Sustained growth hormone, naturally amplified
A stabilized GHRH analog designed to extend the half-life of natural growth hormone pulses.
Educational content. This page describes CJC-1295 for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a licensed provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any therapy.
CJC-1295 is a synthetic 30-amino acid GHRH analog developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies. Its unique Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) technology allows it to covalently bind serum albumin after injection, extending its half-life from minutes to 5.8-8.1 days.
CJC-1295 stimulates the anterior pituitary to produce GH in a dose-dependent manner. It has been studied in multiple clinical trials in healthy adults and is one of the most pharmacologically characterized GH-releasing peptides.
After injection, CJC-1295's maleimidopropionic acid group bonds to cysteine-34 on circulating serum albumin, protecting it from enzymatic degradation for days instead of minutes.
The albumin-CJC-1295 conjugate activates GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating GH synthesis and secretion. It preserves natural pulsatile GH patterns, enhancing both pulse amplitude and basal levels without disrupting timing.
Sustained growth hormone, naturally amplified
CJC-1295 covalently binds serum albumin via maleimidopropionic acid, creating a long-circulating GHRH analog with 6-8 day half-life. It activates pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate GH synthesis while preserving natural pulsatility, sustaining elevated GH and IGF-1 for days to weeks.
Key studies supporting the therapeutic use of this peptide.
Single injection: 2-10 fold GH for 6+ days, 1.5-3 fold IGF-1 for 9-11 days. Multiple doses: cumulative IGF-1 elevation for 28 days.
Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al. — J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 91(3):799-805 (2006) · PubMed
Preserved pulsatile GH secretion while increasing basal GH 7.5-fold and mean GH 46%; IGF-1 up 45% at one week.
Ionescu M, Frohman LA — J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 91(12):4792-4797 (2006) · PubMed
Fully normalized body weight, length, lean mass; evidence of somatotroph proliferation.
Alba M, Fintini D, Sagazio A, et al. — Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, 291(6):E1290-E1294 (2006) · PubMed
Typical protocols used in clinical practice. Always consult a licensed provider for personalized dosing.
Subcutaneous (with DAC)
Subcutaneous (without DAC / Mod GRF 1-29)
Subcutaneous (with DAC): Albumin-binding version allows weekly dosing
Subcutaneous (without DAC / Mod GRF 1-29): Shorter half-life; often combined with Ipamorelin
Two forms exist: with DAC (weekly dosing) and without DAC/Mod GRF 1-29 (multiple daily doses). Pharmacokinetics differ dramatically.
Bedtime dosing preferred to augment nocturnal GH pulse.
A 4-week break between cycles is commonly recommended.
Well tolerated in clinical trials at 30-60 mcg/kg. No serious adverse reactions in published human studies.
CJC-1295 development was discontinued after a clinical trial participant died in 2006. The cause was not definitively attributed to CJC-1295, but it halted formal pharmaceutical development.
Long-term data from large controlled trials unavailable. Periodic IGF-1 and glucose monitoring recommended.
See how CJC-1295 compares to peptides with overlapping benefits.
| Peptide | Primary Use | Administration | Cycle Length | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 | Anti-Aging & Recovery | Injection (weekly or daily) | 8–12 weeks | Only GHRH analog with covalent albumin-binding mechanism extending half-life to 6-8 days, allowing once-weekly dosing |
| SS-31 (Elamipretide) | Mitochondrial Restoration & Anti-Aging | Injection (daily) | Continuous (weeks to months) | Only peptide that directly targets cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane to restore electron transport chain efficiency |
| GHK-Cu | Anti-Aging & Recovery | Topical, Injection | 8–12 weeks | Only peptide demonstrated to modulate ~31% of human genes, epigenetically resetting cellular function toward a younger phenotype |
| Sermorelin | Anti-Aging & GH Restoration | Injection (daily) | 3–6 months | Only GHRH analog with FDA approval history and multi-decade safety record, uniquely preserving natural GH feedback |
| Glutathione | Antioxidant & Detoxification | IV, Oral, Sublingual | Ongoing supplementation | The body's own master antioxidant, with clinical data supporting oral bioavailability (challenging earlier assumptions) and dramatic immune cell activation at high doses |
Current FDA classification and compounding eligibility.
The FDA placed this substance in Category 2 of the 503A bulk drug substances evaluation, flagging significant safety risks. 503A compounding carries FDA enforcement risk, so most pharmacies decline to prepare it and many physicians hesitate to prescribe it.
Nomination withdrawn September 2024, then reviewed by PCAC on December 4, 2024. PCAC voted against inclusion. FDA cited aggregation, immunogenicity risks, and limited clinical data. Remains ineligible for 503A compounding. Not among the 12 peptides HHS withdrew from Category 2 in April 2026.
PCAC reviewed and recommended against inclusion on 503A bulks list
Removed from Category 2 (nomination withdrawn by nominators)
Placed in 503A Category 2 with significant safety risks identified
Last verified April 12, 2026. PepHookup tracks public FDA actions. This is not legal or medical advice.
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