CJC-1295
In clinical trialsLong-acting GHRH analog
Also known as: Modified GRF (1-29) with DAC, DAC:GRF, CJC-1295 DAC
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) engineered for a dramatically extended half-life, studied for its ability to raise growth hormone and IGF-1 levels.
Molecular & research data
- Sequence
- Modified GRF(1-29) tetrasubstituted analog with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) linker
- CAS number
- 863288-34-0
- Molecular formula
- C152H252N44O42
- Molecular weight
- ≈3647.2 g/mol (with DAC)
- Half-life
- ≈6–8 days with DAC; ≈30 minutes without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29)
- Primary targets
- GHRH receptor
- Routes (research)
- Subcutaneous
- Storage
- Lyophilised: −20 °C. Reconstituted: 2–8 °C, use within weeks.
Overview
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), based on the first 29 amino acids of natural GHRH (the GRF 1-29 fragment). Its defining feature is engineering for duration: a set of amino acid substitutions resist enzymatic breakdown, and an optional Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) binds it to circulating albumin.
That combination can extend the half-life from minutes to roughly a week, allowing infrequent administration while sustaining elevated growth hormone signalling.
Mechanism of action
CJC-1295 binds the GHRH receptor on the somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary, stimulating them to synthesise and release growth hormone (GH). Increased GH in turn raises IGF-1 from the liver.
Crucially, this is a secretagogue mechanism — it prompts the body to release its own GH in a regulated way, rather than supplying external GH. Because GHRH analogs and ghrelin-mimetic GHRPs act on two different receptors, they amplify each other; CJC-1295 is therefore commonly paired with Ipamorelin in research protocols.
Common research uses
CJC-1295 has been studied for:
- Sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1 levels
- Body composition endpoints in early clinical work
- As a long-acting comparator to short-acting GHRH fragments like Sermorelin
Early clinical trials established its pharmacology, but development did not progress to approval, and it remains a research compound.
Compare CJC-1295
CJC-1295 FAQ
What is the difference between CJC-1295 with and without DAC?+
The "DAC" (Drug Affinity Complex) binds the peptide to serum albumin, extending its half-life from roughly 30 minutes to several days. Without DAC, CJC-1295 is essentially Modified GRF 1-29, a short-acting compound.
How does CJC-1295 differ from a GHRP like Ipamorelin?+
CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog acting on the GHRH receptor, while Ipamorelin is a ghrelin-mimetic acting on the GHS-R1a receptor. The two pathways are synergistic, which is why they are often studied together.
Is CJC-1295 approved?+
No. It reached early-phase clinical trials but is not an approved drug and is not available as a licensed medicine.
References
Related peptides
Ipamorelin
In clinical trialsSelective ghrelin-mimetic GHRP
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) that stimulates GH release with minimal effect on cortisol, prolactin, or appetite, making it the cleanest of the classic GHRPs.
Sermorelin
FDA-approvedShort-acting GHRH(1-29) analog
Sermorelin is a GHRH analog made of the first 29 amino acids of growth-hormone-releasing hormone — the shortest fragment that retains full activity. It was FDA-approved for diagnostic and therapeutic use before being commercially discontinued.
Tesamorelin
FDA-approvedFDA-approved stabilised GHRH analog
Tesamorelin is a stabilised GHRH analog and the only growth-hormone secretagogue with FDA approval specifically for reducing excess visceral fat (in HIV-associated lipodystrophy).
Last reviewed: 2026-06-26. Information is provided for research and educational reference only — see our disclaimer.