Longevity
Muscle
Hormones
What is CJC-1295? Benefits, Research & Legality (2025 Guide)
CJC-1295 is a peptide that boosts natural growth hormone production, often studied for its potential to support muscle recovery, fat loss, and healthy aging. It’s popular in hormone optimization protocols and frequently paired with other peptides like Ipamorelin.
CJC-1295
Overview
CJC-1295 is a long-acting analog of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) designed to boost growth hormone (GH) secretion in a sustained manner. Often referred to as a GHRH analog with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex), CJC-1295 has modifications that greatly extend its half-life, allowing it to continuously stimulate the pituitary gland to release GH over the course of days. In the realm of peptide research, CJC-1295 is significant for its ability to raise IGF-1 levels for prolonged periods and enhance pulsatile GH release while preserving the natural rhythm of GH secretion . It has been investigated for potential therapeutic benefits such as treating GH deficiency, increasing lean body mass, and aiding in fat loss and recovery. Given its long duration, CJC-1295 has been dubbed a “growth hormone releasing hormone serum protein” because it binds to albumin, acting as a reservoir that steadily triggers GH pulses. The tone around CJC-1295 is that of a highly potent, advanced peptide: authoritative research shows it can multiply circulating GH levels many-fold for a week or more , making it an attractive candidate for regenerative and metabolic medicine studies. At the same time, caution is noted due to its potency – appropriate dosing and monitoring are emphasized in any experimental context.
What is
CJC-1295
?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide that mimics the active portion of natural GHRH (the first 29 amino acids, also called sermorelin). What distinguishes CJC-1295 is the addition of a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) – a molecular attachment (typically involving a lysine link to a reactive chemical) that allows the peptide to bind to albumin in the bloodstream. By hitching a ride on albumin, CJC-1295 avoids rapid kidney clearance and enzymatic breakdown, achieving a half-life of several days (about 5–8 days) . In contrast, unmodified GHRH analogs (like Sermorelin or CJC-1295 without DAC, also known as ModGRF 1-29) have half-lives of only minutes.
CJC-1295 with DAC is typically provided as a lyophilized powder that is reconstituted for subcutaneous injection. Because of its long half-life, dosing might be as infrequent as 1–2 times per week. Upon injection, it rapidly binds to albumin and then slowly releases the active GHRH sequence to interact with pituitary receptors. The effect is a continuous stimulation of GH release – not in one giant surge, but in an amplified version of the body’s natural GH pulses.
One should note that CJC-1295 exists in two forms: “with DAC” (the long-acting one described) and “without DAC” (often called Modified GRF 1-29) which is short-acting. The “with DAC” version is the one that was clinically developed and studied in humans for GH deficiency and related metabolic conditions. It’s important to clarify which is used, as their dosing and profiles differ. Here we are focusing on the DAC version unless otherwise specified.
How it Might Work
CJC-1295 works by binding to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotroph cells, the same receptors the natural GHRH from the hypothalamus binds to. Once attached, it triggers the signaling cascade that causes those cells to release growth hormone. Normally, GHRH is released in pulses (especially at night), and then it’s quickly degraded. With CJC-1295’s long presence, the pituitary sees a near-constant “reminder” to secrete GH. However, interestingly, studies showed that despite continuous presence, GH secretion remained pulsatile and did not turn into a constant flood . This is likely because the body’s feedback mechanisms (like somatostatin release) still modulate the timing of pulses. What CJC-1295 does is raise the baseline GH levels (trough levels) and the amplitude of the pulses.
In clinical research, a single injection of CJC-1295 produced a 2-10 fold increase in GH levels for 6+ days and a 1.5-3 fold increase in IGF-1 levels for up to 1-2 weeks . Mean IGF-1 remained elevated above baseline for about 28 days after multiple doses . This sustained IGF-1 elevation is evidence of prolonged GH stimulation of the liver.
Mechanistically, CJC-1295’s DAC component attaches to albumin via a covalent bond to lysine residues. This large complex avoids rapid renal excretion. The GHRH portion then intermittently dissociates (or is presented to receptors) in a way that aligns with natural GH pulses – an interesting aspect of its design. Because it amplifies physiologic GH release, it tends to preserve normal GH dynamics: nights see more GH release than daytime, etc., just at a higher level overall . This is beneficial because continuous nonpulsatile GH (as can happen if one overdoses on GH or certain continuous secretagogues) can lead to tachyphylaxis or desensitization. With CJC-1295, GH pulsatility is “persisting” , meaning the pituitary doesn’t burn out.
Downstream, the effects of this increased GH/IGF-1 include: increased protein synthesis, cartilage and bone growth stimulation, enhanced fat breakdown, and possibly improved sleep (GH helps deep sleep). CJC-1295 thereby can cause changes like improved lean mass and reduced fat mass if used over time, akin to GH therapy, but by inducing one’s own GH rather than supplying it exogenously.
