Research Use Only - Not for human consumption. 18+ only.
FDA ApprovedGrowth Hormone SecretagoguesSubcutaneous

CJC-1295

Also known as: CJC-1295 with DAC, CJC-1295 no DAC, Modified GRF 1-29

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. It comes in two forms: with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) for longer action, and without DAC for shorter, more frequent dosing.

Research Status

FDA Approved

Research compound - not FDA approved for these uses

For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.

Research Areas

Increases growth hormone and IGF-1 levels
Promotes muscle growth and fat loss
Improves recovery and sleep quality
Enhances bone density
Supports anti-aging processes

Side Effects

Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, itching)
CommonMild

Usually resolves within hours to days. Minimize by rotating injection sites, allowing solution to reach room temperature, and using proper injection technique. Apply ice if swelling persists.

Flushing or facial flushing
CommonMild

Transient redness and warmth, typically occurring within 15-30 minutes of injection. Usually subsides within 1-2 hours. More common with higher doses or rapid injection.

Headache
UncommonMild

May occur in the hours following injection. Usually mild and self-resolving. Ensure adequate hydration and consider timing injections before bed to sleep through symptom onset.

Dizziness or lightheadedness
UncommonMild

Transient and typically mild. Sit or lie down if experienced. Ensure you are well-hydrated and have eaten adequately before injection.

Appetite increase
UncommonMild

GH stimulation can increase appetite, particularly in the hours following injection. This is a physiological response to elevated GH and IGF-1 levels.

Water retention or mild edema
UncommonMild

GH can increase sodium retention and fluid accumulation, particularly in the hands, feet, or face. Usually mild and reversible upon dose reduction or discontinuation. Ensure adequate hydration and monitor sodium intake.

Joint or muscle aches
UncommonMild

May occur as GH levels increase, particularly in the first 1-2 weeks of use. Usually resolves as the body adapts. Ensure adequate stretching and consider dose reduction if severe.

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms
RareModerate

Chronic GH elevation can increase risk of carpal tunnel syndrome due to tissue growth and fluid retention. If numbness or tingling in hands develops, discontinue and seek medical evaluation.

Hyperglycemia or impaired glucose tolerance
UncommonModerate

GH is diabetogenic and can impair insulin sensitivity or raise fasting glucose. Monitor blood glucose, particularly if you have a family history of diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Discontinue if fasting glucose exceeds 126 mg/dL or HbA1c rises significantly.

Hypertension (elevated blood pressure)
RareModerate

Chronic GH elevation can increase blood pressure through sodium retention and increased cardiac output. Monitor blood pressure regularly. Discontinue if systolic BP consistently exceeds 160 mmHg or diastolic exceeds 100 mmHg.

Gynecomastia (breast tissue enlargement in males)
RareModerate

GH can increase aromatase activity and estrogen levels in some individuals. More likely if combined with anabolic steroids. Monitor for breast tenderness or enlargement; consider dose reduction or discontinuation if develops.

Acromegaly-like features (with chronic high-dose use)
RareSerious

Prolonged excessive GH elevation can cause coarsening of facial features, hand/foot enlargement, and jaw growth. This is a sign of GH excess and requires immediate dose reduction or discontinuation and medical evaluation.

Pituitary adenoma growth or development
RareSerious

CJC-1295 stimulates pituitary somatotrophs; individuals with undiagnosed pituitary tumors or adenomas may experience tumor growth. Baseline pituitary MRI is recommended before starting therapy, particularly if there is a personal or family history of pituitary disease.

Hypothyroidism
RareModerate

GH can suppress TSH and thyroid function in some individuals. Monitor TSH and free T4 at baseline and every 3-6 months. If TSH rises above 4.0 mIU/L or free T4 drops below normal range, consider thyroid supplementation or dose reduction.

Allergic reaction (rash, urticaria, anaphylaxis)
RareSerious

Hypersensitivity to CJC-1295 or bacteriostatic water components is rare but possible. If rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or throat swelling occurs, discontinue immediately and seek emergency medical care.

Dosing Reference

ParameterValue
Dose range100-200 mcg (no DAC) or 2 mg (with DAC)
FrequencyDaily before bed (no DAC) or Once weekly (with DAC)
TimingBefore bed on empty stomach
RouteSubcutaneous

With DAC version provides sustained release. No DAC requires daily dosing.

Research disclaimer

Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.

Reconstitution Guide

Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline — use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution

Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation

Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles

Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2–8°C

Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide

Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration

Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration

Molecular and Pharmacological Data

Molecular weight3367 Da (non-DAC); approximately 15,000 Da (with DAC due to albumin binding)
Half-lifeApproximately 30 minutes (non-DAC); 6-8 days (with DAC)
SequenceTyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg (CJC-1295 without DAC); DAC version is the same peptide conjugated to a Drug Affinity Complex carrier

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that binds to GHRH receptors on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland, stimulating the synthesis and secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH). The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version binds to albumin in the bloodstream, extending its half-life and allowing weekly dosing, while the non-DAC version has a shorter duration requiring daily administration. Both forms work by enhancing the body's natural GH pulse amplitude and frequency, particularly during sleep when endogenous GHRH secretion is naturally elevated.

GHRH Receptor Signaling (GHRHR)

CJC-1295 binds to GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotroph cells, activating G-protein coupled receptor signaling that increases intracellular cAMP and calcium, triggering GH vesicle exocytosis and release into systemic circulation.

Growth Hormone Axis (Somatotropic Axis)

Elevated GH levels stimulate hepatic and peripheral production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which mediates many anabolic effects of GH including protein synthesis, lipolysis, and bone turnover.

Albumin Binding (DAC Version Only)

The Drug Affinity Complex component of CJC-1295 DAC binds the peptide to circulating albumin, protecting it from enzymatic degradation and extending its serum half-life from ~30 minutes (non-DAC) to 6-8 days (DAC).

  • CJC-1295 is a 30-amino acid synthetic GHRH analog that is more potent and longer-acting than native GHRH
  • The DAC formulation allows once-weekly dosing by binding to albumin, while non-DAC requires daily injections
  • CJC-1295 stimulates GH secretion in a physiological manner, mimicking the body's natural pulsatile GH release pattern
  • Effects are mediated through endogenous GH and IGF-1, not direct anabolic action of the peptide itself
  • Efficacy depends on intact pituitary function and responsiveness to GHRH signaling

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Research Use Only. All content on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes related to scientific research. CJC-1295 is not approved for human use by the FDA or any equivalent regulatory body. This is not medical advice. Do not use any substance discussed here for therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventative purposes. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The Peptide Volt does not endorse the use of any research chemicals. 18+ only.