CJC-1295
CJC-1295 is an investigational synthetic analog of growth hormone–releasing hormone, or GHRH. It is designed to stimulate the pituitary to increase endogenous growth hormone secretion and raise IGF-1 levels. The best-known human studies showed prolonged increases in GH and IGF-1 after single or repeated dosing of the long-acting DAC form, but it is not an FDA-approved drug and current regulatory review raises significant safety and characterization concerns.
Overview
FDA describes CJC-1295 acetate as the acetate salt of CJC-1295 free base, a synthetic 29-amino-acid GHRH analog. The DAC form adds a drug-affinity complex that allows albumin binding and greatly prolongs circulation time. Published human studies mainly describe the DAC long-acting version, not a general catch-all “CJC-1295” product class.
What it is
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide hormone analog in the GHRH / GH-secretagogue space. It is commonly discussed in anti-aging and performance circles, but those uses are investigational and not FDA-approved. FDA’s review also notes uncertainty around whether some non-DAC CJC-1295 forms are pharmacologically active in the same way as the DAC-related substances discussed in the clinical literature.
Mechanism (high level)
CJC-1295 acts through the GHRH pathway, stimulating the pituitary to increase pulsatile growth hormone secretion, which in turn can increase IGF-1. The DAC version is designed to bind endogenous albumin, extending half-life and duration of action versus shorter-acting GHRH analogs. Human studies reported that GH pulsatility persisted after injection and that IGF-1 remained elevated for days to weeks depending on dose schedule
Quick facts
- Dosage
- There is no universally accepted evidence-based wellness dose. In the published human study, healthy adults received single subcutaneous injections of 30, 60, or 90 μg/kg, and repeated dosing of 30 or 60 μg/kg weekly for two weeks was also studied.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection is the clearest route in the key healthy-adult human studies on the DAC form.
- Cycle
- No standardized cycle has been established. In published human work, one protocol used a single injection, and another used weekly dosing for two weeks. IGF-1 elevations after multiple doses remained above baseline for up to 28 days in the reported study.
- Storage
- Follow manufacturer or compounding-pharmacy instructions exactly Protect from heat and light Do not use beyond labeled storage limits FDA’s review notes formulation and storage conditions can affect impurity formation and aggregation risk.
Research indications
- Growth hormone deficiency research
- GHRH pathway research
- GH pulsatility research
- IGF-1 modulation research
- Body composition research
- Healthy aging / somatopause research
- Endocrine biomarker research
Research protocols (education)
Research protocols
Single subcutaneous dose of 30 μg/kg in healthy adults Single subcutaneous dose of 60 μg/kg in healthy adults Single subcutaneous dose of 90 μg/kg in healthy adults Weekly subcutaneous dosing of 30 μg/kg for 2 weeks Weekly subcutaneous dosing of 60 μg/kg for 2 weeks
Interactions
Often avoided with
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Unsupervised use of compounded injectable product
- Use in competitive athletes subject to anti-doping rules
- Use with caution in diabetes or prediabetes
- Use with caution in people with active malignancy risk or unexplained endocrine disorders
Often combined with
- Clinician-supervised investigational use
- Short-term monitored research protocols
- Use only with verified sterile sourcing and clear product identification
- Use only when non-approval and uncertainty are clearly understood
Peptides discussed online are not substitutes for diagnosis or prescriptions.
Side effects & safety
- Injection-site irritation
- Hemorrhage at injection site in animal toxicology
- Inflammation at injection site in animal toxicology
- Necrosis at injection site in animal toxicology
- Possible nausea or GI intolerance
- Possible reduced activity / fatigue-like symptoms in animal studies
- Potential immunogenicity risk from peptide aggregates or impurities
- Possible DNA-damage / genotoxicity signals in nonclinical studies
- Potential pituitary overstimulation concern
Regulatory notes
- Not an FDA-approved drug
- FDA is proposing CJC-1295-related substances not be included on the 503A Bulks List
- Different CJC-1295 forms are treated by FDA as distinct substances
- Some CJC-1295 forms are not well characterized
- Anti-doping authorities treat CJC-1295 as a prohibited GH-releasing factor
FAQ
What is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is an investigational synthetic analog of GHRH designed to increase endogenous growth hormone secretion and IGF-1.
Is CJC-1295 FDA approved?
No. FDA’s recent compounding review proposed that multiple CJC-1295-related substances not be included on the 503A Bulks List, and there is no FDA-approved CJC-1295 drug product.
What does DAC mean?
DAC stands for drug affinity complex. It is the albumin-binding modification that extends the half-life and duration of action of the long-acting form commonly referred to as CJC-1295 DAC.
How long does CJC-1295 last?
In the key healthy-adult DAC study, the estimated half-life was about 5.8 to 8.1 days, and IGF-1 effects could persist for days to weeks depending on dosing.
Is CJC-1295 safe?
Safety is not fully established. FDA has raised concerns about poor characterization of some forms, local tissue injury, possible genotoxicity signals, immunogenicity risk, and the inability to rule out pituitary overstimulation risks.
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Educational content only. This material is not medical advice. Verify legality, sourcing, and dosing with a qualified professional.