A 30-amino-acid synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) modified for extended half-life. Often combined with Ipamorelin (a growth hormone secretagogue). One of the most popular peptides in the biohacking and anti-aging communities.
CJC-1295 is a synthetic 30-amino-acid peptide analog of the first 29 amino acids of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-29, also known as Sermorelin). It was developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies with a key innovation: the addition of a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) — a reactive chemical group that covalently binds to serum albumin after injection.
CJC-1295 is commonly paired with Ipamorelin, a pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that acts on the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R). Together, they provide complementary stimulation of growth hormone release — CJC-1295 mimics the natural GHRH signal while Ipamorelin amplifies it through a separate receptor pathway.
CJC-1295 was originally developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies and has been studied in both its DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) and non-DAC forms. The DAC version uses a maleimido-proprionic acid linker that binds covalently to serum albumin after injection, extending the half-life to approximately 6-8 days and enabling once-weekly dosing. The non-DAC version (sometimes called "Modified GRF 1-29") has a much shorter half-life of approximately 30 minutes, requiring more frequent administration but providing more pulsatile GH release that some clinicians consider more physiological.
In clinical practice, CJC-1295 is most commonly used in combination with ipamorelin — a pairing sometimes called the "CJC/Ipa stack." The rationale is synergistic: CJC-1295 provides sustained GHRH-receptor stimulation (like pressing the accelerator), while ipamorelin provides ghrelin-receptor stimulation (like releasing the brake). Together, they produce a greater GH pulse than either peptide alone. This combination has been one of the most widely prescribed growth hormone secretagogue protocols in anti-aging and functional medicine.
CJC-1295 was placed on the FDA's Category 2 restricted list in late 2023. Its status under the February 2026 HHS reclassification announcement is uncertain — it may be among the approximately 5 peptides that remain on Category 2 due to safety concerns, particularly cardiac side effects reported in some studies. Practitioners should monitor the FDA's formal guidance for final determination.
CJC-1295 binds the GHRH receptor on anterior pituitary somatotrophs, activating the Gs-adenylyl cyclase-cAMP-PKA cascade. This stimulates both GH gene transcription and release of stored GH granules. Unlike exogenous GH injection (which suppresses the body's own GH production via negative feedback), CJC-1295 works through the natural signaling axis, preserving the pulsatile pattern of GH secretion that is important for optimal tissue response.
| Pathway | Effect | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| GH release | Stimulates pulsatile GH secretion from pituitary somatotrophs | Increases GH levels 2-10x above baseline for days |
| IGF-1 increase | GH stimulates hepatic IGF-1 production | Mediates most of GH's anabolic effects on muscle, bone, and connective tissue |
| Fat metabolism | GH promotes lipolysis in adipose tissue | Reduces body fat percentage, particularly visceral fat |
| Albumin binding (DAC) | Reactive group forms covalent bond with Cys34 of serum albumin | Extends half-life from ~30 min to 6-8 days |
| Preserved pulsatility | Works through the natural GHRH axis | Avoids the flat GH levels and side effects of direct GH injection |
| Study | Design | Findings | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase I/II (ConjuChem) | Human trials, n=small | 2-10x increase in GH levels sustained for 6+ days after single dose; dose-dependent IGF-1 increase | Level II |
| Body composition | Clinical study | Increased lean mass, decreased fat mass over 12 weeks in GH-deficient subjects | Level II |
| Ipamorelin combo | Clinical research | Synergistic GH release when CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin administered together | Level II-III |
| Sleep quality | Observational | Anecdotal and small-study reports of improved deep sleep (GH is primarily released during slow-wave sleep) | Level III-IV |
GH-related side effects: Because CJC-1295 elevates growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, it can produce side effects associated with GH excess: water retention, joint pain, carpal tunnel-like symptoms, and numbness or tingling in the extremities. These effects are dose-dependent and typically resolve with dose reduction.
Cardiac concerns: Some clinical and post-marketing reports have associated CJC-1295 (particularly the DAC version) with cardiac side effects including palpitations and, in rare cases, more serious cardiac events. These reports are one reason CJC-1295 may remain on the Category 2 list. The non-DAC version, with its shorter duration of action, may carry less cardiac risk, though this has not been definitively established.
Cortisol and prolactin: Unlike some other GH secretagogues (particularly GHRP-6), CJC-1295 does not significantly elevate cortisol or prolactin levels at standard doses, which is considered a favorable characteristic.
Long-term safety: No long-term safety studies (beyond 12 months) have been published for CJC-1295 in humans. Theoretical concerns about chronic GH/IGF-1 elevation include potential effects on cancer risk, glucose metabolism, and joint health, though none of these have been confirmed in the available data.
| Jurisdiction | Status |
|---|---|
| FDA | Not approved. ConjuChem's clinical program was discontinued. |
| WADA | Banned under S2 (Peptide hormones and growth factors) |
| Legal status | Available as a research chemical in many jurisdictions |