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A specimen of the Hormonal drawer Drawer C · Hormonal

CJC-1295

A 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

Research evidence

Moderate

4 human studies

Preclinical: 14%
Human research: 29%

Based on 14 cited sources

Numeric assessment unreviewed

A historical numeric score is recorded but has not passed a current, compound-specific assessment review. No numeric score is displayed.

This is a limitation of the numeric assessment, not a measured absence of benefit. It does not re-review the separately recorded catalogue classification or establish efficacy or safety.

Scoring context and limitations

Identity

Also Known As

DAC:GRF • Modified GRF 1-29 • Tetrasubstituted GRF

Class

Tetrasubstituted GHRH Analog

Length

29 amino acids

Mol. weight

3,367.97 Da

Sequence

YADAIFTNSYRKVLGQLSARKLLQDILSR

Molecular Structure

D-A

Hydrophobic

Polar

Positive

Negative

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:

DPP-IV Resistance

Four amino acid substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 prevent degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase IV, extending half-life from minutes to hours.

Albumin Binding (DAC)

The DAC version contains maleimidoproprionic acid that covalently binds to serum albumin, extending half-life to 6-8 days.

GHRH-R Activation

Binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, activating Gαs-adenylyl cyclase-cAMP-PKA signaling cascade.

GH/IGF-1 Elevation

Sustained receptor activation produces prolonged GH secretion (2-10 fold for 6+ days) and IGF-1 elevation (9-11 days after single dose).

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

i. GHRH-R Signaling Pathway · GH Release

CJC-1295GHRH-R bindingGαs activationAdenylyl cyclase↑ cAMPPKA activationGH synthesis and secretion

ii. DAC Albumin Conjugation · Extended Half-Life

CJC-1295 DACMPA groupCovalent binding to albumin Cys34Half-life extended to ~6-8 daysSustained GH/IGF-1 elevation

Mechanism GHRH receptor agonism with extended half-life via albumin binding (DAC)

Established 6 direct studies

Benefit shown to produce sustained elevation of growth hormone and IGF-1

Evidence Level

Low

2 Human

2 Animal

1 In Vitro

Mechanism Tetrasubstitution conferring DPP-IV resistance at positions 2, 8, 15, 27

Established 4 direct studies

Benefit shown to extend half-life from minutes to 5-8 days

Evidence Level

Moderate

2 Human

2 Animal

1 In Vitro

Mechanism JAK-STAT and cAMP-PKA pathway activation in somatotrophs

Supported 3 direct studies

Benefit appears to stimulate pituitary GH synthesis and release

Evidence Level

Low

1 Human

2 Animal

2 In Vitro

Mechanism Confidence

Established

Supported

Emerging

Evidence Level

High

Moderate

Low

Very Low

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	-

NCT00267527 Terminated

A Study to Evaluate CJC 1295 in HIV Patients With Visceral Obesity

CJC-1295 Phase 2 Completion: -

Phase 01 1

Week 1-2

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:16352683

Phase 02 2

Week 2-4

Phase 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:16352683

Phase 03 3

Week 4-8

Steady-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:16822960

Phase 04 4

Week 8+

Limited 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.

Synergistic

Compatible

Caution

Avoid

Ipamorelin

Synergistic

Commonly 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.

PMID:7593423

GHRP-6

Synergistic

GHRH + GHRP combination produces greater GH release than either alone. CJC-1295 amplifies GH pulse while GHRP-6 initiates it via ghrelin receptor.

PMID:8045963

GHRP-2

Synergistic

Similar synergistic mechanism as GHRP-6. GHRH and GHRP act through complementary pathways to enhance GH secretion.

Semaglutide

Caution

GH can impair glucose tolerance. Monitor blood glucose if combining with diabetes medications.

Sermorelin

Avoid

Both are GHRH analogs acting on the same receptor. Combination provides no benefit and may cause receptor desensitization.

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.