The Pep Test Guide 2026
The Pep Test Guide 2026U.S. vendor guide
All compounds
HGH system

CJC-1295

Also known as: CJC, DAC, Mod GRF 1-29

GHRH analogue. Variant with DAC has extended half-life. Often stuck with ipamoreline.

CJC-1295

What is CJC-1295

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of human growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). It was developed by ConjuChem in the 2000s. The name is derived from the company (CJC for ConjuChem). In the research use market, there are two variants that are often confused.

CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex): The real original. A Lys (MPA) modification allows covalent binding to plasma albumin, stretching the half-life to 6 to 8 days. molecular weight about 3367 g/mol.

CJC-1295 without DAC, also called Mod GRF 1-29: the modified 29-amino acid sequence without the albumin anchor. Half-life only about 30 minutes. This form is in practice what most research use vendors sell as "CJC-1295". It is not the real CJC-1295.

This confusion is important because the action profile and dosage are fundamentally different.

Mechanism of action

Both variants bind the GHRH receptor in the pituitary gland and stimulate the synthesis and release of growth hormone. The modifications (D-Ala instead of Ala at position 2, plus further amino acid substitutions) make the molecule more resistant to degradation by DPP-4.

In the DAC variant, albumin binding leads to continuous GH stimulation, which disturbs the natural pulsatile character of GH release. This is controversial: on the one hand, overall GH levels are higher, on the other hand, physiological pulsatility is important for many GH effects.

The Mod GRF-1-29 variant (without DAC) creates a short, sharp GHRH stimulus that amplifies the natural GH pulses without destroying the pulsatile character. This makes them the preferred form in the research use community, especially in combination with ipamoreline.

Areas of application in research

  • Age-related GH deficiency: Increase in the body's own GH secretion
  • Sarcopenia and Lean Mass Preservation: Maintaining muscle mass
  • Recovery after injury: Acceleration of GH-mediated repair
  • Bone healing: Fracture models
  • Lipodystrophy: GHRH analogs are established in this indication (tesamorelin)
  • Sleep architecture: Increase in Deep Sleep Phases

Study situation

The data base for CJC-1295 itself is limited because clinical development was discontinued early.

Important works:

  • Teichman et al. (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2006): Phase 1 study with DAC variant, dose-dependent increase in GH over several days
  • Ionescu & Frohman (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2006): Pharmacokinetics and GH response in humans
  • ConjuChem studies: Phase 2 programs on HIV lipodystrophy and GH deficiency, development discontinued in 2007 after reports of death (causality remained controversial)

Important: The existence of tesamorelin as an approved GHRH analogue (FDA 2010, EMA 2011) for HIV lipodystrophy shows that the GHRH analogue strategy works clinically. CJC-1295 itself has no comparable data.

What is clear: GHRH analogs increase GH and IGF-1 reproducibly. What remains unclear: long-term safety of the DAC variant, optimal dosage of the Mod-GRF-1-29 form, whether these increases provide clinically relevant outcomes.

Mixing (reconstitution)

Typical Vial sizes: 2 mg or 5 mg lyophilisate. Important: the Vial label often does not clearly say whether DAC or without DAC is included. If in doubt, ask the vendor directly.

  • 2-mg-Vial with 2 ml of bacteriostatic water → 1 mg/ml (corresponds to 100 mcg per 0.1 ml)
  • 5-mg Vial with 2.5 ml → 2 mg/ml
  • 5-mg Vial with 5 ml → 1 mg/ml for smaller doses

After mixing cooling 2 to 8 degrees, stability about 4 weeks. Lyophilisateeeee stable at -20 degrees over years.

Dosage range (research data)

Mod GRF 1-29 (without DAC):

  • Single dose: 100 mcg, subcutaneous
  • Frequency: 1 to 3 times daily
  • Timing: ideally on an empty stomach
  • Combination with ipamoreline: 100 mcg + 100 mcg simultaneously, often called "100/100 protocol"

CJC-1295 with DAC:

  • Single dose: 1 to 2 mg per week
  • Frequency: 1 to 2 times a week
  • Due to a long half-life,

These values are research references, not validated clinical protocols.

Side effects

At Mod GRF 1-29 similar profile to ipamoreline:

  • Local irritation at the injection site
  • Temporary fatigue
  • Easy water retention
  • Rare headache or dizziness
  • Prolonged use risk for insulin resistance

For DAC variant additionally:

  • Continuously elevated GH/IGF-1 levels over days, which theoretically increases the risk of GH-typical side effects
  • Possible loss of physiological pulsatility
  • Carpal tunnel symptoms more common at higher doses
  • ConjuChem dropout after death, causality not clearly clarified, but background knowledge

Theoretical tumor risks in active diseases due to IGF-1 increase.

Half-Life and Pharmacokinetics

Mod GRF 1-29 (without DAC): Half-life about 30 minutes. GH peak within 30 to 60 minutes after injection. Fast Decay.

CJC-1295 with DAC: Half-life 6 to 8 days by albumin binding. GH and IGF-1 levels remain elevated throughout the week. Steady-State after 2 to 3 weeks.

Bioavailability subcutaneously: high in both variants. Oral bioavailability low. metabolism via peptidic degradation processes.

Frequent questions

What is the difference between CJC-1295 and Mod GRF 1-29? CJC-1295 with DAC has an albumin anchor and 6-8 days half-life. Mod GRF 1-29 (often incorrectly marketed as CJC-1295 without DAC) has only 30 minutes half-life. Effect profile and dosage fundamentally different.

Which variant is better? Mod GRF 1-29 acquires the physiological pulsatile character and is therefore preferred in the research use community. DAC variant is more comfortable (weekly dose), but pulsatile-foreign.

Why combine with ipamoreline? GHRH (CJC) stimulates the synthesis and storage of GH. ipamoreline stimulates the output. Synergistic GH response.

What was the death in the ConjuChem studies? In 2007, a study participant died in a CJC-1295-DAC study. Causality was never clearly assigned to the drug, but the program was discontinued afterwards. Caution is appropriate.

Does CJC-1295 also work Orally? No. Peptidic, hence GI degradation. Injection is standard.

Legal status U.S.

As of 2026: CJC-1295 has no pharmaceutical license in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Research use-only distribution. Therapeutic application involves the AMG.

The related tesamorelin is approved as Egrifta in the USA and in the EU for HIV lipodystrophy, but is not available in Germany in a broad sense.

WADA status: GHRH analogs are on the prohibited list, category S2. Prohibited for athletes.

Own import: §73 AMG restrictions.

Related compounds

  • ipamoreline: GHRP, standard combination
  • tesamorelineAuthorised GHRH analogue for HIV lipodystrophy
  • sermorelineOlder GHRH analogue (GRF 1-29)
  • MK-677 (Ibutamors)Oral ghrelin mimetic
  • GHRP-2 / GHRP-6Older GHRPs with cortisol effects

Note: All information is for research information only. These peptides are not approved as medicines in Germany. The contents do not replace medical advice. Application to humans is not legally covered in Germany.