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 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 |
Injection site reactions: Redness, swelling at injection site are common and usually mild.
Water retention: GH increase can cause fluid retention, joint stiffness, and carpal tunnel-like symptoms.
Potential cancer risk: GH and IGF-1 promote cell growth. Long-term GH elevation theoretically increases cancer risk, though direct evidence is limited.
Glucose effects: GH is counter-regulatory to insulin. Chronic GH elevation may impair glucose tolerance.
| 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 |