CJC-1295
Medium EvidenceA growth hormone releasing hormone analog studied for stimulating growth hormone secretion.
What It Is
CJC-1295 (without DAC) is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) consisting of 29 amino acids with modified residues to improve stability and receptor binding. It stimulates the anterior pituitary to release growth hormone in a pulsatile pattern that more closely mimics natural physiology than exogenous GH administration. CJC-1295 is most commonly studied in combination with ipamorelin, where the two peptides synergistically amplify GH pulse amplitude — CJC-1295 extending the duration of the GH pulse while ipamorelin increases its peak. Clinical studies have shown that CJC-1295 increases mean plasma GH concentrations 2- to 10-fold for up to six days following a single injection, with corresponding increases in IGF-1 levels persisting for 9–11 days. The no-DAC formulation has a shorter half-life than the DAC version, which researchers often prefer for more physiological GH pulsatility rather than sustained elevation. CJC-1295 was affected by the FDA's October 2023 Category 2 designation for compounding. As of April 2026, the Category 2 nomination has been withdrawn for 503A compounding pharmacies, restoring limited compounding eligibility. It is expected to be reviewed by the PCAC before February 2027. CJC-1295 is not FDA-approved for any indication.
Regulatory Status
Returned to Category 1 compounding eligibility under HHS February 27, 2026 reclassification. Legal for compounding pharmacies with a prescription.
Effective: February 2026
View FDA SourceWhy Researchers Study It
CJC-1295 is of particular interest because it provides sustained growth hormone elevation through a modified GHRH structure. Its DAC variant extends the half-life to approximately one week, enabling less frequent dosing in research protocols compared to native GHRH.
Proposed Mechanisms
- Binds to GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotrophs
- Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) binds albumin, extending half-life to ~6–8 days
- Stimulates pulsatile GH release, preserving natural secretion patterns
- Increases IGF-1 levels downstream of GH elevation
- Does not significantly suppress endogenous GHRH production at studied doses
Evidence Snapshot
Commonly Discussed Benefits
Safety & Cautions
- May affect blood sugar levels
- Potential for water retention reported in studies
- Not FDA-approved for any indication
- Should be discussed with a healthcare provider
Comparisons
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Citations
- [1] Teichman SL. et al. — Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295. JCEM. 2006 PubMed
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Related Peptides
Ipamorelin
Medium EvidenceA selective growth hormone secretagogue studied for targeted GH release with fewer side effects than other GH peptides.
DSIP
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AOD-9604
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Tesamorelin
High EvidenceA GHRH analog FDA-approved for reducing visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Sermorelin
Medium EvidenceA GHRH analog previously FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency diagnosis and treatment.
CJC-1295 (DAC)
Medium EvidenceA long-acting GHRH analog with an extended half-life due to its Drug Affinity Complex modification.