What Is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). The version with Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) technology — CJC-1295 DAC — is designed to bind to serum albumin after injection, dramatically extending its half-life from minutes (for native GHRH) to approximately 6–8 days.
Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) Technology
The DAC modification involves a reactive maleimide group that forms a covalent bond with the cysteine-34 position on serum albumin in the bloodstream. This binding protects the peptide from enzymatic degradation and creates a slow-release depot, enabling sustained GH pulses over an extended period.
Mechanism of Action
CJC-1295 activates GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotroph cells, triggering the synthesis and pulsatile release of growth hormone. Unlike GHRPs which operate through the ghrelin receptor, CJC-1295 works upstream, amplifying the natural GHRH signaling cascade.
Key Research Findings
A 2006 human clinical trial (Teichman et al.) demonstrated that a single injection of CJC-1295 DAC produced sustained increases in serum GH and IGF-1 levels for up to 6 days, with IGF-1 increases of 28–39% maintained for up to 28 days following multiple doses. This was a landmark finding for long-acting GHRH analogues.
Important Disclaimer
CJC-1295 is a research peptide and is not approved for human therapeutic use. This content is educational only.
