CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide that boosts growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1 levels, promoting muscle growth, fat loss, improved sleep, and anti-aging effects. It is often combined with Ipamorelin for enhanced results in recovery, performance, and metabolism. CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) designed to increase growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels in the body. This peptide mimics the action of natural GHRH but has been modified for increased stability and resistance to enzymatic degradation. CJC-1295 is available in two forms: with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) for extended action and without DAC for a more pulsatile release of GH. When combined with Ipamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP), the synergistic effects amplify GH release, improving muscle mass, fat loss, recovery, sleep quality, and overall performance. This combination is often used in anti-aging, performance enhancement, and therapeutic protocols.
CJC-1295
Also known as: Modified GRF (1-29); CJC-1295 DAC
Overview
Benefits
- Muscle growth and recovery
- Fat loss
- Improved sleep quality
- Anti-aging effects
- Enhanced performance
- Better bone health
- Neuroprotection
Consider This Peptide If You Want To
- Enhance growth hormone production to support muscle growth, fat loss, and overall recovery
- Improve sleep quality, cellular repair, and anti-aging benefits for long-term health and performance
Dosage & Administration
Dosage Guidelines
Recommended Dosage
• Amount:100 mcg
• Frequency:twice weekly
• Duration:8 weeks
• Rest Period:8 weeks
• Time of Day:morning
• Ingestion:subcutaneous
Administration Routes:Subcutaneous
Research Findings on Dosage:
• CJC-1295 With DAC :
◦ Commonly Reported Dosage: subcutaneous injection - 100 mcg twice per week (more is not better)
◦ Duration: 6-8 week cycles, 4-8 week rest
▪ Note: Recommended to take on an empty stomach 30 minutes before or 2 hours after eating
• CJC-1295 Without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29):
◦ Commonly Reported Dosage: subcutaneous injection - 100 mcg, 5 days on, 2 days off
◦ Duration: 10-12 week cycles, 4-8 weeks off
▪ Note: Recommended to take on an empty stomach 30 minutes before or 2 hours after eating. Multiple injections can be given per day to increase GH secretion
▪ Best practice: Recommended to test IGF-1 levels before administration of any GHRP, GHRH
• CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Combination:
◦ Commonly Reported Dosage: 200--400 mcg daily, 5 days on, 2 days off
◦ Duration: 90 days
▪ Note: Recommended to take on an empty stomach
▪ Best practice is to titrate to avoid a histamine response
Mechanism of Action
Mechanism of Action
How this peptide works in the body
GHRH Receptor Activation:
CJC-1295 binds to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) receptors in the anterior pituitary, triggering the cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent activation of protein kinase A (PKA). This leads to growth hormone (GH) secretion, which stimulates anabolic processes such as protein synthesis, muscle growth, and tissue repair while also enhancing lipolysis (fat breakdown).
IGF-1 Stimulation:
By increasing GH release, CJC-1295 elevates insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, which is primarily produced in the liver via JAK2/STAT5 signaling. IGF-1 promotes cellular growth, enhances metabolism, and supports musculoskeletal and neurological regeneration, making it key for anti-aging, athletic recovery, and fat loss.
Pulsatile vs. Sustained Release:
Without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29): Mimics natural GH pulsatility, producing short bursts of GH that align with the body's circadian rhythm, optimizing muscle growth and recovery.
With DAC: Binds to albumin, extending its half-life to up to 8 days, leading to a more prolonged elevation of GH and IGF-1 levels, beneficial for long-term metabolic enhancement and anti-aging applications.
Consider Stacking With
- Any GHRP (Ipamorelin, Hexarelin)
- BPC-157
- AOD-9604
- Semaglutide/Tirzepatide
- PEG-MGF
- Kisspeptin-10
- 5-Amino-1MQ
- MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
Side Effects & Cautions
Common Side Effects
- Flushing
- Injection site irritation
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Mild swelling (edema)
Cautions
- Cell proliferation: use cautiously in cancer-prone individuals due to GH’s potential mitogenic effects
- Thyroid suppression: monitor thyroid levels, as GH can suppress TSH
- WADA restrictions: banned for competitive athletes
- Potential for histamine response
Research & References
Research Highlights
Extended GH and IGF-1 Release: Studies show CJC-1295 can sustain elevated GH levels for up to 6 days and IGF-1 levels for 9--11 days with a single dose.
Combination Therapy: Co-administration with Ipamorelin enhances GH pulses without increasing cortisol or prolactin levels.
Fat Loss and Body Composition: Clinical trials indicate reduced visceral fat and improved metabolic profiles in treated subjects.
References
Teichman SL, et al. "Prolonged stimulation of GH and IGF-1 by CJC-1295." J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006
Fehm HL, et al. "GHRH effects on sleep quality." Psychoneuroendocrinology. 1999
ConjuChem Technologies. "Development and pharmacokinetics of CJC-1295 DAC." 2021
Perras B, et al. "Regulation of sleep and endocrine function by GHRH." Endocrinol Metab. 2021