CJC-1295
Long-acting GHRH analog, often stacked with ipamorelin.
- Primary research area
- GH secretagogue
- Last updated
- Apr 21, 2026
- Reviewed by
- Peptide Examiner editorial team
What it is
CJC-1295 is a synthetic growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog. It exists in two forms: CJC-1295 without DAC (the bare peptide, short half-life) and CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex — a technology that tethers the peptide to serum albumin, extending half-life from minutes to roughly a week). CJC-1295 is not FDA approved. It was placed on the FDA Category 2 list in September 2023 and is part of the February 2026 HHS proposed removal. It's commonly stacked with ipamorelin (a GH-releasing peptide) in biohacker growth-hormone protocols.
Mechanism of action
GHRH binds GHRH receptors in the anterior pituitary, triggering pulsatile growth hormone release. CJC-1295 is a modified GHRH (residues 1-29) with substitutions that resist enzymatic degradation. Without DAC, it acts like a short-duration GHRH pulse. With DAC, it provides sustained GHRH-receptor activation for days to a week, producing a long-duration elevation in endogenous GH secretion. This is distinct from synthetic GH itself (somatropin) — CJC-1295 stimulates the body's own GH production rather than directly supplying GH.
Research history
Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials characterized CJC-1295 with DAC pharmacology in small populations. The peptide was originally developed by ConjuChem for GH-related indications but was not advanced to Phase 3 or FDA approval. Subsequent research has been limited. Most of the human-use evidence in circulation comes from off-label use in anti-aging clinics rather than controlled clinical trials.
Current trial status
No active Phase 3 trials. Clinical development essentially halted at the Phase 2 stage. Off-label biohacker use is substantial but undocumented in peer-reviewed literature.
Regulatory status
Not FDA approved. Category 2 as of September 2023; Feb 2026 HHS proposed removal. WADA-prohibited for competitive sport. Research-peptide vendor sales have been subjects of FDA warning letters. Full regulatory timeline →
Controversies and open questions
The 'CJC-1295 + ipamorelin' stack is one of the most popular biohacker peptide protocols but lacks controlled human trial evidence at meaningful scale. Elevating GH and IGF-1 chronically in healthy adults has theoretical cancer-risk concerns (IGF-1 is pro-proliferative), though these are not clearly demonstrated at biohacker-typical doses. Whether CJC-1295's sustained GHRH agonism has safety implications different from natural pulsatile GH secretion is a real pharmacological question.
Further reading
Frequently asked
What's the difference between CJC-1295 with and without DAC?
DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a technology that tethers the peptide to serum albumin. CJC-1295 without DAC has a short half-life (minutes to an hour) and requires daily injection matching physiological GHRH pulses. CJC-1295 with DAC lasts roughly a week per injection but produces sustained receptor activation rather than pulsatile.
Why is it paired with ipamorelin?
Complementary receptors. CJC-1295 activates GHRH receptors; ipamorelin activates ghrelin receptors. Combined GH release is larger than either alone. Mechanistically rational; clinical efficacy data for the combination at biohacker doses is thin.
Is it FDA approved?
No. Originally developed by ConjuChem; development halted before FDA approval. FDA Category 2 as of September 2023. February 2026 HHS proposed removal pending FDA review.
Is chronically elevated IGF-1 a cancer risk?
A theoretical concern. IGF-1 is pro-proliferative and has been associated with increased risk of certain cancers in observational epidemiology. Whether biohacker-typical doses of CJC-1295 drive the sustained elevation that would translate to measurable cancer risk is not well-studied.