Research Applications
Growth Hormone Deficiency
CJC-1295 has been studied as an alternative to daily GH injections for adult GH deficiency. Its sustained action allows weekly dosing while maintaining physiological GH pulsatility. Phase 2 clinical trials demonstrated dose-dependent GH and IGF-1 increases sustained over weeks.
Body Composition Optimization
Research shows CJC-1295 increases lean body mass and reduces visceral adiposity. Studies in healthy adults demonstrated significant increases in IGF-1 (up to 2-3 fold) and improvements in body composition parameters including increased lean mass and decreased fat mass.
Age-Related GH Decline
CJC-1295 research addresses somatopause — the progressive decline in GH secretion with aging. By amplifying endogenous GH pulses rather than replacing GH directly, it may restore more physiological GH dynamics compared to exogenous GH replacement.
Sleep and Recovery Enhancement
GH pulses are closely linked to slow-wave sleep. CJC-1295 research shows enhanced nocturnal GH secretion patterns and improvements in sleep quality metrics, with potential applications in recovery optimization.
Bone Density
Sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation stimulates osteoblast activity and bone formation. Preclinical studies demonstrate increased bone mineral density and improved bone turnover markers with CJC-1295 administration.
Mechanism of Action
GHRH Receptor Activation
CJC-1295 binds to and activates the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R), a class B G-protein coupled receptor on anterior pituitary somatotroph cells. Receptor activation stimulates Gαs-coupled adenylyl cyclase, increasing intracellular cAMP levels and activating PKA. This drives both immediate GH release from stored granules and transcriptional upregulation of GH gene expression.
Sustained GH Pulse Amplification
Unlike bolus GH secretagogues, CJC-1295 DAC produces sustained elevation of baseline GH levels with amplified pulsatile secretion. The albumin-bound peptide continuously occupies GHRH receptors, increasing GH pulse amplitude by 2-10 fold and extending the duration of each pulse without eliminating the trough periods essential for receptor sensitivity.
IGF-1 Axis Stimulation
The sustained GH elevation produced by CJC-1295 drives consistent hepatic IGF-1 production, raising circulating IGF-1 levels by 1.5-3 fold. This prolonged IGF-1 elevation mediates many of the peptide's anabolic and metabolic effects through IGF-1 receptor signaling in muscle, bone, and other tissues.
Synergy with Ghrelin Mimetics
CJC-1295 and GH secretagogues (ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6) activate complementary signaling pathways on somatotrophs. GHRH activates cAMP/PKA (synthesis and slow release), while ghrelin mimetics activate PLC/IP3/calcium (rapid release). Combined activation produces GH responses 3-5 fold greater than either agent alone.
Somatostatin Sensitivity Preservation
Unlike exogenous GH administration, CJC-1295 preserves somatostatin feedback regulation, preventing excessive and unphysiological GH elevations. This negative feedback mechanism contributes to a more physiological GH profile.
Biological Pathways
cAMP/PKA/CREB Signaling
Primary signaling occurs through Gαs-mediated cAMP accumulation. PKA activation phosphorylates CREB, driving GH gene (GH1) transcription and Pit-1 transcription factor expression. This pathway also promotes somatotroph cell survival and proliferation.
GH/JAK2/STAT5 Axis
Released GH activates the JAK2/STAT5b signaling cascade in hepatocytes, which is the primary driver of IGF-1 gene transcription. STAT5b also regulates sex-specific patterns of gene expression in liver, influencing drug metabolism and body composition.
IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR Cascade
IGF-1 signals through its receptor tyrosine kinase to activate PI3K/Akt/mTOR, the master pathway for protein synthesis and cell growth. mTOR activation of p70S6K and 4E-BP1 enhances ribosomal biogenesis and cap-dependent translation — the primary mechanism of muscle protein accretion.
GH-Mediated Lipolysis
GH activates JAK2-dependent pathways in adipocytes, phosphorylating and activating hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). This promotes lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation, contributing to fat mass reduction independent of IGF-1.
