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Growth Hormone Axis

CJC-1295

GHRH analog that prompts the pituitary to release more of its own growth hormone; often paired with ipamorelin, but human data are early-stage.

RestrictedEvidence level 3 of 5: Limited human dataAlso: Mod GRF 1-29 (no-DAC form), CJC-1295 with DAC, DAC:GRF, Modified GRF (1-29)

Overview

CJC-1295 is a lab-made version of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), the hypothalamic signal that tells the pituitary to release growth hormone (GH). Amino-acid substitutions protect it from rapid enzymatic breakdown. Two forms circulate: the 'no-DAC' version (Mod GRF 1-29), which lasts about 30 minutes and preserves the body's natural GH pulses, and the 'with DAC' version, which binds albumin and keeps GH elevated for days. Clinicians use it with the aim of improving sleep depth, recovery and body composition as GH output declines with age. Early human studies confirm it raises GH and IGF-1, but long-term safety and clinical outcomes have never been tested in controlled trials.

Classification
Synthetic GHRH analog (modified GRF 1-29, 29 aa); available with or without a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC)
Route
Subcutaneous
Half-life
~30 minutes (no-DAC); ~6–8 days (with DAC)

Mechanism of action

Primary targetGHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs
  1. Binds GHRH receptorAttaches to GHRH receptors on growth-hormone-producing cells of the anterior pituitary.
  2. cAMP signaling activatedReceptor activation raises cAMP, priming somatotrophs to synthesize and secrete GH.
  3. GH pulse releasedNo-DAC form amplifies natural pulses; DAC form produces sustained, non-pulsatile elevation.
  4. Liver produces IGF-1Circulating GH stimulates hepatic IGF-1, the main mediator of downstream anabolic effects.
  5. Tissue-level signalingGH and IGF-1 promote lipolysis, protein synthesis and collagen turnover in target tissues.
Downstream effects
  • Higher GH and IGF-1
  • Lean mass support
  • Deeper sleep (reported)
  • Fat mobilization

Researched for

  • Adult growth hormone insufficiency
  • Body composition
  • Sleep quality
  • Recovery and connective tissue
  • HIV-associated lipodystrophy (discontinued program)

Research notes

  • Phase 1 (Teichman 2006): single DAC doses raised mean GH 2–10-fold for 6+ days and IGF-1 for up to ~2 weeks in healthy adults.
  • The no-DAC form preserves pulsatile GH release, which is considered more physiologic; the DAC form causes a continuous 'GH bleed'.
  • Clinical development stopped in the mid-2000s; no phase 3 trials were completed.
  • No long-term data on glucose metabolism, cardiovascular endpoints or cancer risk with chronic use.

Reported side effects

  • Water retention / mild edema
  • Hand tingling or carpal-tunnel-like symptoms
  • Rise in fasting glucose
  • Injection-site redness
  • Transient flushing or headache

Contraindications & cautions

  • Active or recent malignancy
  • Untreated proliferative diabetic retinopathy
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Untreated severe sleep apnea
  • Poorly controlled diabetes (caution)

Lab monitoring

  • IGF-1
  • Fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin
  • Lipid panel
  • CBC and CMP
  • Total/free testosterone, estradiol, prolactin

Dosing and pricing for CJC-1295

Dosing references and compound pricing are available to established patients in the secure portal after a medical evaluation.

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