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What Is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with modifications that dramatically extend its half-life. Developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies, it consists of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH with amino acid substitutions that resist enzymatic degradation.
CJC-1295 exists in two forms: with Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) which binds to albumin for extended duration, and without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF) which has a shorter duration.
Key Characteristics
- Type: GHRH analog (stimulates GH release)
- Advantage: Much longer half-life than natural GHRH
- Mechanism: GHRH receptor agonist
- Common Pairing: Often used with GHRPs like Ipamorelin
Two Forms of CJC-1295
CJC-1295 with DAC
- Contains Drug Affinity Complex (lysine-linked maleimidopropionic acid)
- Binds covalently to albumin after injection
- Half-life of 6-8 days
- Provides sustained GH elevation
- Once or twice weekly dosing in research
CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29)
- No albumin-binding complex
- Half-life of approximately 30 minutes
- Creates pulsatile GH release (more physiological)
- Multiple daily doses needed
- Often preferred when combined with GHRPs
Mechanism of Action
GHRH Receptor Pathway
CJC-1295 works through the natural GHRH pathway:
- Binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotroph cells
- Activates cAMP signaling cascade
- Stimulates synthesis and release of growth hormone
- Also promotes GH gene transcription (longer-term effect)
Synergy with GHRPs
CJC-1295 works through a different pathway than GHRPs:
- CJC-1295: GHRH receptor → cAMP pathway
- GHRPs: Ghrelin receptor → different signaling
- Combined: Synergistic GH release (greater than additive)
- This is why CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin is a popular research combination
Research Findings
Human Clinical Trials
CJC-1295 DAC underwent Phase I/II clinical trials:
- Dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-1
- 2-10 fold increases in GH levels
- IGF-1 elevation sustained for 9-11 days
- Well-tolerated at tested doses
| Parameter | Finding | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| GH increase | 2-10x above baseline | 6+ days |
| IGF-1 increase | 1.5-3x above baseline | 9-11 days |
| Peak GH | Within 2 hours | - |
Body Composition Effects
- Potential increases in lean body mass
- Reduction in fat mass suggested
- Improved body composition ratios
- Effects require extended use periods
Clinical Development History
- Originally developed for GH deficiency and lipodystrophy
- Phase II trials showed promising results
- Development discontinued (company/strategic reasons)
- No approved indications
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Combination
The "Gold Standard" Research Combination
- Two different mechanisms = synergistic GH release
- CJC-1295 (no DAC) provides GHRH stimulation
- Ipamorelin provides clean GHRP stimulation
- Combined: robust GH pulse with minimal side effects
- Commonly dosed together in research protocols
Key Published Research
| Year | Focus | Key Finding | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Phase I/II trial | Sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation | Teichman et al., JCEM |
| 2006 | Pharmacokinetics | Defined extended half-life | Jetté et al. |
| 2008 | Body composition | Positive trends observed | Various reports |
Comparison: DAC vs No DAC
| Feature | CJC-1295 DAC | CJC-1295 No DAC |
|---|---|---|
| Half-life | 6-8 days | ~30 minutes |
| GH release pattern | Sustained elevation | Pulsatile (natural) |
| Dosing frequency | 1-2x weekly | 2-3x daily |
| IGF-1 elevation | Prolonged | Transient |
| Combined with GHRP | Less common | Very common |
Administration in Research
Typical research parameters:
CJC-1295 with DAC
- Route: Subcutaneous
- Research dose: 1-2mg per week
- Frequency: Once or twice weekly
CJC-1295 without DAC
- Route: Subcutaneous
- Research dose: 100-300 mcg per injection
- Frequency: 2-3 times daily
- Often combined with Ipamorelin at same time
Research Status
CJC-1295 is not approved by the FDA for any indication. Clinical development was discontinued. It is available only as a research compound. The long half-life of the DAC version may lead to continuously elevated GH/IGF-1, which carries theoretical risks that haven't been fully characterized.
Summary
CJC-1295 represents an important advancement in GHRH analog development, offering dramatically extended duration of action compared to natural GHRH or earlier analogs like sermorelin. The availability of two forms (with and without DAC) allows researchers to choose between sustained GH elevation or more physiological pulsatile release. Its synergy with GHRPs like ipamorelin has made combination protocols a focus of GH research.