Dosage Information
Calculation Results
Syringe Fill Level (100u syringe)
Protocols
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin StackIntermediate🏃Sport & Performance3-6 months
The most popular GH secretagogue stack. Synergistic effects for fat loss, muscle gain, recovery, and anti-aging.
Warning: May increase hunger. Water retention possible. Monitor for numbness/tingling.
Comprehensive Longevity StackAdvanced⏳Anti-Aging3-6 months
Multi-peptide anti-aging protocol combining telomerase activation, mitochondrial support, and GH optimization.
Warning: Very advanced protocol. Consider blood work monitoring.
Stability & Storage
CJC-1295 is supplied as a lyophilized white powder. The DAC variant has enhanced stability due to albumin conjugation in vivo. Store lyophilized powder at -20°C for long-term stability (12-24 months). At 2-8°C, stability is approximately 3-6 months.
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, directing the stream along the vial wall. Allow to dissolve gently without vigorous shaking. The reconstituted solution should be clear and colorless. Store reconstituted CJC-1295 at 2-8°C and use within 21 days.
The four amino acid substitutions (positions 2, 8, 15, 27) were specifically designed to resist DPP-4 enzymatic degradation, which rapidly inactivates native GHRH. These modifications, combined with the DAC albumin-binding moiety, provide exceptional in vivo stability compared to native GHRH (half-life: minutes vs. days).
Side Effects & Precautions
Water Retention and Bloating
Fluid retention is one of the most common effects, particularly during the initial weeks of use. This is mediated by GH-induced sodium retention in the kidneys and typically diminishes over 2-4 weeks.
Flushing and Warmth
A transient sensation of facial flushing and warmth following injection is commonly reported. This effect typically lasts 15-30 minutes and is attributed to vasodilatory properties.
Headache
Mild to moderate headaches may occur, particularly during initial dosing. These are often related to fluid shifts and typically resolve with continued use.
Tingling and Numbness
Carpal tunnel-like symptoms (numbness, tingling in extremities) can occur with sustained GH elevation. This is dose-dependent and resolves with dose reduction.
Joint Pain
Mild arthralgia has been reported, attributed to GH-mediated effects on connective tissue hydration and growth. Typically transient and dose-dependent.
Injection Site Reactions
Mild redness, itching, or hardness at injection sites can occur. The DAC formulation may cause slightly more injection site reactions due to the albumin-binding complex.
Potential for Prolonged GH Elevation
The long half-life of CJC-1295 DAC means effects persist for days after injection. This can be disadvantageous if adverse effects occur, as they cannot be quickly reversed.
Research Use Only. This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended for medical advice or self-medication.
Regulatory Status
CJC-1295 is not approved by the FDA or any major regulatory authority for clinical use. The original developer, ConjuChem Biotechnologies, conducted Phase 2 clinical trials but did not advance to Phase 3. Development was discontinued following a death in a clinical trial (attributed to the subject's pre-existing cardiac condition, not the drug).
The peptide is classified as an investigational research compound and is available from research chemical suppliers for laboratory use only. It is not approved for human therapeutic use.
WADA prohibits CJC-1295 under category S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances, and Mimetics) of the prohibited list, banned both in-competition and out-of-competition. Advanced mass spectrometry methods can detect CJC-1295 and its metabolites in biological samples.
Research Studies
Prolonged Stimulation of Growth Hormone Release by CJC-1295, a Long-Acting GHRH Analog
Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al.
Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Analogs: Mechanism of Action and Clinical Applications
Ionescu M, Frohman LA.
Sustained-Release Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Reduces IGF-1 Decline in Normal Aging
Corpas E, Harman SM, Blackman MR.
Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) Technology for Half-Life Extension of Peptides
Bhatt RS, Bhatt DL, Hamilton N, et al.
Growth Hormone Secretagogues and GHRH Analogs: A Review of Clinical Applications
Nass R, Thorner MO.
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