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CJC-1295

From PeptidePlaza, the free peptide reference · Entry #006 · Anti-Aging · Hand-curated entry · Editorial standards

Research warning. For educational reference only. Long-term GH elevation and IGF-1 effects on cancer risk and lifespan are areas of active debate.

CJC-1295 (also known as Modified GRF 1-29, Mod GRF(1-29), CJC-1295 No DAC) is a anti-aging research peptide. A tetrasubstituted GHRH analog with four amino acid substitutions that increase receptor affinity and proteolytic resistance. Most commonly studied in combination with Ipamorelin for synergistic GH pulse amplification.

CJC-1295 (No DAC) is a modified version of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH), specifically the GHRH(1-29) fragment with four key amino acid substitutions (Ala2→Aib, Gln8→Ala, Ser28→Asn, Gln29→Ala) to improve stability and receptor binding. The "No DAC" designation means it lacks the Drug Affinity Complex modification and therefore has a shorter half-life (~30 min) than DAC versions. It stimulates pituitary somatotrophs to release GH in a physiological pulsatile pattern. Commonly co-administered with GHRP/ghrelin analogs (e.g., Ipamorelin) to amplify endogenous GH pulses.

1 Mechanism of action

Binds and activates GHRH receptors (GHRHR) on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating GH synthesis and release in a pulsatile, physiological pattern. Does not disrupt feedback loops.

Primary targets: GHRHR

2 Reported effects

Effects below are those reported in the published literature cited on this page. They are not claims of clinical benefit and not medical advice.

2.1 Reported benefits

  • Stimulates pulsatile, physiological GH release
  • Increases serum IGF-1 levels in dose-dependent manner
  • Preserves natural feedback loops unlike exogenous GH

2.2 Side effects

  • Injection site reactions and flushing
  • Headache and dizziness in some protocols
  • Water retention and mild joint discomfort

3 Chemical and physical properties

CAS number863288-34-0
Molar mass3367.97 g/mol
Purity (typical)>99.4%
Half-life~30 min (No DAC variant)
Storage−20 °C, lyophilised powder, desiccated
SolubilitySterile water / bacteriostatic water
Receptors / targetsGHRHR

4 Research dosages

100–300 μg SC (No DAC); 30–60 μg/kg in combination protocols.

Dosages are reported from published protocols for reference only. Research chemicals are not for human consumption.

5 Research studies (8)

  1. Prolonged Stimulation of GH Secretion by CJC-1295 in Healthy Adults
    Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2006) · RCT · N=24
    First human PK/PD study of CJC-1295. Dose-dependent GH and IGF-1 increases lasting up to 6 days (DAC version). Established safety and efficacy profile.
    Key finding: DAC-conjugated CJC-1295 elevated IGF-1 40–60% above baseline for up to 6 days after a single injection.
  2. Growth Hormone Releasing Factor Analogs for the Treatment of GH Deficiency
    Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents (2009) · Review · N/A (review)
    Review of GHRH analog development including structural modifications for stability; covers CJC-1295 mechanism and clinical potential.
    Key finding: Tetrasubstituted analogs (CJC-1295 class) achieve 7–10x greater receptor binding affinity than native GHRH.
  3. Efficacy and Safety of Tesamorelin in People Living With HIV (PLWH) With Lipodystrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (2026) · Meta-Analysis · n=909
    Overall, tesamorelin appeared quite useful as long as it is continued, but more research is needed to understand its long-term safety and benefits.
  4. The emerging landscape of performance-enhancing peptides modulating GH-IGF1 axis: bridging the gap between clinical evidence and patient self-administration
    Frontiers in endocrinology (2026) · RCT
    Finally, we propose a clinically oriented assessment algorithm to support exposure history taking, triage of symptom domains, and risk communication without legitimising off-label peptide regimens.
  5. Injectable Peptides in Sports Medicine: A Structured Narrative Review of Evidence, Safety, and Antidoping Implications
    JBJS reviews (2026) · RCT
    Injectable peptides for sports medicine remain largely experimental.
  6. Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives
    International journal of molecular sciences (2026) · Meta-Analysis
    Although these are strategic and innovative options that can improve health, performance, and longevity, further studies are needed before most new peptides can be used safely in humans.
  7. Therapeutic peptides in gerontology: mechanisms and applications for healthy aging
    Frontiers in aging (2026) · Review
    Therapeutic peptides offer mechanistically diverse approaches to multiple aging hallmarks.
  8. Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance
    Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) (2026) · Review
    Authors’ contributions: CLM and TMA conceived the study; CLM drafted the manuscript; CLM and TMA edited the manuscript, and read and approved the final version of the manuscript and agree with the order of presentation of the authors.

