CJC-1295 research: what the published literature reports
The short version: CJC-1295 was studied in early phase trials, raised IGF-1 for days at a time in healthy adults, and never reached approval.
TL;DR
- CJC-1295 is a modified GHRH analog studied in phase I/II trials in the early 2000s.
- A single dose of the DAC form raised IGF-1 in healthy adults for up to 11 days.
- The compound was not approved; the compounded version is not FDA-approved either.
What it is
CJC-1295 is a synthetic version of growth hormone-releasing hormone (in plain English: a small protein the brain makes to tell the pituitary to release growth hormone). It was modified in two ways. First, four amino acids were swapped to slow breakdown. Second, in the DAC form (Drug Affinity Complex), a chemical "magnet" was attached so the molecule could ride along with albumin in the bloodstream.
How it works
Think of GHRH receptors on the pituitary gland as locks. CJC-1295 is a key shaped like the body's own GHRH key. When it fits, the pituitary releases a pulse of growth hormone. The DAC modification is like attaching a long string to the key so it stays nearby for days. That extended dwell time is what produced the multi-day IGF-1 elevations seen in early trials (Teichman et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006).
Who asks about it
People come to CJC-1295 research after reading about the "no DAC" or "DAC" forms in podcasts or peptide forums. Most want to know whether the older trial data actually supports the recovery and sleep claims they have heard about.
What the research says
The Teichman 2006 phase I/II trial in healthy adults found that a single subcutaneous dose of CJC-1295 with DAC raised IGF-1 about 1.5-fold to threefold above baseline. The elevation lasted nine to eleven days after a single injection (Teichman, J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006). A separate study found that growth hormone kept its natural pulses after a single dose, while levels between pulses rose (Ionescu et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006). Most data after 2010 is observational, not randomized.
Reported side effects
Side effects reported in the trials were mild — injection-site reactions, flushing, and occasional headache. The trials were short, so long-term safety is unknown.
The Halftime POV
CJC-1295 has more published human data than many compounded growth hormone peptides. That is a low bar. The honest read is: real signal at the receptor, modest sample sizes, and a development path that stalled before phase III. Worth understanding, not worth overstating.
Related reading:
- How CJC-1295 extends GHRH signaling: the mechanism
- CJC-1295 side effects: what the literature reports
- CJC-1295 with DAC vs without DAC: how the two forms differ
FAQ
Q: What does CJC-1295 research show? A: In a study in healthy adults, a single dose of CJC-1295 with DAC raised IGF-1 roughly 1.5-fold to threefold above baseline for several days. A follow-up study found the natural growth hormone pulse pattern continued. Neither study measured long-term safety or health outcomes.
Q: Are there CJC-1295 human trials? A: Yes. The pivotal pharmacokinetic and dose-response studies were published by Teichman and colleagues in 2006. Most subsequent data is observational. The evidence base is smaller than for direct growth hormone.
Q: Is CJC-1295 FDA-approved? A: No. CJC-1295 was studied in phase II trials but was not approved. The compounded version is not FDA-approved.
Disclaimer
This article is educational and is not medical advice. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
Sources
- Teichman SL et al. — J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006: Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295
- Ionescu M, Frohman LA — J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006: Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295
This article discusses compounds whose FDA compounding status has been under review (see our FDA categorization explainer). This article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or an offer to sell.
Frequently asked questions
What does CJC-1295 research show?
In a study in healthy adults, a single dose of CJC-1295 with DAC raised IGF-1 roughly 1.5-fold to threefold above baseline for several days. A follow-up study found the natural growth hormone pulse pattern continued. Neither study measured long-term safety or health outcomes.
Are there CJC-1295 human trials?
Yes. The pivotal pharmacokinetic and dose-response studies were published by Teichman and colleagues in 2006. Most subsequent data is observational. The evidence base is smaller than for direct growth hormone.
Is CJC-1295 FDA-approved?
No. CJC-1295 was studied in phase II trials but was not approved. The compounded version is not FDA-approved.