One must also consider feedback: If IGF-1 goes too high, the hypothalamus might increase somatostatin (which inhibits GH release). However, the data suggests CJC-1295, at appropriate doses, raised IGF-1 into the upper normal range in most subjects without shutting down GH pulses. The body still produced GH pulses albeit at a higher baseline – demonstrating a balance between the constant GHRH signaling and the body’s feedback controls. In essence, CJC-1295’s key working principle is longevity and consistency of action: by staying in the system for days, it ensures that whenever the pituitary is ready to fire (low somatostatin moments), there’s plenty of GHRH analog present to make that fire strong. This yields a marked and sustained elevation in the GH/IGF-1 axis, closer to youthful levels in those with deficiency or age-related decline.
What People are Saying
Those in the peptide and bodybuilding communities often hail CJC-1295 as a convenient and powerful way to boost growth hormone. The convenience factor cannot be overstated: instead of daily injections (as with some shorter peptides or GH itself), CJC-1295 with DAC may be injected 1-2 times a week. People like that “set it and forget it” aspect, likening it to a long-acting background enhancer for their GH levels.
Users often report results such as improved muscle fullness, better recovery from workouts, increased fat loss, and deeper sleep after a couple of weeks on CJC-1295. It’s sometimes a bit hard for individuals to distinguish the effects of CJC-1295 alone, because many use it in combination with things like Ipamorelin (the classic combo). But generally, feedback suggests that those who had lab tests saw IGF-1 levels go up significantly while on it, correlating with subjective improvements in vitality and body composition.
Some anecdotal quotes: “My IGF-1 went from 150 to 300 on CJC, felt like I was in my 20s again in the gym.” Or “CJC-1295 made my skin better and I leaned out a bit over 3-4 months.” It’s also noted that effects aren’t immediate – because it’s slowly raising IGF-1, changes occur gradually over weeks. People who expect a steroid-like rapid change might be underwhelmed at first, but cumulative changes after a few months often satisfy users.
Another area people discuss is injury healing. Athletes have claimed that with elevated GH from CJC, their tendon or ligament injuries healed faster. GH/IGF-1 indeed play roles in tissue repair, so there’s plausibility, though controlled studies are sparse.
On forums, CJC-1295 is sometimes compared to daily Sermorelin or ModGRF. Many prefer the ease of less frequent injections with CJC-1295 DAC, although some purists like the short-acting because they can time it around workouts or bedtime. The worry some express about CJC-1295 is “GH bleed”, meaning the fear that GH will be too constantly elevated and cause desensitization or side effects. However, the evidence (and user blood tests) often show that pulses remain – IGF-1 is elevated but not off-the-charts unless dosed too high. The major side effects spoken about by users are similar to low-dose GH therapy: possible water retention, numbness in fingers, or mild joint aches if their IGF-1 goes very high. Some also mention a head rush or slight fatigue shortly after injection (perhaps due to vasodilation from the DAC complex), but this is usually transient.
Overall, the sentiment is that CJC-1295 is a potent peptide that gives many of the benefits of GH therapy with fewer injections and potentially a more “natural” release pattern. It’s particularly popular among those who want anti-aging or fitness benefits but are not comfortable with taking exogenous GH directly (due to cost or regulatory issues). CJC-1295, especially when paired with a GHRP like ipamorelin, is often cited as a top-tier peptide stack for those purposes.
What its Being Studied for
CJC-1295 has been and is being researched in contexts such as:
Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults
Early clinical trials of CJC-1295 were aimed at treating GHdeficient adults or those with adult GH insufficiency (for example, due to pituitary tumors). The research examined whether intermittent CJC-1295 could raise IGF-1 and improve symptoms like reduced muscle mass or low energy. Results were promising in terms of IGF-1 elevation , but todate CJC-1295 hasn’t been approved formally as a GH therapy. Nonetheless, this remains a potential area – a long-acting GHRH analog could be an alternative to daily GH injections for people who need GH replacement.
Functional Decline in Elderly
Because IGF-1 levels decrease with age and that’s associated with frailty, sarcopenia, etc., CJC-1295 is being looked at in aging populations. A study could involve older adults receiving CJC-1295 and measuring effects on muscle mass, strength, exercise capacity, and quality of life. Some Phase 2 studies in the past have touched on this, showing that IGF-1 can be boosted safely in older individuals, but more comprehensive trials on functional outcomes would be needed. This research direction aligns with the concept of “hormone restoration” as a strategy to combat aspects of aging.
Muscle or Bone Disorders
Conditions such as osteoporosis or muscle wasting diseases (like muscular dystrophy or cachexia from chronic illness) could be targets. The idea being that long-term slight elevation in GH/IGF-1 might improve bone density or muscle mass. Some animal models of osteoporosis have used continuous GH or GHRH analogs to see improvements in bone formation. CJC-1295 could be an investigational tool in these models. For example, maybe a trial for postmenopausal osteoporosis to see if adding a GHRH analog improves BMD (bone mineral density) when combined with standard therapy.
