CJC-1295
Also known as: CJC-1295 DAC, CJC-1295 without DAC, Modified GRF (1-29), Mod GRF
At a Glance
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), specifically the first 29 amino acids (GRF 1-29) with modifications to extend its half-life. It exists in two forms:
- CJC-1295 with DAC: Contains Drug Affinity Complex for albumin binding (~8 day half-life)
- CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29): ~30 minute half-life, more pulsatile release
CJC-1295 stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone (GH) in a physiological manner.
⚠️ Research Status: CJC-1295 is not approved for human use. Clinical development was discontinued after a death in a Phase 2 trial (unrelated to the drug per investigators). Evidence is limited to early-phase trials.
Mechanism of Action
GHRH Receptor Agonism
- Binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs
- Stimulates growth hormone synthesis and release
- Works within the natural GH pulsatile pattern
- Does not override negative feedback (unlike exogenous GH)
DAC Technology (CJC-1295 DAC)
- Maleimidoproprionic acid linker binds to serum albumin
- Extends half-life from minutes to ~8 days
- Provides sustained GH elevation
- May cause less physiological pulsatility
Synergy with GHRPs
- Often combined with growth hormone releasing peptides (Ipamorelin, GHRP-6)
- GHRH + GHRP provides synergistic GH release
- Mimics natural dual-signal for GH secretion
Evidence Summary
Growth Hormone Elevation (Phase 1-2)
Moderate Confidence RCT >10 YearsEarly clinical trials by ConjuChem showed:
- 2-10 fold increases in GH levels
- Sustained IGF-1 elevation over 7+ days
- Dose-dependent responses
TESAMORELIN (related compound): A GHRH analog with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification IS FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, validating the mechanism.
Body Composition
Low Confidence RCT >10 YearsLimited data suggests potential for:
- Increased lean body mass
- Decreased fat mass
- Improved body composition metrics
Limitations: Small studies; short duration; industry-sponsored; development discontinued.
Clinical Development Status
- Discontinued: Development was halted after a death in clinical trials
- Investigators attributed the death to underlying conditions, not CJC-1295
- No further human development pursued by the original sponsor
Safety & Unknowns
Reported Adverse Events (Clinical Trials)
| Event | Notes |
|---|---|
| Injection site reactions | Common with DAC formulation |
| Flushing | Reported in some subjects |
| Headache | Occasional |
| Dizziness | Rare |
Major Unknowns
- Long-term safety: No extended human data
- Cancer risk: GH/IGF-1 axis may theoretically promote tumor growth
- Cardiovascular effects: Unknown
- Death in trial: One subject death during development (attributed to pre-existing conditions)
Regulatory Status
| Region | Status |
|---|---|
| FDA | Not approved; development discontinued |
| EMA | Not approved |
| WADA | Prohibited (S2 – Peptide Hormones) |
Key Studies
| Year | Type | Finding |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Phase 1 | Demonstrated prolonged GH elevation |
| 2007 | Phase 2 | Dose-response characterization |
| 2008 | — | Clinical development halted |
Related Compounds
- Tesamorelin (Egrifta): FDA-approved GHRH analog
- Sermorelin: Earlier GHRH analog (shorter half-life)
- Ipamorelin: GHRP often combined with CJC-1295
- MK-677: Oral GH secretagogue (non-peptide)
Changelog
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| 2026-01-21 | Initial dossier created |