In healthy adults, single SC doses of CJC-1295 increased GH 2-10x for ≥6 days and IGF-1 1.5-3x for 9-11 days; estimated half-life was 5.8-8.1 days. Multiple doses kept IGF-1 elevated for up to 28 days with no serious adverse reactions.
CJC-1295
Long-acting GHRH analog for sustained growth hormone elevation

WADA BANNED - Prohibited in competitive sports as growth hormone releasing agent
Overview
Last reviewed: 2026-08-18
Identity & Aliases
Also known as
Status: Research compound - GHRH analog
Full composition (formula, molecular weight, sequence) in Quick Facts →
Research Areas
Available Evidence
Two randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, ascending-dose trials in healthy adults (ages 21-61) showed single subcutaneous CJC-1295 injections produced dose-dependent 2- to 10-fold increases in mean plasma GH for 6 or more days and 1.5- to 3-fold increases in IGF-1 for 9-11 days; with multiple doses, IGF-1 stayed above baseline up to 28 days. A follow-up study confirmed pulsatile GH secretion persists during continuous CJC-1295 stimulation, with markedly increased basal GH.
CJC-1295 stimulated GH and IGF-1 secretion in several animal species and enhanced growth in rats; preclinical work underpinned the long-acting GHRH approach.
The DAC (drug affinity complex) technology was designed so the peptide binds covalently to endogenous albumin after injection, prolonging its circulating half-life.
There is no approved therapeutic indication, no long-term safety data from chronic use, and no clinical trials for performance/anti-aging endpoints. A non-DAC 'modified GRF 1-29' variant is frequently conflated with CJC-1295 DAC in research-use markets.
Key Studies & Findings
Overnight 20-min sampling showed GH pulsatility is preserved during continuous CJC-1295 stimulation, with basal (trough) GH increased 7.5-fold and mean GH and IGF-1 increased ~45%.
Benefits & Effects
Sustained GH elevation for 6+ days
IGF-I elevation for 9-11 days
Preserved physiological GH pulsatility
Extended half-life of 5.8-8.1 days
Side Effects & Safety
Severe/Fatal side effect
Onset: ~2 hours post-dose
Management: Phase II trial HALTED
Mild side effect
Onset: Hours-days
Management: Symptomatic treatment
Dose-dependent
Mild side effect
Onset: Hours-days
Management: Symptomatic treatment
Dose-dependent
Limitations & Open Questions
Pharmacology
Reported Research Dosing
Reported values from research literature and community protocols. Educational reference only — not a dosing recommendation or medical advice.
100-300 mcg (no DAC) / 2 mg (DAC) 1-2x/day (no DAC) or 1-2x/week (DAC)
Research Protocols
Anti-Aging/Wellness
- Dose
- 100mcg
- Frequency
- 2x daily (morning and bedtime)
- Route
- Subcutaneous
Body Composition
- Dose
- 100-150mcg
- Frequency
- 3x daily (morning, post-workout, bedtime)
- Route
- Subcutaneous
Maximum GH Release
- Dose
- 200mcg
- Frequency
- 2-3x daily with GHRP
- Route
- Subcutaneous
Sleep Enhancement
- Dose
- 100-200mcg
- Frequency
- Once at bedtime
- Route
- Subcutaneous
Research protocols are for educational purposes only. Always consult qualified medical professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'DAC' mean in CJC-1295?
DAC (drug affinity complex) is a moiety that makes the peptide bind to albumin after injection, extending its half-life to roughly 6-8 days versus minutes for plain GHRH.
Is CJC-1295 FDA approved?
No. It was studied in healthy volunteers in the 2000s but has no approved indication anywhere.
Are CJC-1295 with DAC and modified GRF 1-29 the same?
No. CJC-1295 with DAC is long-acting (albumin-bound, ~6-8 day half-life); 'modified GRF 1-29' (sometimes sold as CJC-1295 without DAC) is a shorter-acting GHRH analog.
Research Citations
Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, Gagnon C, Castaigne JP, Frohman LA (2006)
Van Hout MC, Hearne E (2016)
Timms M, Ganio K, Steel R (2019)
+ 21 more citations
Related Resources
Quick Facts
Formula
C165H269N47O46
Molecular Weight
3647.19
Sequence
Maleimidopropionyl
Mechanism
GHRH analogue with extended half-life
Safety Information
Research compound only. Limited human safety data available.
Citations
26Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, Gagnon C, Castaigne JP, Frohman LA (2006)
Van Hout MC, Hearne E (2016)
Timms M, Ganio K, Steel R (2019)
+ 21 more citations