Growth hormone secretagogue
CJC-1295
A modified growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogue whose albumin binding gives it an unusually long action. Studied in small human trials; not an approved medicine.
What it is
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with a maleimide group that attaches it to albumin in the blood. That attachment extends its half-life from minutes to days, producing sustained growth-hormone and IGF-1 elevation. It is not approved for medical use anywhere and is prohibited in sport. A related form sold as 'mod GRF 1-29' lacks the albumin-binding group.
How it works
- 1
Binds GHRH receptors on pituitary cells.
- 2
Stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone, which then drives IGF-1 production in the liver.
- 3
The albumin-binding modification keeps the peptide in circulation far longer than natural GHRH.
- 4
Because GHRH and ghrelin-receptor pathways act at different points, the peptide is often studied alongside a secretagogue such as ipamorelin.
- 5
Raised IGF-1 is the measurable downstream marker used in research.
What it's studied for
Reported and studied effects
- Sustained increases in growth hormone and IGF-1 lasting several days after a single dose
- Reported reductions in visceral fat in a small 2006 study over 12 weeks
- Increased lean mass reported in the same small study
- Injection-site reactions were common in that study
Research protocol notes
Research context onlyResearch context only — no approved human protocol exists. The published 12-week study used weekly subcutaneous doses of 30–60 micrograms per kilogram. Long-term safety has not been studied, and internet cycling advice is not clinical evidence.
These figures are described so you can understand what researchers did. They are not a dose, a schedule, or a suggestion — and they are not a substitute for a doctor.
Possible side effects and contraindications
Safety profile
Possible side effects
- Injection-site irritation, reported in the majority of participants in the early human study
- Headache and flushing
- Water retention and joint stiffness with sustained growth-hormone elevation
- Possible effect on blood glucose with long-term IGF-1 elevation
- Unknown long-term risk
Contraindications and cautions
- Not established
- Cancer history or active malignancy should be discussed with a doctor
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood
- Prohibited in competitive sport
A side-effect list is never complete, and these are not the only situations that warrant caution. Anything unexpected, or anything you are unsure about, should be discussed with a doctor before use.
Evidence assessment
A small number of short human studies (dozens of participants, weeks to months) show it raises growth hormone and IGF-1, but nothing establishes long-term benefit or safety.
References
- 01Teichman et al., Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone and IGF-I secretion by CJC-1295, JCEM 2006 — PubMed search
- 02Jetté et al., CJC-1295 albumin-conjugated GHRH analogue — PubMed search
- 03World Anti-Doping Agency — Prohibited List
References link to published literature, regulator pages or literature indexes. Where a link points to a search, it collects the peer-reviewed work on that molecule rather than a single study.
Related
Related peptides
Other entries in Growth hormone secretagogue.
Growth hormone secretagogue
CJC-1295 (no DAC) + Ipamorelin blend
The classic growth-hormone stack in one vial: a GHRH fragment with a secretagogue, unapproved and prohibited in sport.
Growth hormone secretagogue
CJC-1295 (no DAC) / mod GRF 1-29
The short-acting sister of CJC-1295: a GHRH fragment that produces brief growth-hormone pulses instead of sustained elevation.
Growth hormone secretagogue
GHRP-2 (pralmorelin)
A potent ghrelin-receptor secretagogue used in some countries as a growth-hormone test; sold unapproved for body composition.