A modified GHRH(1-29) tetrasubstituted analog — sold under one name in two pharmacologically very different forms. The no-DAC version pulses (~30 min). The with-DAC version saturates the GHRH receptor for 6–8 days. Neither has FDA approval; both are WADA-prohibited; the 2006 Phase 2 program ended after a participant death.
CJC-1295 is a synthetic GHRH(1-29) analog — the C-terminal active fragment of human growth-hormone-releasing hormone, with four amino acid substitutions (D-Ala², Gln⁸, Ala¹⁵, Leu²⁷) added to resist DPP-IV cleavage and improve stability.
Two pharmacologically distinct molecules share the “CJC-1295” name in vendor and community literature:
Marketing copy often blurs the two. The pharmacology is not the same.
Not FDA approved. WADA prohibited under S2.2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Factors). FDA 503A: Cat 2 since Sept 2023; the December 4, 2024 PCAC reviewed all five CJC-1295 forms with FDA’s pre-meeting position that none should be added to the bulks list. Currently not legally compoundable in the US. Available as a research chemical from peptide-supply pharmacies and research-grade vendors.
This is the core pharmacology that determines which form of CJC-1295 fits a given goal.
Short half-life (~30 min) means the GHRH-receptor signal turns on and back off quickly. Pre-bed dosing produces a brief GH pulse layered onto the body’s natural sleep-window release. Receptor desensitization is minimal because the signal is intermittent. Closer to physiologic GH rhythm. Closest comparator: sermorelin, but with 4–5× longer signal window than sermorelin’s ~10–20 min.
Albumin-bound for 6–8 days; the GHRH receptor is stimulated continuously. Per Ionescu & Frohman 2006 (PMID 17018654), continuous DAC dosing raises basal GH levels ~7.5× while preserving some endogenous pulsatility. Convenient (weekly dosing) but not physiologic — the “always on” signal is a different biological state than natural pulses, with theoretical receptor downregulation concerns over long-term use.
Pulsatile signaling preserves the natural lipolysis and IGF-1 dynamics the body evolved with. Continuous tonic stimulation inflates basal GH and IGF-1 but the chronic-elevation profile is what gives long-term users pause. If long-term use is the plan, the no-DAC pulsatile pattern is closer to physiologic. If short-cycle convenience is the priority, with-DAC’s weekly dosing wins on adherence.
Both forms bind the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs, triggering GH release. This is the same mechanism as sermorelin and tesamorelin — CJC-1295 is essentially a stabilized GHRH(1-29) variant.
The maleimide on with-DAC reacts with the free thiol on Cys34 of human serum albumin, forming a covalent bond. Albumin half-life is ~19 days, so the conjugate persists for days. Verified in Jetté 2005 (PMID 15817669) for the lead bioconjugate identification.
CJC-1295 alone gives only the GHRH-arm of GH release. The popular combo with ipamorelin (a GHSR/ghrelin-receptor agonist) adds dual-pathway stimulation, producing larger GH pulses than either alone. Standalone CJC delivers a smaller but cleaner pulse without the ghrelin-mediated effects (hunger, occasional cortisol). See the CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin combo guide for the stacked protocol.
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Start Tracking FreeThe combo is more popular for a reason — the synergy is real. But there are scenarios where standalone is the right call:
All of these are off-label community use cases. Clinical-trial-validated protocols for CJC-1295 standalone in non-deficient adults don’t exist.
Banner: the doses below are community/empirical conventions, not clinical-trial-validated regimens. There is no peer-reviewed human PK study of CJC-1295 no-DAC in PubMed. The "30 minute half-life" figure that vendors cite is ubiquitous but unanchored to a Tier-2 publication.
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Both forms reconstitute in standard bacteriostatic water. Typical 5 mg vial + 2 mL BAC water = 2.5 mg/mL = 2500 mcg/mL.
| Dose | Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 100 mcg (no-DAC) | 0.04 mL | 4 units |
| 200 mcg (no-DAC) | 0.08 mL | 8 units |
| 1 mg (with-DAC) | 0.40 mL | 40 units |
| 2 mg (with-DAC) | 0.80 mL | 80 units |
During the ConjuChem Phase 2 trial in HIV-lipodystrophy patients in Argentina, one participant died of myocardial infarction hours after the 11th dose. The trial physician attributed the event to underlying coronary artery disease; no peer-reviewed autopsy or formal causality assessment was published. The program was halted shortly after. Off-target / direct-causation claims are unsupported by published data — but the program halt is real and the trial-phase context matters when weighing standalone use.
Note: a widely-circulated “2009 French death” story attributed to CJC-1295 is not real — not in PubMed, FDA AERS, EMA EudraVigilance, or peer-reviewed forensic literature. Treat the 2006 Argentina event as the only documented fatality.
| Agent | Half-life | Mechanism | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sermorelin | ~10–20 min | GHRH(1-29), unmodified | Closest to native GHRH; historical FDA-approved (Geref, withdrawn) |
| CJC-1295 no-DAC | ~30 min | GHRH(1-29) tetrasubstituted | Pulsatile, longer signal than sermorelin, daily dosing |
| CJC-1295 with DAC | 6–8 days | Albumin-bound GHRH | Continuous tonic stimulation, weekly dosing |
| Tesamorelin | ~26 min | GHRH(1-44) trans-3-hexenoic acid stabilization | FDA-approved for HIV-lipodystrophy (Egrifta SV/WR); off-label visceral-fat reduction |
| Ipamorelin | ~2 hrs | GHSR/ghrelin agonist (different class) | Combo partner with CJC; selective among GHRPs (minimal cortisol) |
CJC-1295 (Standalone) is a research peptide not approved by the FDA for human use. It is sold only as a research chemical, and StackTrax does not endorse or facilitate personal use.
Quality varies enormously among research-chemical suppliers. At minimum, look for:
StackTrax’s preferred partner NextGen Peptides does not currently carry CJC-1295 (Standalone)in their catalog, which is why you don’t see a direct purchase link here. Other major research-chemical suppliers carry it; we don’t specifically recommend one for this compound.
Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
Start Tracking FreeDisclaimer: This guide is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The compounds discussed are not FDA approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or peptide protocol. StackTrax does not sell peptides or supplements directly — purchase links go to third-party vendors. StackTrax is not responsible for the products, quality, or business practices of any third-party vendor. This page contains affiliate links — StackTrax may earn a commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
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StackTrax guides cover peptides and compounds that are not FDA-approved for the uses discussed. The dosing, reconstitution, and safety information is compiled from published research and community protocols for educational purposes only.
Before using any compound mentioned here, consult a qualified healthcare provider. StackTrax does not sell, prescribe, or recommend these substances for personal use.
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