Metabolic Syndrome & Obesity
There’s interest in GH’s role in metabolism – GH can induce lipolysis and reduce visceral adiposity, but too much GH can cause insulin resistance. Research might try to find a sweet spot using CJC-1295 in overweight individuals to reduce fat while monitoring glucose metabolism. Perhaps pairing it with something like a GLP-1 agonist to counterbalance glucose effects – for example, a trial could combine CJC-1295 and semaglutide to see if together they yield additive benefits in obese patients (this is speculative but a kind of combination therapy that might be floated given each tackles different hormonal axes).
Burns or Severe Injuries
In severe catabolic states such as large burn injuries, the body’s need for anabolic support is huge, and historically, high-dose GH therapy has been used to improve healing and outcomes (with mixed results, though some positive in burns). A long-acting GHRH analog could be tested in such scenarios to see if it can aid recovery of muscle mass and wound healing in burn patients, perhaps more physiologically than injecting GH.
HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy
Similar to tesamorelin, researchers have interest in whether CJC-1295 could help manage HIV lipodystrophy or other fat redistribution syndromes. By raising GH, it might reduce visceral fat. Tesamorelin got the nod in this area because it was specifically tested and approved, but a long-acting analog like CJC-1295 could theoretically be used in a similar manner, perhaps with less frequent dosing. If tesamorelin wasn’t available or if longer action is desired, a future study could test CJC-1295’s efficacy on visceral fat and lipid profiles in such patients.
Research Use Only
As of now, CJC-1295 is not an approved medication on the market (it was in trials but hasn’t become a mainstream drug). Thus, its availability is through research chemical suppliers. Any use of CJC-1295 outside of a research setting would be off-label and unsanctioned. Researchers using CJC-1295 will typically handle it similar to other peptides: reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, store vials refrigerated, and measure doses carefully because a little can go a long way. Given its potency and long action, research protocols often use relatively low dosages (e.g., 1000-2000 μg once or twice a week in human studies ) to avoid excessive effects.
FAQ
How is CJC-1295 different from Sermorelin or other GHRH?
Sermorelin is the “basic” 29-amino-acid GHRH analog that acts for only a short time in the body (minutes). CJC-1295 has the same active portion as Sermorelin but includes additional molecular components that attach it to a blood protein, extending its life for days . Practically, this means Sermorelin needs daily injections (often at bedtime) to consistently raise GH, whereas CJC-1295 can be injected once or twice a week. CJC-1295 results in a more sustained elevation of IGF-1, whereas Sermorelin causes a short spike of GH and IGF-1 that may be closer to natural but less impactful if someone has blunted GH secretion. Many find CJC-1295 more convenient and potent than Sermorelin. However, because CJC-1295 is long-acting, if any side effects occur, they might last longer.
How quickly does CJC-1295 start working and what kind of results can be expected?
CJC-1295 starts raising GH within hours of injection, and IGF-1 levels can begin to rise within a day . However, subjective results are not immediate. Typically, after a few weeks, users might notice improved sleep (reported often as one of the first things) and slight changes in body composition (like feeling a bit leaner or muscles recovering faster). Over a 3-6 month period, one might expect improved muscle tone, decreased fat (especially if combined with exercise), better skin health (GH/IGF can boost collagen), and possibly enhancements in overall well-being and energy. In clinical terms, studies have shown increased lean body mass and reduced fat mass after several months of GH or GHRH analog therapy. The changes are moderate – think along the lines of reversing a few years of age-related changes, not a dramatic transformation like high-dose anabolic steroids. If you track it, you might see IGF-1 blood levels in an older adult go from suboptimal (say 100-150 ng/mL) up to a more youthful level (250-300 ng/mL) , which corresponds with those physical changes.
What are the side effects of CJC-1295?
Side effects of CJC-1295 largely stem from its growth hormone-boosting effects. Common ones can include injection site reactions (like redness or lumps at the injection site – since it’s infrequent, a larger volume might be injected at once). Systemically, some people experience water retention, slight edema in ankles or fingers, or joint pain (these are classic GH side effects, often from increased water in tissues). Carpal tunnel syndrome-like symptoms (numbness or tingling in the hands) can occur if IGF-1 gets quite high, but are usually reversible if dose is adjusted. A few have reported feeling light-headed or having a head rush after injecting – this could be due to a flush reaction or blood pressure change. Because GH can reduce insulin sensitivity, there’s a theoretical risk of slightly elevated blood sugar or reduction in insulin sensitivity during use, so monitoring glucose in diabetic or pre-diabetic individuals is prudent. Unlike direct GH injections, CJC-1295 is less likely to overshoot and cause acromegaly-type effects (deepened jaw, etc.) because it still relies on the body’s control – but excessive dosing could potentially lead to excessive GH which might cause those issues long-term. So, using it within recommended research dosing limits is important. Finally, any time you chronically increase cell growth signals like IGF-1, there’s a theoretical concern about promoting existing cancers – this hasn’t been seen directly with short-term use, but it’s why those with active or prior cancer should be cautious and consult medical advice.
