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GROWTH/STRENGTH

CJC-1295

CJC-1295 (Synthetic GHRH Analog)

GHRH Analog for Sustained Growth Hormone Release

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— authoritative voices whose published research informed this article

The information on this page is compiled from peer-reviewed research and is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. Peptides discussed here may not be approved for human use in your jurisdiction. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any health protocol.

Overview

What is CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) consisting of 29 amino acids. It was developed to stimulate the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone in a sustained manner. CJC-1295 is one of the most widely used peptides for increasing growth hormone levels and improving body composition, strength, and recovery.

CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex): The DAC modification allows the peptide to bind to albumin in the bloodstream, dramatically extending its half-life from minutes to approximately 6-8 days. This results in a sustained, continuous elevation of growth hormone levels and means less frequent dosing (1-2 times per week).

CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF): Without the DAC modification, this form has a shorter half-life of approximately 30 minutes. It produces a more natural pulsatile release of growth hormone and is typically dosed 2-3 times daily, often in combination with a GHRP like ipamorelin.

CJC-1295 works by binding to GHRH receptors in the anterior pituitary gland, amplifying the natural growth hormone releasing signal. Benefits include increased lean muscle mass, reduced body fat, improved sleep quality, enhanced recovery, and stronger immune function.

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Protocol

Dosage Guide

Route: Subcutaneous injection

Dosing Schedule

PeriodDose
CJC-1295 with DAC (standard)2 mg once weekly
CJC-1295 with DAC (conservative)1 mg twice weekly
CJC-1295 without DAC (standard)100 mcg, 2-3 times daily
CJC-1295 without DAC + Ipamorelin100 mcg CJC + 200-300 mcg Ipamorelin, 2-3 times daily

Reconstitution

VIAL SIZE2 mg
WATER VOLUME2 mL
CONCENTRATION1 mg/mL
Each 0.1 mL (10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe) = 100 mcg

Injection Volumes

DoseVolumeSyringe Units
100 mcg0.1 mL10 units
200 mcg0.2 mL20 units
1 mg1.0 mL100 units
2 mg2.0 mLUse two injections

Cycling Protocol

ON PERIOD

8-12 weeks (with DAC) or 12-16 weeks (without DAC)

OFF PERIOD

4-8 weeks

CJC-1295 without DAC can be used continuously for 12-16 weeks. Often paired with Ipamorelin for the entire cycle.

Administration Tips

  • Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
  • For the non-DAC version, avoid eating for 30 minutes before and after injection
  • Rotate injection sites
  • Store reconstituted solution refrigerated and use within 28 days
  • Optimal injection timing without DAC: morning upon waking, 20-30 minutes post-workout, and 30-60 minutes before sleep
Safety

Risks & Side Effects

Commonly Reported

Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, irritation)Water retentionTingling or numbness in extremitiesHeadacheFlushingDizzinessMild joint pain

Serious Risks

CJC-1295 with DAC: sustained GH elevation effects

The sustained GH elevation can lead to more pronounced side effects including significant water retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, and potential glucose metabolism issues.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

From chronically elevated GH; typically dose-dependent.

Insulin resistance

With prolonged use at high doses.

Joint pain

Can become significant at higher doses.

Pituitary desensitization

Possible with long-term continuous use, especially the DAC version.

Allergic reactions

Rare but possible.

Related Research

Related Peptides

Expert Voices

Experts Covering CJC-1295

Dr. William A. Seeds

MD -- Regenerative Medicine Pioneer

Dr. Andrew Huberman

PhD -- Stanford Neuroscientist

Jay Campbell

Health Optimization Author and Peptide Advocate

Dr. Ian W. Hamley

Diamond Professor of Physical Chemistry -- University of Reading

Matthew Farrahi

Biohacker, CEO of Sigma Compounds, and Fitness Creator

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. CJC-1295 has not been approved by the FDA for any medical condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any peptide therapy. Individual results may vary. Peptides Institute is not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of information provided on this site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog consisting of 29 amino acids. It stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone [1]. It is available in two forms: with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex), which extends its half-life to 6 to 8 days for weekly dosing, and without DAC, which has a 30-minute half-life and is dosed multiple times daily.
What is the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and without DAC?
CJC-1295 with DAC binds to albumin in the bloodstream, extending its half-life to approximately 6 to 8 days [1], allowing once or twice weekly dosing with sustained GH elevation. Without DAC, the half-life is about 30 minutes, producing a more natural pulsatile GH release. The non-DAC form is often preferred when combined with a GHRP like ipamorelin.
What are the benefits of CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is associated with increased lean muscle mass, reduced body fat, improved sleep quality and depth, enhanced exercise recovery, stronger immune function, and improved bone density. These effects stem from the elevation in growth hormone and subsequent IGF-1. It is most commonly used for body composition and anti-aging protocols.
What is the CJC-1295 dosage?
For CJC-1295 with DAC, the typical dose is 2 mg once weekly or 1 mg twice weekly. For the non-DAC form, 100 mcg is dosed two to three times daily. A common stack is 100 mcg of CJC-1295 no-DAC combined with 200 to 300 mcg of ipamorelin per injection, taken two to three times daily at defined intervals throughout the day.
What are CJC-1295 side effects?
Common side effects include water retention, tingling or numbness in the extremities, headache, flushing, dizziness, and mild joint pain. These are typically dose-dependent. The DAC form can produce more pronounced effects due to sustained GH elevation. Serious risks include carpal tunnel syndrome, insulin resistance, and potential pituitary desensitization with prolonged use.
CJC-1295 vs ipamorelin: which is better?
CJC-1295 (GHRH analog) and ipamorelin (GHRP) work through entirely different receptors and are not competitors -- they are complementary. CJC-1295 amplifies the GHRH signal; ipamorelin triggers the ghrelin receptor. Used together, they produce synergistic GH release significantly greater than either alone. The combination is one of the most widely used GH peptide stacks.
How long does a CJC-1295 cycle last?
With DAC, cycles typically run 8 to 12 weeks with a 4 to 8 week break. Without DAC, cycles can extend to 12 to 16 weeks. The off period allows the pituitary to recover baseline responsiveness and prevents receptor downregulation. Many practitioners run both CJC-1295 no-DAC and ipamorelin together for the entire cycle duration.

References

  1. Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, 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. PMID 16352683
  2. Ionescu M, Frohman LA. Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006. PMID 17018654
  3. Jette L, Leger R, Thibaudeau K, et al.. Human growth hormone-releasing factor (hGRF)1-29-albumin bioconjugates activate the GRF receptor on the anterior pituitary in rats: identification of CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analog. Endocrinology. 2005. PMID 15817669

Regulatory & Official Sources