6 Safety and risk profile

6.1 Regulatory status

CJC-1295 is currently classified as Investigational. It has no approved human indication in the United States; availability elsewhere does not imply demonstrated safety or efficacy.

Safety score: 55/100 — moderate concern. Derived from clinical data volume, known risks and regulatory status.

6.2 Contraindications

Conditions and populations in which use is contraindicated:

  • Active malignancy (IGF-1 is a growth factor)
  • Uncontrolled diabetes (GH antagonizes insulin)
  • Pregnancy (fetal GH exposure concerns)

6.3 Drug interactions

Drug or classInteractionRisk
Insulin / oral hypoglycemicsGH elevation raises blood glucose — may require adjustment of diabetes medications.Moderate
CorticosteroidsGlucocorticoids suppress GH axis — may blunt CJC-1295 efficacy.Low

6.4 Long-term risks

  • Chronic IGF-1 elevation and theoretical cancer risk
  • Insulin resistance with prolonged GH elevation
  • Arthralgia and carpal tunnel symptoms
  • Pituitary desensitization with supraphysiological dosing

6.5 Research best practices

  • Store at −20 °C; reconstitute immediately before use
  • Short half-life requires precise timing in co-administration protocols
  • Rotate injection sites to minimize lipoatrophy
Safety data disclaimer. Safety assessments are based on published literature and are for educational reference only. Clinical evidence varies significantly between peptides. Always consult primary research and current regulatory guidance.

7 Frequently asked questions

Why is CJC-1295 often combined with Ipamorelin?
CJC-1295 amplifies the natural GH pulse signal (via GHRHR), while Ipamorelin suppresses somatostatin (via GHSR). Together they create a larger, longer GH pulse than either can produce alone — a synergistic approach demonstrated in multiple research protocols.
What does "No DAC" mean?
The Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) is a chemical modification that binds CJC-1295 to albumin for week-long effects. The No DAC variant lacks this modification, giving it a short half-life (~30 min) that more closely mimics natural GHRH pulsatility.

8 References

  1. The emerging landscape of performance-enhancing peptides modulating GH-IGF1 axis: bridging the gap between clinical evidence and patient self-administration PubMed (2026). Dominikowski A, et al.. View source
  2. Injectable Peptides in Sports Medicine: A Structured Narrative Review of Evidence, Safety, and Antidoping Implications PubMed (2026). Villegas Meza AD, et al.. View source
  3. Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives PubMed (2026). Renke G, et al.. View source
  4. Therapeutic peptides in gerontology: mechanisms and applications for healthy aging PubMed (2026). Mavrych V, et al.. View source

Related compounds

Entries that share a target, a mechanism, or a research area with CJC-1295.

Tesamorelinapproved

Also targets GHRHR

A 44-amino acid GHRH analog with a trans-3-hexenoic acid N-terminal modification. FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. The most clinically validated GHRH analog for visceral adipose tissue reduction.

Sermorelinapproved

Shares ghrh and pituitary pharmacology

A synthetic 29-amino-acid fragment of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-29), FDA-approved as a diagnostic agent for GH deficiency. Stimulates the pituitary to release endogenous growth hormone.

GHRP-2anti-aging

Shares pituitary and release pharmacology

A second-generation synthetic hexapeptide GHRP and potent GHSR-1a agonist. More selective than GHRP-6 with less ghrelin-like appetite stimulation, making it widely used in GH axis research protocols.

Ipamorelinanti-aging

Shares pituitary and pulsatile pharmacology

A pentapeptide ghrelin mimetic renowned for its exceptional receptor selectivity. Unlike other GHSRs, Ipamorelin does not significantly raise cortisol, ACTH, or prolactin — making it a clean research tool for isolated GH axis studies.

GHRP-6recovery

Shares release and pituitary pharmacology

A synthetic ghrelin-mimetic hexapeptide that potently stimulates GH release through the ghrelin receptor. One of the first growth hormone secretagogues developed, with over 25 years of research history.

GHK-Cuanti-aging

Shares activates and synthesis pharmacology

A naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Plasma levels decline sharply with age. Extensively studied for collagen induction, skin remodeling, and gene expression regulation.

9 See also

For research reference only. Not medical advice. Peptides may be regulated or restricted in your jurisdiction. Entry validated by the PeptidePlaza Biomedical Research Desk; see editorial standards.

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