CJC-1295

CJC-1295 (also known as DAC:GRF) is a modified peptide studied for its effects on growth hormone. Synthetic GHRH analog (growth hormone secretagogue) raising GH/IGF-1 for days per dose; cardiovascular risks noted. WADA-banned, not FDA-approved.

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and growth hormone secretagogue developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies. Two distinct forms exist: CJC-1295 WITH DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) features covalent albumin binding extending half-life to 5.8-8.1 days, while CJC-1295 WITHOUT DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) has 30-minute to 2-hour half-life requiring multiple daily doses. WITH DAC version binds to GHRH receptors in pituitary, activating G-proteins and increasing cAMP/IP3 production, resulting in 2-10 fold GH increases for 6+ days and 1.5-3 fold IGF-1 increases for 9-11 days after single injection.

Overview

After multiple doses, IGF-1 remains elevated for 28 days.

Phase 2 clinical trials for HIV-associated lipodystrophy and growth hormone deficiency showed sustained, dose-dependent GH/IGF-1 increases with good tolerability at 30-60 mcg/kg doses.

Synergistic effects with Ipamorelin: Research indicates combining CJC-1295 with Ipamorelin produces enhanced GH release compared to either peptide alone.

CJC-1295 (GHRH analog) and Ipamorelin (selective GHRP mimicking ghrelin) target different receptor families in the pituitary, creating complementary stimulation—CJC-1295 provides sustained GH release while Ipamorelin induces rapid GH spikes.

Similar peptide combinations (GHRH analog + GHRP-2) showed synergistic interaction: individual compounds produced 20-fold and 47-fold GH increases respectively, but simultaneous application achieved 54-fold increase.

Clinical practitioners report the combination typically produces 3-5 fold increase in GH release versus monotherapy, though this specific claim for CJC-1295/Ipamorelin lacks published human trial verification.

The dual-action mechanism may enhance muscle mass, fat metabolism, recovery, and sleep quality.

Development discontinued following patient death during trials (attributed to unrelated coronary artery disease), though research terminated as precaution.

Critical safety concerns include cardiovascular risks: FDA warns of increased heart rate, systemic vasodilation, flushing, transient hypotension.

Elevated GH/IGF-1 can cause cardiac hypertrophy, fluid retention, increased blood pressure, particularly dangerous for pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

Not FDA-approved; classified as Investigational New Drug available only for research.

Removed from FDA Category 2 list September 2024, making it eligible for Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee review.

Banned by WADA at all times, in and out of competition, as a growth hormone releasing factor under category S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics).

DAC version typically dosed 1-2x weekly, non-DAC version requires daily or twice-daily dosing.

Mechanism of action

Raises growth hormone 2-10 fold and IGF-1 for over a week per injection. Weekly subcutaneous dosing. Investigational only; cardiovascular risks and product-quality concerns.

Reported effects

Effects reported in the literature and from preclinical models include:

• A single subcutaneous injection produced dose-dependent increases in mean plasma growth hormone of 2- to 10-fold for 6 days or more and in mean plasma IGF-1 of 1.5- to 3-fold for 9-11 days in healthy adults. ^[1] Phase I
• After multiple doses, mean IGF-1 levels remained above baseline for up to 28 days, which indicates a cumulative effect. ^[1] Phase I
• The estimated half-life was 5.8-8.1 days, and across single and weekly or biweekly subcutaneous doses no serious adverse reactions were reported, with relatively good tolerability particularly at 30 or 60 micrograms per kg. ^[1] Phase I
• One week after injection in 11 healthy adult men, serum showed decreased apolipoprotein A1 and transthyretin isoforms and an immunoglobulin plus albumin fragment spot that correlated linearly with IGF-1, suggesting candidate biomarkers of growth hormone action. ^[2] Anecdotal
• CJC-1295 lacks regulatory approval for physique or performance use and remains an investigational growth hormone axis secretagogue with uncertain safety and product quality, so reviewers recommend clinical use only within rigorously designed research protocols. ^[5][6] Anecdotal
• Validated urine assays detect CJC-1295 and related growth hormone-releasing hormones at limits as low as 0.2 ng/mL, so anti-doping laboratories can screen for them in routine doping control. ^[4][3] Preclinical

Evidence grades: FDA approvedApproved (non-US)Phase IIIPhase IIPhase IPreclinicalAnecdotal

Dosage and administration

CJC

• 1295 WITH DAC: 30-60 mcg/kg once or twice weekly (clinical trial dose)
• 1295 WITH DAC: 1-2mg per week (typical subcutaneous dose)
• 1295 WITHOUT DAC (Modified GRF 1-29): 100-200mcg 1-3x daily

WITHOUT DAC

• Requires daily or twice-daily dosing due to 30min-2hr half-life

WITH DAC

• Weekly dosing sufficient due to 6-8 day half-life

General

• Stack with GHRP peptides (e.g., Ipamorelin) for synergistic effects
• Cardiovascular screening required before use

Not recommended for those with pre

• existing heart conditions

Natty status

CJC-1295 is classified as not natty. It appears on the WADA prohibited list and is banned by major natural bodybuilding federations.^[7] Use of this compound places the athlete in the enhanced category rather than the natural category in competitive contexts.

Research

The peptide has been the subject of 9 studies and reference works collected on this site. Additional bibliography is in § External links below.

Related compounds

Other peptides in this catalogue with overlapping mechanisms or status:

Frequently asked questions

What is CJC-1295?

Synthetic GHRH analog (growth hormone secretagogue) raising GH/IGF-1 for days per dose; cardiovascular risks noted. WADA-banned, not FDA-approved.

What is CJC-1295 used for?

CJC-1295 is used for muscle growth, fat loss, and faster recovery. Early trials measured hormone levels rather than these outcomes, and reported risks include fluid retention, raised blood pressure, and a faster heart rate.

How does CJC-1295 work?

A long-lasting lab-made copy of the hormone that tells the pituitary gland to release growth hormone, given as an injection under the skin once or twice a week. A single injection raised growth hormone 2 to 10 times for 6 days or more, and kept IGF-1, a related growth signal, high for 9 to 11 days.

Is CJC-1295 natty?

No. CJC-1295 is classified as not natty. It is prohibited by WADA and banned by most natural bodybuilding federations. Use places an athlete in the enhanced category.

Is CJC-1295 banned by WADA?

Yes. CJC-1295 is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), so drug-tested athletes cannot use it. Check the current WADA Prohibited List before competing.

How is CJC-1295 administered?

CJC-1295 is typically administered via: subcutaneous injection. Dosage and administration protocols vary; see the Dosage section for details.

References

1. ^ a b c Phase 2 clinical trial efficacy results
2. ^ Proteomic changes study
3. ^ Doping control detection methods
4. ^ GHRH detection methods
5. ^ Injectable Peptides in Sports Medicine: A Structured Narrative Review of Evidence, Safety, and Antidoping Implications. Recent review
6. ^ The emerging landscape of performance-enhancing peptides modulating GH-IGF1 axis: bridging the gap between clinical evidence and patient self-administration. Recent review
7. ^ a b World Anti-Doping Agency. (2026). Prohibited List 2026.

External links

• Wikipedia article
• Animal model efficacy research
• Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives.
• 5mg CJC-1295 with DAC — commercial
• 10mg CJC-1295 no DAC — commercial
• Bacteriostatic Water Reconstitution Solution 10ml — commercial