CJC-1295

Overview

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH), the 44 amino acid hormone produced by the hypothalamus that signals the pituitary to release Growth Hormone. The "CJC" designation comes from ConjuChem, the biotechnology company that developed it.

There are two main forms:

1. CJC-1295 No DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF)
2. CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)

Key Characteristics

• Origin: Synthetic analog of GHRH (amino acids 1-29)
• Classification: Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone analog
• Modification: Four amino acid substitutions for stability
• DAC Version: Lysine linker binds to albumin, extending half-life dramatically
• Primary Effect: Stimulates GH release from pituitary

The Four Substitutions

The modifications that create "tetrasubstituted GRF":

1. Position 2: Alanine → D-Alanine (protects against DPP-IV)
2. Position 8: Asparagine → Glutamine (reduces asparagine rearrangement)
3. Position 15: Glycine → Alanine (reduces amide hydrolysis)
4. Position 27: Methionine → Leucine (prevents oxidation)

Mechanism

Primary Mechanisms

1. GHRH Receptor Activation

CJC-1295 binds to the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) on pituitary somatotroph cells:

• Activates adenylyl cyclase
• Increases intracellular cAMP
• Opens calcium channels
• Triggers GH vesicle release

2. Pulsatile Release

Unlike synthetic GH, CJC-1295 stimulates natural pulsatile GH secretion:

• Maintains physiological GH release patterns
• Works with the body's feedback systems
• Doesn't suppress natural production
• More closely mimics natural physiology

3. GH → IGF-1 Cascade

The released GH then:

• Travels to the liver
• Stimulates IGF-1 production
• Creates systemic anabolic effects
• Supports tissue repair and metabolism

DAC vs No DAC: The Key Difference

| Feature | No DAC | With DAC | |---------|--------|----------| | Half-life | ~30 minutes | 6-8 days | | GH Release | Sharp pulse | Sustained elevation | | Dosing | 1-3x daily | 1-2x weekly | | Pulsatility | Preserved | Blunted | | Typical Use | Stacked with GHRP | Standalone or weekly |

Research

Clinical Trial Data

Phase II Studies

ConjuChem's clinical trials demonstrated:

• Dose-dependent increases in IGF-1 (46-84% above baseline)
• GH levels elevated for 6+ days after single DAC injection
• Good tolerability profile
• Sustained IGF-1 elevation for 9-11 days

Body Composition

Research indicates potential benefits for:

• Increased lean body mass
• Reduced visceral fat
• Improved body composition ratios
• Enhanced recovery capacity

Sleep and Recovery

2025 research highlights:

• Enhanced slow-wave sleep (similar to Ipamorelin)
• Improved sleep architecture
• Better nocturnal GH secretion patterns
• Enhanced recovery quality

Metabolic Effects

Studies suggest:

• Improved insulin sensitivity (at physiological doses)
• Enhanced fat oxidation
• Better glucose utilization
• Potential benefits for metabolic health

Dosing

CJC-1295 No DAC (Mod GRF)

CJC-1295 with DAC

Administration Notes

Timing (No DAC)

• Best taken on empty stomach
• Avoid carbs 2 hours before and 30 minutes after
• Pre-bed dosing capitalizes on natural nocturnal GH pulse
• Can dose upon waking and mid-afternoon

The Saturation Dose Concept

• Research suggests 1 mcg/kg is the "saturation dose"
• More doesn't necessarily mean more GH release
• ~100 mcg for most individuals
• Diminishing returns above this level

DAC Timing

• Can be taken any time (long half-life)
• Once weekly is sufficient
• Some prefer twice weekly for stable levels

Reconstitution

• Use bacteriostatic water
• Typical concentration: 2mg in 2ml = 1mg/ml
• Store refrigerated after reconstitution
• Stable for 4-8 weeks when properly stored

Synergy & Stacking

The GHRH + GHRP Synergy

This is the most important concept for CJC-1295 (No DAC):

Why Stack?

• GHRH (CJC-1295) = "accelerator pedal"
• GHRP (Ipamorelin/GHRP-2/GHRP-6) = "releases the brake" (suppresses somatostatin)
• Combined effect is synergistic (more than additive)
• 3-10x greater GH release when combined

Common Combinations

CJC-1295 No DAC + Ipamorelin (Most Popular)

The "cleanest" GH stack:

• 100 mcg CJC-1295 No DAC
• 100-200 mcg Ipamorelin
• 2-3x daily (fasted)
• Minimal side effects, strong GH pulse

CJC-1295 No DAC + GHRP-2

For stronger GH release:

• 100 mcg CJC-1295 No DAC
• 100-200 mcg GHRP-2
• Expect some hunger increase
• Slightly higher cortisol/prolactin than Ipamorelin

CJC-1295 DAC + Ipamorelin

Less common but used:

• DAC provides baseline elevation
• Ipamorelin adds acute pulses
• Once weekly DAC + daily Ipamorelin
• More complex protocol

Comparison: CJC-1295 vs Other GH Options

| Feature | CJC-1295 No DAC | CJC-1295 DAC | Sermorelin | Synthetic GH | |---------|-----------------|--------------|------------|--------------| | Half-life | 30 min | 6-8 days | 10-20 min | Hours | | GH Pattern | Pulsatile | Sustained | Pulsatile | Flat | | Dosing | Multiple daily | Weekly | Multiple daily | Daily | | Natural Feedback | Preserved | Blunted | Preserved | Suppressed | | Side Effects | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal | More common |

Safety

Known Side Effects

Common (generally mild)

• Flushing/warmth after injection (vasodilation)
• Water retention (mild, dose-related)
• Injection site reactions
• Fatigue (initially, adjusts)
• Tingling/numbness (carpal tunnel-like, if dose too high)

DAC-Specific Concerns

• Prolonged GH elevation may increase side effects
• Less physiological release pattern
• Some report feeling "flat" between doses

Contraindications

Avoid or use with extreme caution if:

• History of cancer or active malignancy
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Active tumor growth
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Under 18 years of age

Drug Interactions

• May affect glucose metabolism (monitor if diabetic)
• Potential interaction with glucocorticoids
• May enhance effects of other GH secretagogues

Monitoring

Recommended Biomarkers

Baseline:

• IGF-1 levels
• Fasting glucose and HbA1c
• Comprehensive metabolic panel

During Use:

• IGF-1 (primary marker of effect)
• Fasting glucose (watch for insulin resistance)
• Monitor body composition changes

Signs of Excess:

• Carpal tunnel symptoms
• Excessive water retention
• Joint pain
• Lethargy

Regulatory

Current Status

| Region | Status | |--------|--------| | United States | Not FDA-approved; research chemical | | WADA | Strictly Banned (S2 category) | | Detection | Detectable in blood and urine | | Availability | Research chemical suppliers |

Legal Considerations

• Available as research chemical in many jurisdictions
• Not approved for human therapeutic use
• Athletes: Banned in and out of competition
• Quality varies significantly between suppliers

Clinical Outlook

CJC-1295 remains one of the most studied GHRH analogs:

• Potential future approval for GH deficiency
• Interest in metabolic disease applications
• May see pharmaceutical development of DAC version
• Currently limited to research and wellness use

References