growth · hormone

CJC-1295

Also known as: CJC-1295 DAC, CJC-1295 no DAC, Mod GRF 1-29, Modified GRF(1-29), Tetrasubstituted GRF(1-29)
FDA: Not FDA-approved WADA: Prohibited

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) — the endogenous 44-amino-acid hypothalamic peptide that signals the anterior pituitary to release growth hormone. CJC-1295 uses four amino acid substitutions to resist enzymatic degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), dramatically extending its half-life compared to native GHRH. Two forms exist: - CJC-1295 no DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) — Short-acting (~30 min half-life), produces discrete GH pulses. Preferred for mimicking natural GH physiology. - CJC-1295 with DAC — Drug Affinity Complex covalently binds to albumin, extending half-life to ~8 days. Produces sustained GH elevation rather than pulsatile release. Almost always

This content is for educational and research purposes only. VialBase does not provide medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

Molecular weight 3,367.97 Da
Half-life ~30 min no
CAS number 446262-90-4
Route Subcutaneous
02

Mechanism

Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog — binds GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating endogenous GH synthesis and pulsatile release

03

Dosing

DOSE RANGE 100–300 mcg
FREQUENCY 1-3x daily (no DAC) / 2x weekly (DAC)
CYCLE LENGTH 8-12 weeks

Usually stacked with Ipamorelin for synergistic GH release. Best dosed before bed or post-workout.

04

Research summary

Study Type Year Key Finding
Molecular signaling of therapeutic peptides in orthopaedic medicine — PI3K/Akt, mTOR, MAPK, TGF-β, AMPK pathways Review 2026 Growth hormone secretagogues (CJC-1295, ipamorelin) activate IGF-1 signaling
Therapeutic peptides in orthopaedic injuries — narrative review of BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin, Tesamorelin, GHK-Cu Narrative review 2026 CJC-1295 + ipamorelin activate IGF-1 signaling and satellite cell repair
A new era of doping? Use of peptide and peptide-analog drugs in recreational and professional sport and bodybuilding: a critical review Critical review 2026 CJC-1295 identified among most popular GH-releasing peptides in sport
Effects of a growth hormone-releasing hormone analog on endogenous GH pulsatility and insulin sensitivity in healthy older adults clinical trial 2006 GHRH analog increased GH pulse amplitude in older adults
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 clinical trial 2006 Single dose of CJC-1295 DAC elevated GH and IGF-1 for 6-14 days
Synergistic effects of GHRH and GHRP on GH release in humans clinical trial 2004 GHRH + GHRP combination produces synergistic GH release
Growth hormone-releasing hormone analogs: chemistry and pharmacology review 2006 Reviews GHRH analog development including CJC-1295
05

Stacking & interactions

GHRH + GHRP synergy for amplified GH pulse

GH-mediated recovery amplification for injury healing

Comprehensive healing — GH elevation + targeted tissue repair

Stacks containing CJC-1295

28-day resets featuring CJC-1295

06

Sourcing

Current prices

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5mg

Size unspecified

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Also vetted at
What bloodwork do I need?

Reference ranges are general guidelines. Consult your physician for interpretation.

PRE-CYCLE
  • IGF-1
  • Fasting Glucose
  • Fasting Insulin
  • HbA1c
  • CMP
  • CBC
  • Lipid Panel
DURING CYCLE
  • IGF-1
  • Fasting Glucose
  • Fasting Insulin
POST-CYCLE
  • IGF-1
  • Fasting Glucose
  • Lipid Panel
Safety & Regulatory Status
FDA STATUS Not FDA-approved. Category 2 (under evaluation for 503A compounding)
WADA STATUS Prohibited (S2 — peptide hormones, growth factors, and related substances)

Regulatory status for CJC-1295 may change. Verify current status with your jurisdiction before use. This is not legal or medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). Four amino-acid substitutions make it resist DPP-IV degradation, extending its half-life versus native GHRH. It signals the anterior pituitary to release growth hormone in physiological pulses. Two forms exist: "no DAC" (Mod GRF 1-29, short-acting) and "with DAC" (albumin-bound, ~8-day half-life). It is most often paired with Ipamorelin.
How does CJC-1295 work?
CJC-1295 binds GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotroph cells, activating a cAMP/protein-kinase-A cascade that triggers growth hormone synthesis and release. The released GH stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1, the main mediator of GH's effects on muscle, bone, and connective tissue. Because it prompts the body's own pulsatile GH output, it differs from injecting synthetic GH directly.
What is the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and no DAC?
"No DAC" (Mod GRF 1-29) is short-acting, with about a 30-minute half-life, producing discrete GH pulses that mimic natural physiology; it requires multiple daily doses. "With DAC" uses a Drug Affinity Complex that binds albumin, extending the half-life to roughly 8 days for sustained GH elevation and once- or twice-weekly dosing. Many practitioners prefer no DAC to preserve pulsatility.
How is CJC-1295 dosed?
Commonly cited research protocols use 100–300 mcg of the no-DAC form, one to three times daily (often before bed), in 8–12 week cycles; the DAC form is dosed roughly 1–2 mg once or twice weekly. It is injected subcutaneously on an empty stomach and frequently combined with Ipamorelin. These figures reflect research protocols, not medical advice — consult a clinician.
What does the research on CJC-1295 show?
The evidence tier is early-phase human pharmacokinetics, not large outcome trials (about 28 PubMed entries). A randomized study in healthy adults found CJC-1295 with DAC produced prolonged growth hormone and IGF-1 elevation lasting several days after a single subcutaneous dose (Teichman et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2006, PMID 16352683). No large trials confirm body-composition or anti-aging outcomes.
Is CJC-1295 FDA-approved?
No. CJC-1295 is not FDA-approved. It sits in Category 2 of the FDA's bulk drug substance evaluation for 503A compounding pharmacies, meaning it is under active review. WADA prohibits it under category S2 (peptide hormones and growth factors), so competitive athletes cannot use it. It is not a DEA-controlled substance.
What are the side effects of CJC-1295?
Reported side effects include injection-site reactions, mild water retention, tingling or numbness in the extremities, transient flushing, increased hunger, and fatigue during adaptation. Carpal-tunnel-type symptoms are associated with sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation and are more common with the DAC form. It is contraindicated in active cancer, since IGF-1 can promote tumor growth, and in pregnancy.

References

  1. Various. Molecular signaling of therapeutic peptides in orthopaedic medicine — PI3K/Akt, mTOR, MAPK, TGF-β, AMPK pathways. Orthopaedic Review (2026). PMID: 41476424
  2. Various. Therapeutic peptides in orthopaedic injuries — narrative review of BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin, Tesamorelin, GHK-Cu. Orthopaedic Review (2026). PMID: 41490200
  3. Coutinho LFD, DE Oliveira Neves LF, Camilo RP. A new era of doping? Use of peptide and peptide-analog drugs in recreational and professional sport and bodybuilding: a critical review. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness (2026). PMID: 41880199
  4. Ionescu, M., Frohman, L.A.. Effects of a growth hormone-releasing hormone analog on endogenous GH pulsatility and insulin sensitivity in healthy older adults. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (2006). PMID: 16352683
  5. Teichman, S.L., Neale, A., Lawrence, B. 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. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (2006). PMID: 16352683
  6. Bowers, C.Y., Granda, R., Mohan, S. et al.. Synergistic effects of GHRH and GHRP on GH release in humans. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (2004). PMID: 19240251
  7. Alba, M., Fintini, D., Sagazio, A. et al.. Growth hormone-releasing hormone analogs: chemistry and pharmacology. Growth Hormone & IGF Research (2006). PMID: 16300975