What Is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) studied in preclinical research. It exists in two research forms — with and without a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC). It is not an FDA-approved drug.
The short answer
CJC-1295 is a modified fragment of GHRH — specifically a tetrasubstituted GHRH(1-29) analog, also called Modified GRF 1-29. The substitutions are intended to make the peptide more resistant to enzymatic breakdown than native GHRH. In research it is frequently paired with a secretagogue such as ipamorelin because the two act on complementary receptors.
Composition and specifications
| Compound | CJC-1295 (No DAC / Modified GRF 1-29) |
|---|---|
| Class | GHRH(1-29) analog |
| Also known as | Modified GRF 1-29 · CAS 446262-90-4 (No DAC) |
| Sequence / length | Modified GHRH(1-29) |
| CAS number | 446262-90-4 (No DAC); 863288-34-0 (DAC) |
| Molecular weight | 3367.9 g/mol (No DAC); ~3647 g/mol (DAC) |
| Purity (typical) | ≥99.0% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder; water-soluble |
Values above reflect the compound's published specification. As with any research material, the definitive confirmation of identity and purity for a given lot is the mass-spectrometry and HPLC data on its Certificate of Analysis.
How it is described mechanistically
CJC-1295 acts on the GHRH receptor, where GHRH analogs are associated with stimulation of growth-hormone release. The tetrasubstitution is intended to slow enzymatic degradation relative to native GHRH, extending the window over which the analog is characterized as active in research models.
No DAC vs. DAC — the key distinction
The two research forms differ by one feature. CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) lacks the Drug Affinity Complex and is characterized in the literature as short-acting. CJC-1295 with DAC carries a maleimide group that binds serum albumin, which is described as substantially extending circulating half-life in research models. The two are the same core GHRH(1-29) analog; the DAC is what changes the pharmacokinetic profile.
What has research examined?
Published CJC-1295 work is largely preclinical. Areas investigated include:
- GHRH-receptor signaling and growth-hormone/IGF-1 research
- Half-life extension from the DAC modification
- Complementary signaling when studied alongside secretagogues (e.g. ipamorelin)
- Body-composition research models
These describe research directions rather than established human outcomes. Controlled human evidence remains limited.
How is it characterized and tested?
Two questions matter most about any peptide sample in a research context: is it the right molecule, and how pure is it. Those are answered by analytical testing — commonly mass spectrometry for identity and HPLC for purity — with both reported on a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA). An independent, published COA lets a researcher confirm identity and purity before beginning work. See peptide handling and storage for how samples are kept stable once received.
Primary literature: browse peer-reviewed studies on CJC-1295 at PubMed.
Common questions
What is the difference between CJC-1295 with and without DAC?
The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) binds serum albumin, which is described as greatly extending the peptide's circulating half-life. The version without DAC — Modified GRF 1-29 — is characterized as short-acting. Both share the same GHRH(1-29) core.
Is CJC-1295 approved for human use?
No. CJC-1295 is not an FDA-approved drug. Research-grade material is for laboratory research use only.
Is CJC-1295 the same as sermorelin?
They are related but not identical. Both are GHRH-based, but sermorelin is the GHRH(1-29) sequence itself, while CJC-1295 is a modified, stabilized analog of it.