1. What It Is (Mechanism of Action)

CJC-1295 is a synthetic 29-amino-acid analog of human GHRH (1-29) with four substituted amino acids that resist dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzymatic degradation. It exists in two forms: CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex, which covalently binds serum albumin for a 6-day half-life) and CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29, 30-minute half-life).

2. Clinical Indications Under Study

Investigated historically for growth hormone deficiency, visceral adiposity, and lipodystrophy.

3. FDA Approval & Regulatory Status

Status:Unapproved for Human Use (FDA 503A Category 2 List)

Unapproved for Human Use (FDA 503A Category 2 List)

4. Human Clinical Evidence Summary

Early Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials in the mid-2000s demonstrated sustained increases in basal GH and IGF-1 levels. However, formal clinical drug development was discontinued following a patient death in a Phase 2 trial involving CJC-1295 with DAC, complicating the safety profile of the long-acting conjugate.

5. Known Risks, Side Effects & Boxed Warnings

Water retention, peripheral edema, carpal tunnel symptoms, insulin resistance / hyperglycemia (GH induces lipolysis and counteracts insulin), injection site erythema, and theoretical oncogenic risks linked to elevated chronic IGF-1 signaling. Banned by WADA.

7. Why Gray-Market "Research Chemical" Versions Are Risky

Methionine residue oxidation at position 27 and deamidation render gray-market CJC-1295 highly unstable if exposed to temperature fluctuations during transit.
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8. Questions to Ask a Licensed Clinician

If you are discussing this compound with your doctor or healthcare provider, consider bringing these evidence-based questions:

  • Q1: Why did the original pharmaceutical sponsor halt clinical development of CJC-1295?
  • Q2: What are the risks of chronically elevated IGF-1 on glucose metabolism and tissue growth?
  • Q3: What FDA-approved GHRH analogs (such as Tesamorelin) have established safety data?

9. Primary Peer-Reviewed Sources & Citations

  • [1] Teichman SL, et al. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I in normal human subjects by CJC-1295. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799-805. PubMed / Source →
  • [2] FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee Review on GHRH Analogs. PubMed / Source →

Related Research

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Medical & Editorial Disclaimer:This educational monograph is for scientific reference, academic training, and regulatory analysis only. Peptides Agora does not provide medical advice or endorse the non-prescribed use of unapproved peptides. Always consult a licensed medical clinician regarding diagnosis and therapeutic treatments.