CJC-1295 Evidence Guide
CJC-1295 has Phase 1/2 human data demonstrating sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation, but no Phase 3 trials or approved indication exist. Evidence is materially stronger than most GH secretagogues in the library but weaker than tesamorelin (FDA-approved). For GHRH-analog research, tesamorelin is the higher-confidence starting point; CJC-1295 is a reasonable secondary candidate.
Our Take
CJC-1295 has Phase 1/2 human data demonstrating sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation, but no Phase 3 trials or approved indication exist. Evidence is materially stronger than most GH secretagogues in the library but weaker than tesamorelin (FDA-approved). For GHRH-analog research, tesamorelin is the higher-confidence starting point; CJC-1295 is a reasonable secondary candidate.
- Best for
- GHRH-mediated GH axis stimulation, body composition research, GH deficiency investigation
- Evidence grade
- Level B
- Confidence
- Moderate
- Starting point
- 1-2mg subcutaneous, 1-2 times per week
Benefits and Evidence
- Growth Hormone Elevation: Level B, includes human evidence - Clinical studies confirm significant and sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation. DAC version maintains elevated GH for up to 6 days after single injection.
- Body Composition: Level C, includes human evidence - Preliminary human data suggests improvements in lean mass and body fat reduction with sustained use. Effects less dramatic than exogenous GH.
- Sleep Enhancement: Level C, includes human evidence - Reports of improved deep sleep, consistent with GH role in sleep architecture. Non-DAC version preferred for sleep benefits due to acute GH pulse.
Side Effects and Warnings
- Flushing and warmth after injection
- Headache
- Water retention
- Numbness or tingling
- Dizziness
- Possible increased cortisol (DAC version)
- Not FDA-approved
- One death reported in a clinical trial (cause disputed)
Research Dosage References
- <strong>Subcutaneous (DAC)</strong> - 2 mg - Once or twice weekly - Long-acting version. Provides sustained GH elevation. Do not combine with daily GHRP protocols.
- <strong>Subcutaneous (no DAC)</strong> - 100-300 mcg - 1-3 times daily - Short-acting version. Best combined with ipamorelin for synergistic pulse. Take on empty stomach.
Mechanism of Action
CJC-1295 stimulates GH through GHRH receptor activation: 1. GHRH receptor binding: Binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, directly stimulating GH synthesis and release. 2. Sustained GH elevation: DAC version provides prolonged receptor activation due to albumin binding, maintaining elevated GH for days. 3. Pulsatile GH amplification: Non-DAC version amplifies natural GH pulses without disrupting normal pulsatile patterns. 4. IGF-1 increase: Downstream elevation of IGF-1 levels through sustained GH stimulation. 5. Synergy with GHRPs: Works synergistically with growth hormone releasing peptides like ipamorelin.
Legal Status
Research peptide not FDA-approved for human use. Banned by WADA in competitive sports. Available for research purposes. In 2023, the FDA added CJC-1295 to its list of peptides that compounding pharmacies cannot produce.
Primary Sources
- Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006.
- CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog, dosed with and without ipamorelin. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006.