CJC-1295: Long-Acting GHRH Analogue Research Review
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) engineered for extended half-life. The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) variant achieves albumin binding that dramatically prolongs its activity compared to native GHRH.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions.
What Is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), a 44-amino acid hypothalamic peptide that stimulates GH synthesis and secretion from anterior pituitary somatotrophs. CJC-1295 was engineered to overcome the very short half-life of native GHRH (~7 minutes in plasma) through structural modifications that resist proteolytic degradation.
Two forms are commonly used in research:
CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) The DAC modification involves a lysine residue linked to a maleimidoproprionic acid (MPA) group, which reacts with cysteine-34 on circulating albumin. This albumin-binding dramatically extends the plasma half-life to approximately 6–8 days in animal models, enabling sustained GH axis stimulation from infrequent dosing.
CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) This form lacks the albumin-binding modification and has a half-life of approximately 30 minutes — substantially longer than native GHRH but shorter than the DAC form. It is used in research requiring pulsatile GH stimulation patterns.
Molecular Comparison
| Property | CJC-1295 with DAC | CJC-1295 without DAC | |----------|-------------------|----------------------| | Molecular Formula | C165H269N47O46 | C152H252N44O42 | | Molecular Weight | ~3647 Da | ~3367 Da | | CAS | 863288-34-0 | 863288-34-0 | | Half-life (animal) | ~6–8 days | ~30 minutes | | Albumin binding | Yes (via DAC) | No |
Research Applications
Sustained GH Axis Stimulation The primary research application of CJC-1295 with DAC is studying the effects of prolonged, sustained GH axis stimulation. Unlike pulsatile GH secretagogues, the DAC form maintains elevated IGF-1 levels over days, enabling researchers to examine downstream anabolic and metabolic effects in animal models.
Combination Studies with Ipamorelin The most extensively studied combination in preclinical GH research involves CJC-1295 (GHRH receptor agonist) paired with Ipamorelin (ghrelin receptor agonist). The dual receptor stimulation produces synergistic GH release amplitudes significantly greater than either compound alone.
IGF-1 Axis Research Multiple studies have used CJC-1295 to examine IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) axis regulation, including hepatic IGF-1 production, IGF binding protein dynamics, and downstream effects on protein synthesis in muscle tissue models.
Key Published Data
A 2006 clinical pharmacology study (Ionescu & Frohman) examined CJC-1295 with DAC in healthy adults and reported dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-1 levels lasting up to 14 days from a single injection — demonstrating the albumin-binding mechanism's effectiveness in extending activity.
Note: This represents one of the few human pharmacokinetic studies; the vast majority of CJC-1295 research remains preclinical.
Quality Standards
- HPLC purity ≥98%; mass spec confirmation of correct MW
- Verify DAC vs non-DAC form before ordering (different applications)
- Endotoxin testing for in vivo studies
- Lyophilized format; store at -20°C
Research use only. Not for human administration.