What is CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), consisting of 30 amino acids with modifications for enhanced stability and prolonged activity. It stimulates the pituitary gland to increase endogenous growth hormone (GH) secretion in a pulsatile manner, elevating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. This promotes benefits such as improved body composition (increased lean mass, reduced fat), enhanced recovery, better sleep, skin elasticity, immune support, and anti-aging effects. Two main forms exist: CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex, extended half-life ~6–8 days) and CJC-1295 without DAC (shorter half-life ~30 minutes, often called Mod GRF 1-29), which mimics more natural GH pulses. The DAC version allows less frequent dosing but may cause prolonged elevation, while no-DAC supports pulsatile release and is commonly paired with secretagogues like Ipamorelin.

Discovery and Background

CJC-1295 was developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies in the early 2000s as a long-acting GHRH analog, incorporating amino acid substitutions for resistance to degradation and (in the DAC form) an albumin-binding moiety to extend circulation time. Early research focused on its potential for GH deficiency and metabolic conditions, with human trials in the mid-2000s demonstrating sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation. One Phase II trial in HIV-related lipodystrophy was halted due to a patient death (cause unclear and possibly unrelated), but other studies confirmed safety at lower doses. It remains investigational, not FDA-approved for therapeutic use, though widely explored in wellness, anti-aging, and performance contexts.

Research Overview

Human clinical data (primarily from small trials in healthy adults) show subcutaneous CJC-1295 (with DAC) produces dose-dependent GH increases (2–10-fold for ≥6 days) and IGF-1 rises (1.5–3-fold for 9–11 days), with IGF-1 sustained up to 28 days after multiple doses and half-life ~5.8–8.1 days. No serious adverse events were reported at 30–60 μg/kg doses. Preclinical/animal models confirm normalization of growth/composition in GH-deficient contexts. While promising for GH stimulation without exogenous GH risks, large-scale trials are limited, and evidence relies heavily on early studies and anecdotal reports. It is not approved for medical use; off-label exploration focuses on body composition and recovery.

Common Applications

CJC-1295 is popular in regenerative and performance settings for natural GH/IGF-1 optimization, often alone or stacked (e.g., with Ipamorelin for synergy).

Growth Hormone Stimulation and Body Composition

Elevates GH/IGF-1 to support lean muscle gains, fat metabolism (especially visceral), and improved metabolic health.

• Typical Dosage Ranges (exploratory protocols):
  • With DAC: 1–2 mg per week (often 1–2 injections).
  • Without DAC: 100–300 mcg per injection, 1–3 times daily.
• Administration: Subcutaneous injection.
• Frequency: Weekly (with DAC) or daily/multiple times daily (no DAC).

Recovery and Tissue Repair

Enhances repair from injuries, workouts, or aging via increased GH-mediated regeneration.

• Typical Dosage Ranges:
  • 100–500 mcg (no DAC) or 1–2 mg weekly (with DAC).
• Administration: Subcutaneous.
• Frequency: Daily or as per cycle.

Anti-Aging and Vitality

Improves skin elasticity, sleep quality, energy, cognitive function, and immune resilience.

• Typical Dosage Ranges:
  • Lower end (100–200 mcg no DAC daily or 1 mg with DAC weekly).
• Administration: Subcutaneous.
• Frequency: Ongoing cycles with breaks.

Sleep and Stress Support

Aligns with nocturnal GH pulses for deeper rest and resilience.

• Typical Dosage Ranges:
  • Evening doses (no DAC preferred for pulsatile effect).
• Administration: Subcutaneous.

Frequency: Bedtime.