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What Is CJC-1295? Benefits, Research & Safety
A synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone analogue designed for extended half-life and sustained growth hormone secretion.
Also known as:
CJC-1295 DAC
CJC-1295 without DAC
Modified GRF 1-29
Mod GRF
Educational Content Only: This page provides research-based information for educational purposes. CJC-1295 is not an approved medicine. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Quick Facts
Category
Hormonal & Endocrine
Half-Life
DAC version: 6-8 days; Non-DAC version: approximately 30 minutes
UK Status
Not licensed for human use. Research compound only.
EU Status
Not approved for therapeutic use.
Overview
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), the natural hormone that stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. CJC-1295 was developed to overcome the very short half-life of native GHRH (which lasts only minutes in circulation).
There are two main forms of CJC-1295:
**CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)**: Contains a lysine residue that allows binding to albumin in the blood, dramatically extending its half-life to approximately 6-8 days. This allows for less frequent administration but results in sustained GH elevation.
**CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF)**: Has amino acid substitutions that improve stability compared to native GHRH but has a much shorter half-life of approximately 30 minutes. This version produces more pulsatile GH release similar to natural physiology.
CJC-1295 stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone in a more physiological manner than direct GH administration. It is often combined with growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) like Ipamorelin for synergistic effects.
CJC-1295 is not approved for human therapeutic use and remains a research compound.
Discovery & History
CJC-1295 was developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies, a Canadian pharmaceutical company, in the early 2000s. The company specialised in developing long-acting versions of therapeutic peptides using their Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) technology.
The DAC technology involves attaching a reactive chemical group to peptides that allows them to bind covalently to serum albumin after injection. This dramatically extends the peptide's half-life in circulation.
CJC-1295 with DAC entered clinical trials for growth hormone deficiency, HIV-associated lipodystrophy, and other conditions. Phase II trials showed it could effectively increase GH and IGF-1 levels with weekly or bi-weekly dosing.
However, development was complicated by safety concerns—some trial participants experienced serious adverse events including heart attack, though the relationship to CJC-1295 was not definitively established. Clinical development was discontinued.
The shorter-acting version (CJC-1295 without DAC, or Mod GRF 1-29) has continued to be studied and used in research settings. It is often combined with GHRPs in research protocols aimed at stimulating GH secretion.
Mechanism of Action
CJC-1295 works through the GHRH receptor to stimulate growth hormone release:
**GHRH Receptor Activation**
CJC-1295 binds to and activates GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotroph cells, the cells responsible for producing and releasing growth hormone. This stimulates cAMP production and subsequent GH synthesis and secretion.
**Extended Duration (DAC version)**
The DAC modification allows CJC-1295 to bind to serum albumin, protecting it from degradation and extending its half-life to 6-8 days. This results in sustained elevation of GH levels rather than the pulsatile release seen with shorter-acting peptides.
**Synergy with GHRPs**
CJC-1295 (especially the non-DAC version) is often combined with GHRPs like Ipamorelin. GHRPs work through the ghrelin receptor, a different mechanism that is synergistic with GHRH receptor activation. The combination can produce greater GH release than either alone.
**IGF-1 Elevation**
By stimulating GH release, CJC-1295 indirectly increases IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) production from the liver and other tissues. IGF-1 mediates many of GH's anabolic and metabolic effects.
**Pulsatile vs Sustained Release**
The version without DAC produces more physiological pulsatile GH release, while the DAC version produces sustained elevation. The optimal approach may depend on the specific application.
[Molecular Structure Diagram Placeholder]
Researched Benefits
Based on preclinical and clinical research findings:
- 1Increased growth hormone secretion from the pituitary
- 2Elevated IGF-1 levels
- 3Potential improvements in body composition (increased muscle, decreased fat)
- 4Possible enhancement of recovery and tissue repair
- 5Potential improvements in sleep quality (with pulsatile version)
- 6Synergistic effects when combined with GHRPs
Theoretical Dosing & Protocols
⚠️ Educational Only: The following information is derived from research literature and is not a prescription or recommendation. No standardised human dosing exists. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
| Theoretical Dosage | 1-2 mg per week (DAC version); 100-200 mcg per dose (non-DAC) |
| Frequency | Once or twice weekly (DAC); 2-3 times daily (non-DAC) |
| Duration | Variable; typically several months in research protocols |
| Notes | CJC-1295 is not approved for human use. The non-DAC version is often combined with GHRPs. DAC version use is less common due to historical safety concerns. Any use should be under medical supervision. |
Administration Routes
Routes studied in research settings (educational only):
- Subcutaneous injection (most common)
- Intramuscular injection
| Half-Life | Stability |
|---|---|
| DAC version: 6-8 days; Non-DAC version: approximately 30 minutes | Lyophilised powder should be stored refrigerated or frozen; reconstituted solution refrigerated |
Safety Profile & Known Risks
Commonly Reported Side Effects
- Injection site reactions (redness, swelling)
- Water retention
- Tingling or numbness in extremities
- Headache
- Fatigue
Rare Risks & Concerns
- Cardiovascular events (reported in clinical trials of DAC version)
- Effects on glucose metabolism
- Potential effects on tumour growth (GH is a growth factor)
- Unknown long-term effects
Contraindications
- Active malignancy or history of cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes or glucose intolerance
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Children and adolescents (except under specialist care)
UK & EU Regulatory Context
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Not licensed for human use. Research compound only.
🇪🇺 European Union
Not approved for therapeutic use.
CJC-1295 clinical development was discontinued after safety concerns in trials. It is prohibited in competitive sports by WADA. Not available through legitimate medical channels.
Clinical Studies Summary
CJC-1295 Phase II Clinical Trials
Clinical investigations of CJC-1295 with DAC for growth hormone-related conditions.
ConjuChem trial data; J Clin Endocrinol Metab publicationsView on PubMed
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