CJC-1295

Overview

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), specifically a modified version of the first 29 amino acids (GRF 1-29). Two forms exist: CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) and without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF).

The DAC component binds to albumin, dramatically extending the half-life from minutes to days. This creates sustained GH elevation rather than pulsatile release, which has both advantages and potential drawbacks.

Originally developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies, clinical development was halted but the peptide remains popular in research settings.

Mechanism of Action

GHRH Receptor Activation

• Binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs
• Stimulates cAMP production
• Promotes GH synthesis and release
• Does NOT work through ghrelin/GHS-R pathway

DAC vs No DAC

With DAC:

• Binds to serum albumin via maleimido group
• Half-life extended to ~6-8 days
• Creates sustained GH elevation
• Weekly dosing possible
• More "steady state" than pulsatile

Without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29):

• Half-life ~30 minutes
• Creates pulsatile GH release
• More physiologic pattern
• Requires multiple daily doses
• Often combined with GHRP

Modifications from Natural GHRH

1. Ala at position 2 (prevents DPP-IV degradation)
2. Gln at position 8 (reduces asparagine deamidation)
3. Ala at position 15 (enhances stability)
4. Leu at position 27 (improves receptor binding)

Research Summary

Clinical Trials (CJC-1295 with DAC)

ConjuChem Studies

Phase 1/2 in GH Deficient Adults:

• Single dose elevated IGF-1 for 6+ days
• Dose-dependent GH elevation
• Well-tolerated at studied doses

Phase 2 in Lipodystrophy (HIV):

• Showed improvements in body composition
• Reduced visceral fat
• Program discontinued

Published Findings

Why Development Stopped

• One reported death in clinical trial (causality unclear)
• Company financial issues
• Regulatory pathway challenges

Mod GRF 1-29 Research

• Less clinical data
• Commonly studied with GHRPs
• Synergistic effects when combined

Pharmacokinetics

CJC-1295 with DAC

Mod GRF 1-29 (No DAC)

Common Protocols

Note: CJC-1295 is not approved for human use. The following represents protocols discussed in research communities, not medical recommendations.

CJC-1295 with DAC

Typical Protocol:

• 1-2mg once or twice weekly
• Subcutaneous injection
• Often used alone (no GHRP needed due to sustained release)
• 8-12 week cycles common

Mod GRF 1-29 (No DAC)

Typical Protocol:

• 100mcg per injection
• 2-3 times daily
• Combined with GHRP (Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6)
• Timing: morning, post-workout, before bed
• Fasted state preferred

Saturation Dose Concept

• ~1mcg/kg body weight considered "saturation"
• Higher doses may not increase effects proportionally
• ~100mcg for most adults reaches saturation

Administration

Injection Method

• Subcutaneous injection
• Abdomen, thigh, or arm
• Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge)

Reconstitution

• Lyophilized powder + bacteriostatic water
• 2mg vial + 2mL water = 1mg/mL (1000mcg/mL)
• Gently swirl, don't shake
• Store at 2-8°C after reconstitution

Timing Considerations

• Fasted state enhances GH response
• Avoid food for 30-60 minutes after injection
• Avoid fats especially (blunt GH release)
• Post-workout and before bed popular times

Side Effects

Common

• Flushing/warmth
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Injection site reactions
• Fatigue (especially with DAC)
• Water retention

Less Common

• Hypotension (transient)
• Joint pain
• Tingling/numbness
• Increased hunger

Long-term Concerns (Theoretical)

• Sustained GH elevation (DAC version) may have unknown effects
• Potential for pituitary desensitization unclear
• IGF-1 elevation and cancer risk theoretical concern

Interactions

Contraindications (Theoretical)

• Active malignancy
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Pregnancy/nursing

Drug Interactions

• Somatostatin (antagonistic)
• Glucocorticoids (may reduce effects)
• Insulin (enhanced effects possible)

Combination Protocols

• Commonly combined with GHRPs (synergistic)
• Mod GRF + Ipamorelin popular stack
• Some combine with GH itself

Community Insights

The following represents aggregated reports from online communities and should not be considered medical advice or verified claims.

Commonly Reported Experiences

• Improved sleep quality frequently mentioned
• Enhanced recovery from workouts
• Gradual improvements in body composition
• Skin quality improvements reported
• Effects take weeks to manifest

DAC vs No DAC Opinions

• DAC: Convenient, once or twice weekly
• No DAC: More physiologic, preferred by many
• Concerns about DAC's sustained release (non-natural pattern)
• No DAC usually combined with GHRP for best results

Practical Tips Shared

• Fasted administration important
• Avoid carbs/fats 1-2 hours before
• Evening/bedtime dosing popular
• Consistency more important than timing
• Patience needed - 2-3 months for noticeable results

Popular Stacks

• Mod GRF + Ipamorelin (most popular)
• Mod GRF + GHRP-2 (more hunger)
• CJC-1295 DAC alone or + GHRP weekly

Concerns Discussed

• Quality/purity varies by source
• DAC version's sustained release debated
• Long-term effects unknown
• Cost can be significant

References

1. Teichman SL, et al. 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. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799-805. [PMID: 16352683]

2. Alba M, et al. Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2006;291(6):E1290-4. [PMID: 16835399]

3. Ionescu M, Bhopale GM, Foster HR. Pharmacokinetic studies in man with a long-acting GHRH analog (CJC-1295). Growth Horm IGF Res. 2004;14(3):206-17.

4. Jetté L, et al. hGH-releasing effects of Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6 (GHRP-6) administered alone and in combination with CJC-1295. Int J Pept Res Ther. 2005;11(3):219-225.

5. Prado CM, Siervo M, Mire E, et al. A population-based approach to define body-composition phenotypes. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014;99(6):1369-1377. [Background on body composition]