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Growth Hormone — GHRH Analog (no DAC)✓ FDA Approved

CJC-1295

Also known as: CJC-1295 without DAC · Modified GRF 1-29 · Mod GRF

MW

3367.97 Da

Amino Acids

29 AA

Half-Life

30 minutes

Route

SubQ

CAS

863288-34-0

Formula

C152H252N44O42S

Amino Acid Sequence

YADAIFTQSYRKVLAQLSARKLLQDILSR

Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) is a synthetic 29-amino acid analog of endogenous GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone). It contains four key amino acid substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 that confer resistance to DPP-IV (dipeptidyl peptidase-IV) enzymatic degradation, extending half-life from ~2 minutes (native GHRH) to ~30 minutes.

PRIMARY MECHANISM — GHRH RECEPTOR ACTIVATION: Binds GHRH receptors (GHRHR) on pituitary somatotroph cells → activates adenylyl cyclase → increases intracellular cAMP → activates PKA (protein kinase A) → triggers GH gene transcription and GH vesicle release.

PULSATILITY PRESERVATION (Critical Advantage Over DAC Version): The 30-minute half-life produces discrete, short GH pulses that closely mirror the body's natural pulsatile GH secretion pattern. GH exerts many effects specifically through pulsatile signaling. The DAC version (6–8 day half-life) produces continuous GH elevation, which is less physiologic.

SYNERGY MECHANISM WITH IPAMORELIN: CJC-1295 activates GHRH receptor (cAMP/PKA = "the accelerator") while Ipamorelin activates GHS-R1a ghrelin receptor (calcium/PKC = "releases the brake" via somatostatin suppression). These are completely independent receptor systems. Co-stimulation produces 2–4x greater GH per pulse than either peptide alone (Jørgensen 1999).

DOWNSTREAM: GH release → liver IGF-1 production → PI3K/AKT/mTOR → protein synthesis, satellite cell activation, lipolysis, collagen synthesis. IGF-1 elevation 1.5–3x above baseline documented in human trials.

GH AXIS PRESERVATION: Unlike exogenous HGH which suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, CJC-1295 works within the natural feedback loop — self-regulating via somatostatin.

Dosing Protocol

Low Dose

███ – ███ mcg/day

Standard Dose

███ mcg/day

High Dose

███ – ███ mcg/day

Dosing protocols are for paid members

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Frequency

Most common: Once nightly (pre-sleep).

Half-Life

30 minutes

Reconstitution Guide

Full reconstitution protocol with BAC water volumes, concentration math, and units-to-draw per dose is available on the Clinical plan.

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Clinical Warnings

WADA PROHIBITED.

IGF-1 monitoring required every 8 weeks — do not exceed upper-normal for age.

Cancer absolute contraindication.

Food timing critical — carbs within 2hr blunt response 50–70%.

Carpal tunnel = dose too high, reduce immediately.

Diabetes monitoring required (GH antagonizes insulin).

Optimize thyroid before starting.

Contraindications

Absolute

Active cancer

Pregnancy

Active pituitary tumor

Relative Cautions

Diabetes

History of cancer

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Side Effect Profile

Mild

  • Flushing
  • Injection site irritation
  • Mild water retention

Moderate

  • Headache
  • Numbness/tingling
  • Joint pain

Severe (Rare)

  • Potential tumor growth acceleration
  • Severe water retention

Synergistic Peptides

IpamorelinGHRP-2GHRP-6Tesamorelin

Common Stacks

Ipamorelin

GHRP-2

GHRP-6

Research Status

MODERATE HUMAN EVIDENCE (DAC form). Teichman et al. 2006 (PMID 16352683): Healthy adults, GH 2–10x for 6+ days, IGF-1 1.5–3x for 9–11 days. Ionescu & Frohman 2006 (PMID 16682504): GH pulsatility preserved, trough GH +7.5-fold, mean GH +46%, IGF-1 +45%. No-DAC specific human data limited — pharmacology extrapolated from DAC trials.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does CJC-1295 work?

CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) is a synthetic 29-amino acid analog of endogenous GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone). It contains four key amino acid substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 that confer resistance to DPP-IV (dipeptidyl peptidase-IV) enzymatic degradation, extending half-life from ~2 minutes (native GHRH) to ~30 minutes. PRIMARY MECHANISM — GHRH RECEPTOR ACTIVATION: Binds GHRH receptors (GHRHR) on pituitary somatotroph cells → activates adenylyl cyclase → increa

What is the standard dose of CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 dosing protocols are available with a ClinPep Clinical subscription. Dosing varies by indication and patient factors — consult a licensed healthcare provider. General frequency: Most common: Once nightly (pre-sleep).

What is the half-life of CJC-1295?

The half-life of CJC-1295 is 30 minutes. This determines optimal dosing frequency and timing.

Who should not use CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 is absolutely contraindicated in: Active cancer; Pregnancy; Active pituitary tumor. Use with caution in: Diabetes; History of cancer; Carpal tunnel syndrome.

What are the side effects of CJC-1295?

Common mild side effects include: Flushing, Injection site irritation, Mild water retention. Moderate effects: Headache, Numbness/tingling, Joint pain.

What peptides stack well with CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 is commonly stacked with: Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Tesamorelin.

How do you reconstitute CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. Exact volumes, concentrations, and units-to-draw calculations are available in the ClinPep Clinical plan. Always follow your compounding pharmacy's instructions.

How long should you cycle CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 cycle protocols vary by indication. Detailed cycle length, on/off schedules, and monitoring guidelines are available with ClinPep Clinical access. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized cycling guidance.

References & Citations

5 PubMed studies · 1 clinical trials

Analysis of growth hormone releasing hormone and its analogs in urine using nano liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/orbitrap mass spectrometry.

Uçaktürk Ebru, Nemutlu Emirhan. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis. 2026

PubMed: 41138283DOI ↗C — Research Article

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and its synthetic analogs are considered performance-enhancing substances and are therefore prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The analysis of G

An antibody-free, ultrafiltration-based assay for the detection of growth hormone-releasing hormones in urine at low pg/mL concentrations using nanoLC-HRMS/MS.

Coppieters Gilles, Deventer Koen, Polet Michaël, Van Eenoo Peter et al.. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis. 2022

PubMed: 35298973DOI ↗C — Research Article

This work presents an ultrafiltration-based, validated method for the screening and confirmation of prohibited growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogues (sermorelin/CJC-1293, sermorelin metabo

Advances in the detection of growth hormone releasing hormone synthetic analogs.

Memdouh Siham, Gavrilović Ivana, Ng Kelsey, Cowan David et al.. Drug testing and analysis. 2021

PubMed: 34665524DOI ↗C — Research Article

The administration of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) and its synthetic analogs is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Although there is evidence of their use, based on admissio

Comparison of magnetic bead surface functionalities for the immunopurification of growth hormone-releasing hormones prior to liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry.

Pont Laura, Alechaga Élida, Terrero Alejandro, Monfort Núria et al.. Journal of chromatography. A. 2020

PubMed: 32971474DOI ↗C — Research Article

Growth hormone-releasing hormone and its analogues sermorelin, tesamorelin and CJC-1295 are included in the prohibited list of the World Antidoping Agency. These target peptides are found at very low

An immuno polymerase chain reaction screen for the detection of CJC-1295 and other growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogs in equine plasma.

Timms Mark, Ganio Katherine, Forbes Grace, Bailey Simon et al.. Drug testing and analysis. 2019

PubMed: 30489688DOI ↗C — Research Article

CJC-1295 is a 30 amino acid peptide-based drug that stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. It is unique among performance-enhancing peptides due to the presence of a r

Registered Clinical Trials

A Study to Evaluate CJC 1295 in HIV Patients With Visceral Obesity

NCT00267527TERMINATEDPHASE2

Symptom Indications

Low GH levelsPoor recoveryMuscle lossPoor sleepAgingLow energy

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This information is for educational and research reference purposes only. ClinPep does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. All protocols should be reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider.