GH Secretagogues

CJC-1295

CJC-1295 DAC

Activation of GHRH receptors stimulates pituitary somatotrophs. The DAC modification binds albumin, extending this stimulation and sustaining GH secretion, which raises IGF-1.

Not medical advice. Educational reference only.

Typical dose
With DAC: 1–2 mg subcutaneously once weekly; without DAC: 100 mcg subcutaneously 2–3x weekly
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Storage
Keep refrigerated at 2–8 °C and use within 28 days.

What is CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 is a GHRH peptide analogue with four substitutions and a drug affinity complex (DAC). After injection, its reactive maleimide group binds covalently to serum albumin. This changes its half-life from minutes to 6–8 days, supporting weekly administration and sustained increases in GH and IGF-1. Prescription compounding is an availability pathway.

Mechanism of action

Activation of GHRH receptors stimulates pituitary somatotrophs. The DAC modification binds albumin, extending this stimulation and sustaining GH secretion, which raises IGF-1.

Targets: GHRH receptor (GHRHR) · Serum albumin (DAC binding)

Research indications

  • Growth Hormone Support

    Most effective

    Pituitary signaling stimulates the body’s own release of growth hormone.

  • Body Composition

    Effective

    Potential changes include more lean tissue and less body fat.

  • Recovery & Repair

    Effective

    Research examines support for tissue healing and recovery after injury or exercise.

  • Sleep Quality

    Moderate

    Some protocols suggest deeper slow-wave sleep and more restorative rest.

Research protocols

These are commonly discussed research protocols — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

GoalAmountFrequencyRoute
Pulse Dosing (no DAC)100 mcg2–3x weeklySubcutaneous injection
Standard with DAC1 mgOnce weeklySubcutaneous injection
High Dose with DAC2 mgOnce weeklySubcutaneous injection

Interactions

  • Insulin / IGF-1

    Monitor
  • Corticosteroids

    Caution
  • Thyroid Hormones

    Monitor
  • BPC-157

    Compatible
  • TB-500

    Compatible
  • Ipamorelin + CJC-1295

    Compatible

    The combination is used for complementary GH stimulation; compatibility is not established by a cited interaction study.

  • Somatostatin Analogs

    Avoid

How to reconstitute and inject

Diluent: Use bacteriostatic water only. Avoid saline because it can cause precipitation.

  1. Take the CJC-1295 vial out of refrigeration and wait 15–20 minutes for it to reach room temperature.
  2. Disinfect the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab, then let it dry fully in the air.
  3. Use a sterile syringe to measure the calculated amount of bacteriostatic water. Use BAC water only; avoid saline because precipitation can occur.
  4. Direct the water slowly onto the inner vial wall rather than onto the powder.
  5. Rotate the vial gently to mix. Never shake it vigorously; this can degrade the peptide.
  6. Wait 2–3 minutes for complete dissolution, and check that the liquid is transparent and colorless.
  7. Measure your calculated dose into an insulin syringe for a subcutaneous injection.
  8. Choose the abdomen, thigh or upper arm for injection. Change the site each time to help prevent lipodystrophy.
  9. Refrigerate the mixed vial at 2–8 °C and use it within 28 days.

What to expect

Week 1–2
Sleep may begin improving, while mild fluid retention can occur early.
Week 2–4
Sleep may deepen and recovery may improve, with a slight increase in appetite.
Week 4–8
Changes in body composition, energy levels and recovery speed may become noticeable.
Week 8–12
Skin may improve as lower body fat and increased lean mass become more visible.
Week 12+
Body composition, strength and overall vitality may show sustained improvements.

Side effects and safety

  • Fluid retention and slight bloating, particularly at the start of a protocol
  • Greater appetite, especially with GHRP compounds
  • Warmth or flushing around the injection site
  • Numbness or tingling; higher doses can cause symptoms resembling carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Tiredness or lethargy when dose timing is unsuitable
  • Possible increases in cortisol and prolactin, particularly with GHRP-6
  • Higher blood glucose; monitor glucose if you have diabetes or prediabetes · Rare

Frequently asked questions

What is CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 is a GHRH peptide analogue with four substitutions and a drug affinity complex (DAC). After injection, its reactive maleimide group binds covalently to serum albumin. This changes its half-life from minutes to 6–8 days, supporting weekly administration and sustained increases in GH and IGF-1. Prescription compounding is an availability pathway.

What additional dosing or pharmacokinetic information is available?

The DAC formulation has a half-life of 6–8 days and is discussed at 1–2 mg weekly by injection. The no-DAC pulse schedule concerns a different formulation. These schedules require professional interpretation and are not established dosing advice.

What safety considerations matter?

Adverse effects depend on the amount used, the route and individual response. GH secretagogues can cause fluid retention, appetite changes, tingling and early fatigue. Cortisol and prolactin responses differ between compounds. Consult your healthcare provider before combining compounds, and report unexpected symptoms. The timelines and compatibility categories do not establish clinical effectiveness or prove that combinations are safe.

References

  1. 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. (2006)

  2. Growth hormone-releasing peptides: clinical applications (2008)

  3. Teichman SL et al. — CJC-1295 Phase 2 trial (2006) (2006)

  4. CJC-1295 growth hormone studies on ClinicalTrials.gov (2024)