New: The Peptide Stacking Bible — free protocol guide. Get your copy →
Peptide Library Muscle & Performance CJC-1295
Muscle & Performance

CJC-1295: the long-acting GHRH analog

A modified GHRH analog studied for sustained growth hormone and IGF-1 elevation.

Evidence levelEmerging
Quick answer
CJC-1295 is a modified GHRH analog.
It comes in two forms: with DAC (drug affinity complex) for extended action, and without DAC (often called Mod GRF 1-29) for shorter pulses.
The DAC version has been studied for sustained increases in GH and IGF-1 over extended periods.
It was among the peptides removed from Category 2 in April 2026; that is not FDA approval.
Prescription-pathway only; determined by a licensed provider.

What is CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of GHRH, modified to resist breakdown so it lasts longer than natural GHRH or sermorelin.

The “with DAC” version binds albumin in the blood to extend its action for days; the “without DAC” version (Mod GRF 1-29) acts in shorter pulses. Both stimulate GH release through the GHRH receptor.1

Benefits & what it’s studied for

Sustained GH / IGF-1 elevation

The DAC form was studied for prolonged increases in GH and IGF-1.

Body composition & recovery

Studied as GH-axis support, typically alongside ipamorelin.

Convenience of dosing

The long-acting DAC form allows less frequent administration than short-acting GHRH analogs. Long-term human outcome data remains limited.

How does CJC-1295 work?

CJC-1295 binds GHRH receptors on the pituitary, stimulating GH production. Its modifications (and, in the DAC form, albumin binding) extend its half-life far beyond natural GHRH, producing a more sustained signal.

Dosing & administration

Research describes subcutaneous injection.5

This is educational, not medical advice. We don’t publish dosing. Specific dosing should be determined by a licensed provider after evaluation.

Risks, side effects & safety

Reported effects include injection-site reactions, flushing, headache, and water retention. The FDA has cited heart-related concerns among its reasons for restricting CJC-1295, alongside general impurity and immunogenicity concerns. Long-term safety data is limited.6

Legality & status

CJC-1295 was among the peptides removed from Category 2 in April 2026. As with the others: off Category 2 ≠ 503A-compoundable ≠ FDA-approved — three separate things, and the situation is moving. The FDA’s original restriction cited heart-related and data concerns. Confirm current status with a licensed provider.3 See the full picture in our legality explainer.

Regulatory status as of June 2026 — reconfirm against the live FDA 503A list before go-live.

Stacking CJC-1295? Get the playbook — free.

The Peptide Stacking Bible covers how peptides combine — dosing, timing, and case studies.

Get the Bible

Thinking about CJC-1295?

Talk to a licensed provider who can tell you if it fits your goals — and build a safe protocol.

Find a provider →

Research & references

  1. 1Teichman SL, et al. CJC-1295 — sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation. JCEM, 2006; link to be finalized. link pending
  2. 2CJC-1295 pharmacology — DAC vs no-DAC (Mod GRF 1-29). Link to be finalized. link pending
  3. 3FDA — April 2026 Category 2 removal; docket FDA-2025-N-6895. Confirm at publish. link pending
  4. 4Mechanism + ipamorelin synergy literature. Link to be finalized. link pending
  5. 5Clinical dosing literature (form-dependent frequency). Link to be finalized. link pending
  6. 6FDA Category 2 rationale (heart-related concerns) + safety literature. Link to be finalized. link pending

Reference links are illustrative placeholders — replace with verified PubMed/journal URLs before publishing.

Frequently asked questions

What is CJC-1295 used for?+

It’s studied for sustained growth hormone and IGF-1 elevation as part of GH-axis support, often for body composition and recovery.

What's the difference between CJC-1295 with and without DAC?+

With DAC lasts much longer (days) for less frequent dosing; without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) acts in shorter pulses.

Is CJC-1295 legal?+

It came off Category 2 in April 2026, but that isn’t FDA approval or confirmed compoundability. Status is evolving — confirm with a provider.

Is CJC-1295 safe?+

Reported effects are generally mild, but the FDA cited heart-related concerns in its restriction and long-term data is limited. A provider should evaluate suitability.

Related guides

Browse the full library →
Ipamorelin
A selective growth hormone secretagogue studied for stimulating…
Read guide →
Follistatin
A protein studied for its ability to inhibit…
Read guide →