CJC-1295

CJC-1295 is a long-acting synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) originally derived from the first 29 amino acids of human GHRH (hGRF(1-29)) Human growth hormone-releasing factor (hGRF)1-29-albumin bioconjugates activate the GRF receptor on the anterior pituitary in rats: identification of CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analog. Unlike natural GHRH, which is broken down in minutes, CJC-1295 is modified with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that binds to albumin in the blood after injection, dramatically extending its activity to about a week Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults+1. This means a single dose can raise growth hormone (GH) for at least 6 days and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) for 9–11 days, amplifying the body’s own GH output rather than adding exogenous GH Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults+1.

The compound has been studied in healthy adults to confirm its pharmacodynamics — that is, how it affects GH and IGF-1 levels over time — and in animal models to understand its receptor activation and growth-promoting potential Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults+2. Research shows it preserves pulsatile GH secretion, meaning the natural rhythmic release of GH is maintained, while raising the baseline GH level Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog. Because of this profile, CJC-1295 attracts interest for conditions where boosted endogenous GH might be helpful, such as age-related GH decline, recovery support, or body composition changes, though long-term outcome data in humans are not yet available Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1.

CJC-1295 is not approved for any medical use and is considered investigational Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance+1.

CJC-1295 works by binding to and activating the GHRH receptor on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland, the same receptor that natural GHRH uses to trigger GH release Human growth hormone-releasing factor (hGRF)1-29-albumin bioconjugates activate the GRF receptor on the anterior pituitary in rats: identification of CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analog+1. Once bound, it causes the pituitary to secrete more GH into the bloodstream. The crucial difference from native GHRH is the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) — a chemical group that forms a covalent bond with albumin, a large protein in the blood Human growth hormone-releasing factor (hGRF)1-29-albumin bioconjugates activate the GRF receptor on the anterior pituitary in rats: identification of CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analog. This albumin-bound form is protected from rapid enzymatic breakdown and kidney clearance, allowing continuous receptor stimulation for days rather than minutes Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults+1.

In human studies, a single subcutaneous injection led to a 2- to 10-fold increase in plasma GH that persisted for more than 6 days, and a 1.5- to 3-fold rise in IGF-1 that lasted up to 11 days Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. Importantly, CJC-1295 does not flatten GH secretion into a continuous trickle; it preserves the natural pulsatile pattern while elevating the trough (baseline) GH about 7.5-fold, which in turn drives higher IGF-1 production Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog. This sustained but physiologic stimulation is different from injecting recombinant GH, which produces a non-pulsatile peak and suppresses endogenous GH secretion Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives.

The albumin-binding design is what separates CJC-1295 from shorter-acting GHRH analogs like sermorelin, which lack a DAC and have a half-life of only minutes Human growth hormone-releasing factor (hGRF)1-29-albumin bioconjugates activate the GRF receptor on the anterior pituitary in rats: identification of CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analog+1. By extending the window of pituitary activation, CJC-1295 can be dosed once or twice a week in research protocols, while non-DAC versions require multiple daily injections Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults+1.

The primary documented effect of CJC-1295 in human trials is a robust and sustained increase in circulating GH and IGF-1 Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults+1. In healthy men, a single dose raised mean GH by about 46% and IGF-1 by 45% one week later, without altering the frequency or amplitude of natural GH pulses Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog. These findings establish that the compound effectively amplifies endogenous GH output, with the biomarker elevation persisting well beyond the injection interval.

Beyond these endocrine measurements, direct evidence for changes in body composition, strength, recovery, or aging is limited. The research literature emphasizes the pharmacodynamic effect on the GH/IGF-1 axis rather than outcomes like fat loss or muscle gain Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1. One study did find that CJC-1295 altered serum protein expression patterns in normal adults, hinting at broader metabolic signaling, but this does not yet translate to proven functional benefits Activation of the GH/IGF-1 axis by CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog, results in serum protein profile changes in normal adult subjects. Animal data show that once-daily CJC-1295 can normalize growth in GH-deficient mice, supporting the concept that GHRH receptor agonism can restore GH-axis function when the pituitary is intact Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse.

In community practice, CJC-1295 is often used with the expectation of improved body composition, faster recovery, better sleep, and enhanced well-being, but none of these outcomes are backed by controlled human trials in the provided corpus Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1. The strength of evidence therefore sits at a moderate level for endocrine stimulation and low for downstream health or performance benefits.

