What is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide developed to stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. It is an analog of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) but modified to have a much longer duration of action. Because growth hormone plays a central role in metabolism, muscle maintenance, fat breakdown, and recovery, CJC-1295 has attracted interest in clinical research.
What Is Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone?
GHRH is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus that signals the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. GH secretion naturally declines with age, which has been associated with changes in body composition, reduced muscle mass, increased fat mass, and slower recovery from physical stress.
How Does CJC-1295 Work?
CJC-1295 binds to GHRH receptors on the pituitary gland, stimulating the natural pulsatile release of growth hormone. Unlike direct GH injections, this approach preserves the body’s normal feedback mechanisms. CJC-1295 is often modified with a drug affinity complex (DAC), which allows it to remain active in the bloodstream for days rather than minutes.
By increasing GH levels, CJC-1295 indirectly raises insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a key mediator of GH’s effects on tissues throughout the body.
What is Drug Affinity Complex (DAC)?
Drug affinity complex is a compound that increases the duration of action (i.e. half-life) of CJC-1295. It allows for weekly dosing, rather than daily.
What is CJC-1295 Used for?
Research and clinical interest has focused on:
- Age-related decline in growth hormone
- Body composition support
- Muscle recovery and repair
- Metabolic health
Side Effects of CJC-1295
Reported side effects are generally mild and may include injection site reactions, headache, or flushing. Because CJC-1295 stimulates endogenous GH release rather than replacing GH directly, it may carry a lower risk of abnormal hormone levels, though long-term safety data is still limited.
CJC-1295 Dosing Protocol (for Research)
CJC-1295 has no set standard dosage, but research/educational protocols call for its administration by injection under the skin (subcutaneous). Dosing protocols differ depending on whether the peptide is with or without DAC:
CJC-1295 without DAC:
| Phase | Dose & frequency |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | 100 mcg (0.1 mg) daily |
| Week 2 | 200 mcg (0.2 mg) daily |
| Week 3 | 300 mcg (0.3 mg) daily |
| Weeks 4 and beyond | 400 mcg (0.4 mg) daily |
CJC-1295 with DAC:
| Phase | Dose & frequency |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 | 1 mg weekly |
| Weeks 3 and beyond | 2 mg weekly |
Shown for education. A licensed clinician should set any actual dose. Compare protocols across peptides in the peptide dosage chart.
Common questions about CJC-1295
What is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide developed to stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. It is an analog of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) but modified to have a much longer duration of action.
What is CJC-1295 used for?
Research and clinical interest has focused on: Age-related decline in growth hormone; Body composition support; Muscle recovery and repair; Metabolic health.
How does CJC-1295 work?
CJC-1295 binds to GHRH receptors on the pituitary gland, stimulating the natural pulsatile release of growth hormone. Unlike direct GH injections, this approach preserves the body’s normal feedback mechanisms.
What are the side effects of CJC-1295?
Reported side effects are generally mild and may include injection site reactions, headache, or flushing. Because CJC-1295 stimulates endogenous GH release rather than replacing GH directly, it may carry a lower risk of abnormal hormone levels, though long-term safety data is still limited.
What is the dosage of CJC-1295?
One commonly referenced research protocol is: CJC-1295 without DAC, week 1: 100 mcg (0.1 mg) daily; CJC-1295 without DAC, week 2: 200 mcg (0.2 mg) daily; CJC-1295 without DAC, week 3: 300 mcg (0.3 mg) daily; CJC-1295 without DAC, weeks 4 and beyond: 400 mcg (0.4 mg) daily; CJC-1295 with DAC, weeks 1-2: 1 mg weekly; CJC-1295 with DAC, weeks 3 and beyond: 2 mg weekly. Shown for education only; a licensed clinician should set any actual dose. See the dosing table.
How do you mix (reconstitute) CJC-1295?
Wipe the vial tops with alcohol, add bacteriostatic water slowly so it runs down the inside of the glass, then roll the vial gently until the powder dissolves; don’t shake it. See the step-by-step guide with diagrams for the pen and syringe methods.
How much bacteriostatic water do you add to CJC-1295?
There is no single correct amount. We recommend 2.1 mL: about 0.1 mL is lost during transfer, leaving roughly 2.0 mL of usable solution. You can add more or less (most peptide vials hold up to 3 mL); just enter the amount in the dose calculator. See the step-by-step mixing guide.
Is CJC-1295 FDA-approved?
No. CJC-1295 is not FDA-approved in the US (status as of October 2026).
References
- Teichman SL, 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;91:799-805. doi: 10.1210/jc.2005-1536. View source
- Giustina A, et al. Pathophysiology of the neuroregulation of growth hormone secretion in experimental animals and the human. Endocr Rev. 1998 Dec;19(6):717-97. doi: 10.1210/edrv.19.6.0353. View source
- Smith RG, et al. Growth hormone secretagogues: prospects and potential pitfalls. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;18:333-47. doi: 10.1016/j.beem.2004.04.001. View source