INDICATIONS FOR USE

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) used to increase endogenous growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. It is utilized off-label and experimentally in anti-aging protocols, athletic performance enhancement, recovery optimization, and treatment of GH insufficiency. Its short-acting profile makes it particularly suitable for stimulating natural, pulsatile GH release when administered in coordination with the body’s circadian rhythm.

Our formulation is NOT chemically altered to increase half-life via addition of a Drug Affinity Complex attachment (DAC). This necessitates daily injection but is much more physiologic and a safer formulation than CJC-1295 with DAC.

ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION

• Subcutaneous injection

COMMON INITIAL DOSING REGIMENS

• A typical regimen is 100–300 mcg subcutaneously once or twice daily, ideally administered at night to mimic natural GH pulsatility. It is frequently combined with a growth hormone–releasing peptide (such as Ipamorelin) for synergistic effects. Due to its short half-life, daily or near-daily administration is required for sustained benefit. Common protocols follow a 5-days-on, 2-days-off weekly cycle.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

• CJC-1295 (No DAC) is a modified fragment of GHRH (1-29) designed to resist enzymatic degradation and enhance pituitary stimulation. It binds to GHRH receptors on the anterior pituitary gland, triggering pulsatile secretion of growth hormone. This indirect increase in GH leads to a subsequent rise in IGF-1 levels, which mediate many of the peptide’s downstream anabolic and metabolic effects—including improved fat metabolism, lean muscle support, skin elasticity, and cognitive function.

• Unlike CJC-1295 with DAC, the No DAC version lacks a Drug Affinity Complex, resulting in a significantly shorter half-life (approximately 30 minutes) and reduced risk of overstimulation or GH receptor desensitization. This allows for more physiologic GH rhythms and greater control over GH exposure.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Injection Site: Localized irritation, redness, or swelling.

• Endocrine: Transient fatigue, water retention, or mild hypoglycemia.

• Neurological: Rare headache, dizziness, or increased vivid dreaming.

• Cardiovascular: Peripheral edema or transient increases in blood pressure.

• Glycemic: Very low risk of hypoglycemia, typically only when combined with fasting or other GH secretagogues.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Absolute: Hypersensitivity to CJC-1295 or excipients.

• Relative: Patients with active or recent malignancy should avoid GH-stimulating therapies. Caution is advised in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes or insulin resistance, as IGF-1 increases may affect glucose metabolism. The safety of CJC-1295 (No DAC) has not been established in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

COMPARISON WITH OTHER HGH SUPPORT MEDICATIONS

• CJC-1295 vs. Ipamorelin: Ipamorelin is a GHRP that acts on ghrelin receptors, not GHRH receptors. When used together, they synergize to amplify GH pulses via separate pathways.

• CJC-1295 vs. Sermorelin: Both are short-acting GHRH analogs, though CJC-1295 (No DAC) is more stable and may produce greater GH release at equivalent doses. Sermorelin may be used as a lower-cost or more widely studied alternative.

• CJC-1295 vs. Tesamorelin: Tesamorelin is specifically FDA-approved for reducing visceral adipose tissue in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Its mechanism focuses on both GH release and targeted fat metabolism, making it more specialized than CJC-1295. CJC-1295, however, has broader applications in anti-aging and general GH deficiencies.

• CJC-1295 vs. Ibutamoren: Ibutamoren is an oral ghrelin mimetic that provides continuous GH stimulation. While convenient, it may produce non-physiologic GH exposure and has been associated with increased appetite, water retention, and insulin resistance compared to the pulsatile action of CJC-1295 (No DAC).

LEARN MORE

• Evidence hound? Review our comprehensive listing of PubMed direct links to original research related to this medication.