Research dosing protocols for CJC-1295 come from two main sources: controlled human pharmacodynamic studies and community practice. The human trials used single subcutaneous doses of 60–90 mcg/kg Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults+1. For an 80 kg (176 lb) individual, 30–60 mcg/kg translates to 2.4–4.8 mg per injection, with repeat dosing at weekly or biweekly intervals producing cumulative IGF-1 elevation that persisted up to 28 days Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults.

Community protocols, which are not validated by direct outcome trials, generally use much lower total doses: 1–2 mg once weekly for DAC CJC-1295, often starting at 1 mg for the first few weeks to assess tolerability Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1. Cycles typically run 8–16 weeks, followed by a 4–8 week off-period for reassessment of IGF-1, glucose, and side effects Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance+1. No formal titration rules exist, but many users increase from 1 mg to 2 mg weekly if IGF-1 response is suboptimal and side effects are mild, based on practitioner consensus.

When stacking with a ghrelin-receptor agonist like ipamorelin, the CJC-1295 dose is often kept at the lower end (1 mg weekly) while ipamorelin is taken daily at 100–300 mcg subcutaneously, typically at bedtime Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives. This dual-pathway approach aims for synergistic GH release, though human outcome evidence for the combination is absent Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1.

CJC-1295 is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder that must be mixed with a diluent before injection. Bacteriostatic water (0.9% sodium chloride with benzyl alcohol) is the standard choice for multi-dose vials because it helps prevent bacterial growth after the first puncture Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives. To reconstitute, inject the diluent slowly down the inside wall of the vial, avoiding direct blasts into the powder; gently swirl to dissolve — never shake, as vigorous agitation can damage peptide integrity Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance+1.

After mixing, the solution should be stored in the refrigerator at 2–8°C (36–46°F) and used within 28–45 days when bacteriostatic water is the diluent Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives. Protect from light and avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Unreconstituted vials should also be kept refrigerated or frozen, shielded from moisture and light Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives. CJC-1295’s albumin-binding design does not make the peptide indefinitely stable in solution, so discard any vial that becomes cloudy, discolored, or contains particles Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance.

The interactive calculator on this page can handle the math for your specific vial size and dose target. In community settings, a common setup is 2 mL of diluent into a 5 mg vial (yielding 2.5 mg/mL) or 4 mL into a 10 mg vial (2.5 mg/mL), which gives a convenient 250 mcg per 0.1 mL unit on a U-100 insulin syringe.

Combining CJC-1295 with other compounds is common, but the evidence base is mostly mechanistic or based on related therapies, not on dedicated interaction studies. The most discussed pairing is with ipamorelin, a ghrelin-receptor agonist that stimulates GH release through a different pathway (GHS-R1a) than the GHRH receptor targeted by CJC-1295 Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1. The theoretical synergy is strong: CJC-1295 raises the baseline for GH secretion, while ipamorelin boosts pulse amplitude, potentially leading to greater total GH output Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog+1. However, no human outcome trials have tested this combination for safety or efficacy Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1.

Using CJC-1295 with other GHRH analogs like sermorelin or tesamorelin is generally redundant, as they act on the same receptor Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives. Stacking with oral GH secretagogues such as MK-677 can amplify GH and IGF-1 levels further, but also raises the risk of glucose intolerance and fluid retention Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1. Adding insulin or IGF-1 derivatives like IGF-1 LR3 carries additional metabolic and proliferative concerns, especially outside clinical monitoring Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives.

Because CJC-1295 may impair insulin sensitivity through sustained GH elevation, caution is advised when combining with glucose-lowering medications (insulin, metformin, GLP-1 agonists) or when the individual has prediabetes Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1. Monitoring fasting glucose and IGF-1 is essential in any stacking protocol.

There is no direct evidence from human trials that CJC-1295 must be cycled to avoid receptor desensitization or tachyphylaxis. In healthy men, a single dose preserved the natural pulsatile GH secretion pattern and did not suppress pulse frequency or amplitude one week later, which argues against rapid receptor shutdown Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog. The rationale for cycling, therefore, comes from practical concerns rather than established biological necessity.

The main reasons for periodic “off” periods are: to reassess whether rising IGF-1 remains within age-appropriate ranges, to allow resolution of fluid retention or glucose changes, and to manage cost and diminishing returns Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1. Community protocols often use 8–12 weeks on CJC-1295 (or a stack) followed by 4–8 weeks off, drawing labs toward the end of the off-cycle Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives. This pattern allows re-evaluation of baseline hormone levels and side effects without indefinite exposure.