Can CJC-1295 be combined with Ipamorelin or other peptides?
Yes, and it often is. Combining CJC-1295 (a GHRH analog) with Ipamorelin (a GHRP/ghrelin mimetic) is a common synergy: CJC provides the extended GHRH signal, while Ipamorelin provides additional stimulation plus suppression of somatostatin (the GH inhibiting hormone), leading to bigger GH pulses. Users and some clinics report that the combo results are superior to either alone – more noticeable IGF-1 raise and better clinical effects (fat loss, muscle gain, etc.). The two can even be mixed in the same syringe for convenience. Another combination is CJC-1295 with Tesamorelin – though both act on GHRH receptors, Tesamorelin daily plus CJC weekly might sustain high levels (this is less common because they’re somewhat redundant). CJC-1295 could also be stacked with something like BPC-157 for injury healing: CJC to boost systemic growth factors, BPC-157 for local repair processes – though evidence is anecdotal here. In any combination, one should monitor overall effects, as stacking can amplify side effects (for example, CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin could push IGF-1 quite high if dosed aggressively, requiring dose modulation).
Is there a risk of shutting down natural GH production with CJC-1295?
This is a thoughtful question – with external hormones like testosterone, the body reduces its own production. With growth hormone, the situation is a bit different. CJC-1295 doesn’t replace GH, it stimulates release of GH from the pituitary. So it’s using the natural machinery. If you stop CJC-1295, your pituitary should still be capable of producing GH (it might have been producing less due to feedback if IGF-1 was high, but that’s reversible quickly). In other words, it’s not like taking external GH which can cause the pituitary to become lazy; CJC is more like making the pituitary work overtime in a coordinated way. When you cease CJC, GH levels will gradually return to whatever is normal for you. There isn’t evidence of a rebound “crash” in GH – in fact, the study noted no serious adverse effect after stopping, other than IGF-1 returning to baseline over a few weeks . So, no, it shouldn’t permanently shut down GH production. If anything, while on it, your body might slightly reduce its own GHRH release due to negative feedback, but once the drug clears, those signals should normalize.
Who should not use CJC-1295?
People who have or have had cancer (especially cancers sensitive to growth factors) should be very cautious with anything that raises GH/IGF-1. Those with uncontrolled diabetes should also be careful since GH can raise blood sugar. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it – we don’t want to mess with growth factors during pregnancy. Children or adolescents generally shouldn’t use it outside of a clinical trial for growth deficiency, because their endocrine system is still developing (and if they needed GH help, doctors have pediatric GH therapy protocols). Also, anyone with a known hypersensitivity to GHRH or similar peptides shouldn’t use it (though that’s rare). Essentially, if you’re generally healthy and an adult, CJC-1295 is tolerated, but if you have serious medical conditions (heart disease, severe sleep apnea, etc.), you’d want medical oversight as raising IGF-1 can sometimes affect those conditions (for example, GH can exacerbate sleep apnea by causing slight swelling of airways). As always, consultation with a knowledgeable healthcare provider is recommended if considering use in a therapeutic sense.
Dive Into the Research
Teichman SL et al. “Prolonged Stimulation of GH and IGF-I by CJC-1295 in Healthy Adults.” J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006. (Demonstrated single and multiple dose CJC-1295 increases GH and IGF-1 for up to 1-2 weeks) .
Ionescu M & Frohman LA. “GH Secretion Persists During Continuous Stimulation by CJC-1295.” J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006. (Showed that GH pulsatility is preserved even under continuous GHRH analog influence) .
Strasburger CJ et al. “Endocrine and Metabolic Effects of Sustained GHRH Analog Administration.” Hormone Research. 2008. (Reviewed effects of prolonged GHRH analogs like CJC-1295 on body composition).
Yuen KCJ et al. “Effects of a Long-acting GHRH Analog in HIV Lipodystrophy.” Pituitary. 2013. (Explored GHRH analog for reducing visceral fat in an HIV-related context).
Melmed S. “Medical Progress: Acromegaly and GH physiology.” N Engl J Med. 2006. (Background on GH/IGF-1 which contextualizes how raising GH via analogs like CJC-1295 might impact health).
(The above references are representative and support the research context of MOTS-c. All claims are for research purposes only and do not imply approved medical use.)
About the Author
Jake Reynolds
Last Updated
June 6, 2025