CJC-1295

CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) consisting of 30 amino acids with strategic modifications designed to enhance stability and prolong biological activity. Originally developed as a long-acting alternative to native GHRH, CJC-1295 incorporates amino acid substitutions that confer resistance to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) degradation, extending its half-life from minutes to days.

This peptide has gained significant attention in anti-aging and regenerative medicine due to its ability to stimulate sustained endogenous growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) secretion. CJC-1295's unique pharmacokinetic profile enables less frequent dosing while maintaining therapeutic efficacy, distinguishing it from other growth hormone secretagogues and contributing to its clinical utility in hormone optimization protocols.

Overview

CJC-1295 demonstrates superior stability compared to native GHRH through strategic amino acid modifications that eliminate DPP-4 cleavage sites while preserving GHRH receptor binding affinity. The peptide exists in two forms: CJC-1295 with Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) providing extended half-life, and CJC-1295 without DAC offering more physiological pulsatile release patterns. The compound is metabolized primarily through peptidase enzymes and eliminated via renal excretion.

Patient consulting with Dr. Ched Garten at Paragon, symbolizing advanced non-surgical care for joint, tendon, muscle, and pain issues.

Chemical structure & Properties

  • Molecular Formula: C165H271N47O46
  • Molecular Weight: 3,647.28 Da
  • Sequence: Modified GRF(1-29) with Lys substitution and maleimido-propionyl-Lys attachment
  • Half-life: 6-8 days (with DAC), 30 minutes (without DAC)
  • Stability: Enhanced resistance to DPP-4 degradation through amino acid modifications

Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 exerts its therapeutic effects through multiple interconnected molecular pathways:

Clinical Applications and

Research Evidence

Growth Hormone Optimization

Endogenous GH Stimulation: Clinical studies demonstrate CJC-1295's efficacy in:

  • Significant increases in basal and stimulated growth hormone levels
  • Sustained elevation of serum IGF-1 concentrations
  • Restoration of youthful GH secretion patterns
  • Improved growth hormone pulsatility and circadian rhythms

Mechanism: Direct GHRH receptor agonism leading to enhanced pituitary somatotroph function and sustained hormone release.

Body Composition Enhancement: Research indicates potential benefits in:

  • Increased lean body mass and muscle protein synthesis
  • Reduced visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue
  • Improved muscle strength and functional capacity
  • Enhanced exercise performance and recovery

Anti-Aging Applications

Age-Related Hormone Decline: CJC-1295 demonstrates protective effects against:

  • Growth hormone deficiency and somatopause
  • Age-related metabolic dysfunction
  • Decreased muscle mass and bone density
  • Impaired recovery and tissue repair capacity

Mechanism: Restoration of youthful GH/IGF-1 axis function, enhanced cellular repair mechanisms, and improved metabolic efficiency.

Metabolic Applications

Metabolic Enhancement: Preclinical and clinical evidence supports benefits in:

  • Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
  • Enhanced lipid profiles and cardiovascular health
  • Increased energy expenditure and metabolic rate
  • Better sleep quality and recovery patterns

Mechanism: IGF-1-mediated improvements in insulin signaling, enhanced mitochondrial function, and optimized energy substrate utilization.

Patient consulting with Dr. Ched Garten at Paragon, symbolizing advanced non-surgical care for joint, tendon, muscle, and pain issues.

Regulatory Status and

Legal Considerations

FDA Status

  • Classification: Investigational peptide - not approved for therapeutic use
  • Approval Status: No FDA approval for human clinical applications
  • Research Use: Limited to approved clinical trials and research protocols
  • Regulatory Position: Subject to evolving peptide compound regulations (2023 changes)

WADA Status

  • Classification: Prohibited under S2: Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors
  • Athletic Use: Banned in competitive sports and athletic competitions
  • Testing: Detectable through specialized anti-doping analysis methods
  • Enforcement: Subject to sporting sanctions and competition disqualification

Legal Availability

  • Commercial Status: Not legally available as prescription medication
  • Market Presence: Available through research chemical suppliers and compounding pharmacies
  • Quality Control: Limited regulatory oversight for purity, potency, and authenticity
  • Clinical Use: Restricted to research institutions and experimental protocols