Because the drug’s half-life is 5.8–8.1 days and IGF-1 can stay elevated for weeks after stopping, washout is gradual Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. No withdrawal syndrome has been documented, and the primary risk of continuous use is that potential long-term consequences of sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation — such as insulin resistance, edema, or cancer promotion — are still poorly characterized Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1. Thus, cycling is a risk-management tool, not a pharmacological requirement.

The most common stack in the CJC-1295 literature is with a ghrelin-receptor agonist, primarily ipamorelin, owing to the complementary mechanisms Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1. While CJC-1295 continually stimulates the pituitary via the GHRH receptor, ipamorelin short pulses from the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) can synergize to produce larger GH secretory bursts Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog+1. Many practitioners believe this dual-pathway approach yields a more physiological and robust GH output than either compound alone, though human outcome data are lacking Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1.

Other reported stacks include pairing CJC-1295 with regenerative peptides like BPC-157 or TB-500, typically when the goal is injury repair rather than pure GH enhancement Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives. There is no evidence of negative receptor interactions, but safety data are absent, and polypharmacy always raises the monitoring burden Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance+1. More caution is warranted when combining CJC-1295 with other GH-axis stimulators (MK-677, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, or injectable GH), as these can compound the metabolic risks — especially hyperglycemia and fluid retention — and can push IGF-1 into persistently supraphysiologic territory Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1.

As with any stack, the fundamental principle is to add one new agent at a time, start low, and track objective markers: at minimum, IGF-1, fasting glucose, blood pressure, and edema signs.

CJC-1295 is not FDA-approved for any indication and is classified as an investigational compound Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance+1. The human studies that exist were small, early-phase trials demonstrating endocrine activity, not pivotal registration studies, and no manufacturer has brought the drug through the regulatory approval process for medical use Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults+1. In the United States, CJC-1295 is not scheduled as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, but it remains an unapproved drug, meaning that selling it for human consumption violates federal law Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance+1.

The compound is explicitly prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) under category S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors, and related substances) Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance+1. Several anti-doping laboratories have developed methods to detect CJC-1295 in urine and blood, even at low picogram-per-mL levels, and athletes face sanctions for its use A method for confirming CJC-1295 abuse in equine plasma samples by LC-MS/MS+2. Because CJC-1295 has a long half-life and its albumin-bound forms complicate detection, specialized assays are required, but detection is feasible A method for confirming CJC-1295 abuse in equine plasma samples by LC-MS/MS+2.

In practice, CJC-1295 is often sold through research chemical suppliers, compounding pharmacies, or direct-to-consumer gray market channels, where product authenticity and purity are major concerns Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance+2. The regulatory environment is fluid, with FDA crackdowns on certain peptide substances, and consumers should be aware that possession or importation of unapproved injectable drugs carries legal risk Injectable Peptides in Sports Medicine: A Structured Narrative Review of Evidence, Safety, and Antidoping Implications.

In short-term human studies, CJC-1295 was generally well tolerated by healthy adults, with the most common side effects being those typical of GH/IGF-1 elevation Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults+1. These include transient water retention (leading to mild edema, puffiness, or weight gain), tingling in the hands (paresthesia), headache, flushing, and increased appetite Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1. Joint stiffness and carpal tunnel-like symptoms can also occur, particularly at higher doses or with prolonged use Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1.

More serious concerns arise from the potential of sustained IGF-1 elevation to impair glucose metabolism and promote cell growth. Reviews note that GH secretagogues as a class can worsen insulin sensitivity, raising fasting glucose and HbA1c over time, though this has not been thoroughly quantified for CJC-1295 Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1. The theoretical risk of cancer promotion is also discussed, because elevated IGF-1 is mitogenic, but no long-term carcinogenicity studies exist for the compound Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1. For this reason, CJC-1295 is contraindicated in individuals with active cancer or a history of hormone-sensitive tumors Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance+1.

Product quality is an additional safety concern. Since CJC-1295 is often obtained outside regulated pharmaceutical channels, the risk of mislabeled, contaminated, or otherwise adulterated product is significant Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance+2. Using a product that is not what it claims to be introduces unpredictable health risks. Responsible use in research contexts requires baseline and periodic monitoring of IGF-1, glucose, liver/kidney function, and blood pressure, with discontinuation if these markers stray outside acceptable ranges Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives+1.