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CJC-1295

CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) consisting of a 29-amino-acid GHRH backbone, a modified GRF(1-29) analogue, 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 pharmacokinetic profile enables less frequent dosing. Human outcome data remains limited. distinguishing it from other growth hormone secretagogues and contributing to its clinical utility in hormone optimization protocols.

Chemical structure diagram of Ipamorelin with labeled atoms and bonds.
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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.

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Chemical structure & Properties

  • Molecular Formula: C165H269N47O46
  • 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:

Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Receptor Activation

CJC-1295 selectively binds to and activates GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotrophs, leading to:

  • Enhanced adenylyl cyclase activation and cyclic AMP production
  • Increased protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation cascades
  • Stimulation of growth hormone gene transcription and protein synthesis
  • Pulsatile growth hormone release mimicking natural physiological patterns

Growth Hormone and IGF-1 Axis Stimulation

The peptide promotes sustained hormone elevation through:

  • Direct stimulation of pituitary growth hormone secretion
  • Secondary hepatic insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) production
  • Activation of IGF-1 receptor signaling in peripheral tissues
  • Enhanced growth hormone binding protein (GHBP) interactions

Metabolic Pathway Modulation

CJC-1295 influences cellular metabolism and energy utilization by:

  • Promoting lipolysis through hormone-sensitive lipase activation
  • Enhancing protein synthesis via mTOR and PI3K/Akt pathways
  • Improving insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in muscle tissue
  • Facilitating fat oxidation and preferential fuel utilization

Tissue Regeneration and Repair

The peptide demonstrates regenerative properties through:

  • Stimulation of satellite cell activation and muscle fiber regeneration
  • Enhanced collagen synthesis and connective tissue repair
  • Promotion of osteoblast activity and bone matrix formation
  • Acceleration of wound healing and tissue remodeling processes

Areas Investigated in

the Research Literature

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.

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Current Clinical Evidence

Safety Profile and Considerations

Clinical Safety Data

Human safety data are limited. A mid-stage trial was halted after a participant death:

  • Development was halted after a participant death in a mid-stage trial; the death was investigated and was not publicly attributed to the drug.
  • Remaining human data come from small, short-duration studies
  • Minimal systemic side effects at therapeutic doses
  • Reversible effects upon treatment discontinuation

Common Side Effects

Reported adverse effects include:

  • Injection Site Reactions: Mild erythema, swelling, or discomfort at injection sites
  • Fluid Retention: Transient peripheral edema or water retention
  • Metabolic Effects: Mild increases in appetite or changes in sleep patterns
  • Hormonal: Possible temporary suppression of natural GH pulsatility with chronic use

Potential Concerns

Theoretical Cancer Risk:

  • Growth hormone stimulation may theoretically promote tumor growth
  • Limited long-term carcinogenicity data available
  • Caution advised in patients with active malignancy or cancer history

Metabolic Considerations:

  • Potential effects on glucose tolerance in diabetic patients
  • Possible alterations in lipid metabolism
  • Risk of excessive IGF-1 elevation with inappropriate dosing

Contraindications

CJC-1295 should be avoided in:

  • Active malignancy or history of hormone-sensitive cancers
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
  • Severe diabetes mellitus without medical supervision
  • Known hypersensitivity to peptide medications
  • Individuals with pituitary tumors or growth hormone excess

Regulatory Status and Legal Considerations

Regulatory information current as of 28 August 2026. This is a summary, not legal or medical advice, and status can change.

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:CJC-1295 is not on the FDA's active Category 2 list. It appears in the nominated-but-withdrawn section of the FDA's bulk drug substances page, meaning the nomination was withdrawn rather than acted on. Withdrawal does not authorize compounding: CJC-1295 is not on the FDA's 503A bulk drug substances list, so no lawful compounding pathway currently exists. It is not approved for therapeutic use.

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
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Conclusion

What the evidence supports

CJC-1295 is a long-acting growth-hormone-releasing hormone analog that has been studied in small, short-term human trials reporting sustained increases in growth hormone and IGF-1 levels. Outcome data is limited to those small studies, dosing has not been standardized, and there is no long-term safety data. CJC-1295 is not FDA approved for any therapeutic use and is not on the FDA's 503A bulk drug substances list, so no lawful compounding pathway currently exists; it is also prohibited under WADA. This page summarizes the published research and nothing further.

CJC-1295 SCIENTIFIC

DATA SUMMARY

MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS
PRECLINICAL EFFICACY DATA
CLINICAL EVIDENCE SUMMARY
SAFETY PROFILE
REGULATORY STATUS
Parameter
Molecular Weight
Amino Acid Length
Half-Life
Bioavailability
Detection Window
Value
3,647.28 Da
29-amino-acid GRF(1-29) analogue
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
Reported outcome (model)
GH raised 2-10x for 6+ days; IGF-1 raised 1.5-3x for 9-11 days
Increased lean mass, reduced adiposity
Increased 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
A mid-stage trial was halted after a participant death (not conclusively drug-linked); serious events cannot be excluded.
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

About this library

This library is published for education. It summarizes published research on compounds studied in this field. Many have no approved medical use, and several cannot lawfully be compounded in the United States. The presence of a page here does not mean Paragon offers that compound. Nothing on these pages is an offer to treat.

This page is general education about a compound studied in this field. Nothing here is medical advice, a recommendation, or an offer to prescribe or supply. A page appearing in this library does not mean Paragon Sports Medicine offers that compound.

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.

Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Many peptides described here are not FDA approved for the uses discussed, and some cannot lawfully be compounded in the United States. Nothing on this page is medical advice or a recommendation for any individual. Whether any therapy is appropriate depends on your history, your laboratory results, and a clinical evaluation. Individual results vary. This page is published for education. Use of this site does not create a physician-patient relationship.

References

01
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.
02
Activation of the GH/IGF-1 axis by CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog, results in serum protein profile changes in normal adult subjects. Growth Horm IGF Res. 2009.
03
Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance. Sports Med. 2026.