Administration and Dosing

Considerations

The Paragon Method: Step-by-Step

Clinical Considerations

Important Guidelines:

  • No FDA-approved dosing recommendations exist for human use
  • Individual response varies based on age, health status, and baseline hormone levels
  • Regular monitoring of IGF-1 levels recommended to prevent excessive elevation
  • Medical supervision strongly advised for any therapeutic application
  • Quality and purity of research chemicals cannot be guaranteed

Priority Research Areas

Clinical Development Priorities:

  • Large-scale, placebo-controlled trials for various therapeutic indications
  • Long-term safety studies including comprehensive carcinogenicity assessment
  • Optimal dosing protocols and treatment duration guidelines
  • Combination therapy studies with other peptides and hormones
  • Age-specific efficacy and safety evaluations

Emerging Applications

Investigational Uses:

  • Age-related sarcopenia and frailty prevention
  • Post-surgical recovery and wound healing enhancement
  • Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance management
  • Cognitive function preservation and neuroprotection
  • Osteoporosis prevention and bone health optimization
  • Sleep disorders and circadian rhythm normalization

Combination Therapies

Synergistic Research:

  • CJC-1295 plus Ipamorelin for enhanced GH release
  • Integration with testosterone replacement therapy
  • Combination with other regenerative peptides (BPC-157, TB-500)
  • Synergistic effects with lifestyle interventions and exercise protocols
Man seated indoors with a soccer ball in natural light, representing Paragon’s musculoskeletal recovery expertise and regenerative treatment focus.

Conclusion

CJC-1295 represents a promising long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone analog with demonstrated efficacy in stimulating endogenous GH and IGF-1 secretion. Its unique pharmacokinetic profile and favorable safety data distinguish it as a potential therapeutic tool for growth hormone optimization, body composition enhancement, and anti-aging applications.

However, the current clinical evidence base remains limited, with most data derived from small-scale, short-term studies. The lack of FDA approval, regulatory restrictions, and limited long-term safety data necessitate careful consideration and medical supervision for any therapeutic application.

Patients considering CJC-1295 therapy should engage in thorough discussions with qualified healthcare providers to weigh potential benefits against risks and explore evidence-based treatment alternatives. Future research will be critical in determining CJC-1295's role in clinical medicine, particularly in healthy aging, metabolic disorders, and hormone optimization protocols. Until comprehensive clinical trials are completed, its use should remain limited to research settings under appropriate medical oversight.

CJC-1295 SCIENTIFIC

DATA SUMMARY

Parameter
Molecular Weight
Amino Acid Length
Half-Life
Bioavailability
Detection Window
Value
3,647.28 Da
30 residues (modified)
6-8 days (with DAC), 30 min (without DAC)
High subcutaneous, negligible oral
Up to several weeks (depending on form)
Application
GH Stimulation
Body Composition
IGF-1 Elevation
Metabolic Effects
Studies
10+ studies
8+ studies
12+ studies
6+ studies
Dose Range
30-60 μg/kg
1-2 mg/dose
1-2 mg/dose
1-2 mg weekly
Outcome
6-10x GH increase, sustained 12+ hours
Increased lean mass, reduced adiposity
50-70% increase in serum IGF-1 levels
Enhanced osteoblast activity, BMD increase
Study Type
Phase I Efficacy (Teichman)
GHRH-KO Mouse Study
Protein Profile Study
Population
24 healthy adults
GH-deficient mice
Normal adult subjects
Results
GH increased from 3 to 20 ng/mL
Complete growth normalization
Significant GH/IGF-1 axis activation
Limitations
Short-term, small sample
Animal model, not human
Biochemical endpoints only
Parameter
Acute Toxicity
Organ Toxicity
Adverse Events
Long-term Safety
Finding
No serious adverse events at therapeutic doses
No significant organ-specific toxicity reported
Injection site reactions, mild fluid retention
Limited data beyond 6-month treatment periods
Authority
FDA
WADA
DEA
Classification
Investigational Peptide
S2 Peptide Hormones
Unscheduled
Status
Not approved for human use
Prohibited in sports
Not controlled substance

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. CJC-1295 is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Patients should consult with qualified healthcare providers before considering any peptide therapy.

The content reflects current scientific literature and regulatory status as of 2025.