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Peptide Pharmacology

CJC-1295

Contents

What is CJC-1295

CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide developed to stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. It is an analog of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) but modified to have a much longer duration of action. Because growth hormone plays a central role in metabolism, muscle maintenance, fat breakdown, and recovery, CJC-1295 has attracted interest in clinical research.

What Is Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone?

GHRH is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus that signals the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. GH secretion naturally declines with age, which has been associated with changes in body composition, reduced muscle mass, increased fat mass, and slower recovery from physical stress.

How Does CJC-1295 Work?

CJC-1295 binds to GHRH receptors on the pituitary gland, stimulating the natural pulsatile release of growth hormone. Unlike direct GH injections, this approach preserves the body’s normal feedback mechanisms. CJC-1295 is often modified with a drug affinity complex (DAC), which allows it to remain active in the bloodstream for days rather than minutes.

By increasing GH levels, CJC-1295 indirectly raises insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a key mediator of GH’s effects on tissues throughout the body.

What is Drug Affinity Complex (DAC)?

Drug affinity complex is a compound that increases the duration of action (i.e. half-life) of CJC-1295. It allows for weekly dosing, rather than daily

What is CJC-1295 Used for?

Research and clinical interest has focused on:

Side Effects of CJC-1295

Reported side effects are generally mild and may include injection site reactions, headache, or flushing. Because CJC-1295 stimulates endogenous GH release rather than replacing GH directly, it may carry a lower risk of abnormal hormone levels, though long-term safety data is still limited.

CJC-1295 Dosing Protocol (for Research)

CJC-1295 has no set standard dosage, but research/educational protocols call for its administration by injection under the skin (subcutaneous). Dosing protocols differ depending on whether the peptide is with or without DAC:

CJC-1295 without DAC:

CJC-1295 with DAC:

Recommended CJC-1295 Source (for Research)

References

Teichman SL, et al. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91:799-805. doi: 10.1210/jc.2005-1536.

Giustina A, et al. Pathophysiology of the neuroregulation of growth hormone secretion in experimental animals and the human. Endocr Rev. 1998 Dec;19(6):717-97. doi: 10.1210/edrv.19.6.0353.

Smith RG, et al. Growth hormone secretagogues: prospects and potential pitfalls. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;18:333-47. doi: 10.1016/j.beem.2004.04.001.