) may act synergistically. Different receptor targets produce complementary GH release.
Semaglutide
CautionGH can impair glucose tolerance. Monitor blood glucose if combining with diabetes medications.
Sermorelin
AvoidBoth are GHRH analogs acting on the same receptor. Combination provides no benefit and may cause receptor desensitization.
Tesamorelin
AvoidBoth are GHRH analogs with identical mechanism. No rationale for combining; use one or the other.
Research Note: Interaction data is based on published literature, mechanistic understanding, and theoretical considerations. Most peptide combinations lack direct clinical study. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare providers.
Key Studies Cited
Full reference list available on request. All citations link to PubMed for verification.
This dossier synthesizes available evidence from peer-reviewed literature, regulatory documents, and clinical trial registries. Evidence strength ratings follow a modified GRADE approach.
For complete methodology details, see our Methodology page.
Important Disclaimer
This dossier is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.
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