What is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone), the hypothalamic signal that tells the pituitary to secrete GH. Its DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) modification is a chemical linker that binds CJC-1295 to albumin in the blood, which extends its half-life from minutes to days.
Natural GHRH lasts only about 7 minutes after injection, too short for practical use. CJC-1295 with DAC extends that to roughly 6-8 days, so a single injection can keep GH and IGF-1 elevated for a week. That is the practical point: unlike Ipamorelin, which creates short GH pulses, CJC-1295 holds a prolonged “tonic” elevation of GH and IGF-1.
Note: “CJC-1295 without DAC” (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF) has a shorter half-life of about 30 minutes and is used differently, usually dosed daily to mimic natural GHRH patterns. The DAC version is the one most often used in longevity research.
Effects: what does the research say?
GH & IGF-1 Elevation, Human Data
CJC-1295 has something most research peptides lack: actual human trial data.
- Teichman et al. (2006): single injections of CJC-1295 at 30-60 mcg/kg produced GH increases of 2-10x baseline, sustained for 6 days
- IGF-1 increased by 1.5-3x, sustained for 9-11 days after a single injection
- Dose-dependent response with good tolerability in healthy adult subjects
- No serious adverse events reported in the published trial
“CJC-1295 produced sustained, dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-I levels in healthy adults with a favorable safety and tolerability profile. The prolonged pharmacokinetics make it a promising research tool.”
Teichman SL et al. (2006), Prolonged Stimulation of Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Secretion by CJC-1295. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. · PMID 16352683 ↗
The Ipamorelin Synergy, Why They’re Paired
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin work on two different receptor systems that naturally coordinate GH release in the brain:
- CJC-1295 activates GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, the stimulatory signal
- Ipamorelin activates ghrelin (GHSR) receptors, an amplifying signal
- Together they produce stronger GH pulses than either alone, much like the healthy pituitary using both signals at once
- CJC-1295 provides the sustained baseline; Ipamorelin provides the acute pulse
Body Composition & Recovery
GH and IGF-1 elevation drives the downstream effects researchers target:
- Increased lean body mass: IGF-1 stimulates protein synthesis in muscle
- Reduced fat mass: GH directly activates lipolysis in fat tissue
- Faster recovery from training and injury: improved collagen synthesis, faster tissue repair
- Anti-aging effects: improved skin quality, bone density, sleep architecture
“Sustained elevation of IGF-I following CJC-1295 administration supports its potential utility in protocols aimed at improving body composition, recovery capacity, and age-related decline in GH secretion.”
Ionescu M, Frohman LA (2006), Pulsatile Secretion of Growth Hormone (GH) Persists during Continuous Stimulation by CJC-1295. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. · PMID 17018654 ↗
Dosage, what is being researched?
Important: There is no officially approved human dosage for CJC-1295. The following reflects what is documented in published research and what longevity research communities report; this is not medical advice.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 with DAC (solo) | 1-2 mg | Once weekly SC | 8-12 weeks |
| CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin | 200-300 mcg CJC + 200 mcg Ipa | 1-2x daily SC | 8-12 weeks |
| Mod GRF 1-29 (no DAC) | 100-200 mcg | Daily (AM/pre-sleep) | 8-12 weeks |
Storage & Reconstitution
- Unreconstituted: Refrigerator (2-8 °C), protected from light, up to 24 months
- After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water: max. 30 days refrigerated
- Do not freeze after reconstitution, DAC modification can be affected
- Add water slowly along the glass wall, do not shake