Pituitary receptor signaling
CJC-1295 acts as a growth hormone secretagogue by stimulating GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotroph cells.
P—10 • Investigational research profile
CJC-1295
A concise educational overview of a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone analogue studied for sustained activation of the GH–IGF-1 axis.
Name
CJC-1295
Profile focuses on CJC-1295 with Drug Affinity Complex
- Scientific classification
- Synthetic long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone analogue modified with a Drug Affinity Complex for serum-albumin binding
- Library family
- Hormonal
- Research status
- Investigational; small, short-duration human studies evaluated CJC-1295 DAC in healthy adults
- Regulatory status
- Not FDA approved; a 2024 FDA advisory committee voted against adding five evaluated CJC-1295-related forms to the 503A Bulks List
Compound overview
A long-acting GHRH analogue with multiple chemically distinct forms.
CJC-1295 was designed to stimulate the pituitary gland's existing capacity to release growth hormone. The DAC modification allows the peptide to form a long-lasting bond with serum albumin, extending its presence in circulation.
CJC-1295 DAC, CJC-1295 free base, acetate salts, and products marketed as CJC-1295 without DAC are chemically distinct. Their pharmacology and evidence should not be treated as interchangeable.
Mechanism under study
Prolonged stimulation of the GH–IGF-1 axis
CJC-1295 DAC acts upstream of growth hormone by stimulating the GHRH pathway. A functioning pituitary is required for this type of secretagogue to work.
Albumin binding
The Drug Affinity Complex enables in-vivo attachment to serum albumin, which is intended to improve stability and extend exposure.
Downstream signaling
Increased growth hormone stimulates production of insulin-like growth factor 1, an important downstream mediator of the GH axis.
The pharmacology of CJC-1295 DAC cannot be extrapolated automatically to non-DAC forms or products with unclear chemical identity.
Current research areas
Questions under investigation
- Growth hormone and IGF-1 regulation
- Albumin binding and extended peptide pharmacokinetics
- Preservation of physiological growth-hormone pulsatility
- Growth hormone deficiency research
- Metabolic, cardiovascular, and long-term endocrine safety
Evidence summary
Sustained endocrine-signaling findings
- Sustained growth-hormone elevation: Small studies in healthy adults reported dose-dependent increases in average growth-hormone concentrations.
- Increased IGF-1: The same studies reported sustained increases in circulating IGF-1.
- Preserved pulsatility: One study found that growth-hormone pulses remained present while average and trough concentrations increased.
- Short-term tolerability: Serious adverse reactions were not reported in the small published healthy-adult trials, but these studies were short and cannot establish long-term safety.
- Clinical translation: Larger and longer trials are needed to determine how sustained GH and IGF-1 responses may translate into meaningful clinical outcomes.
The measured GH and IGF-1 responses establish pharmacodynamic activity; meaningful clinical outcomes and long-term safety remain unestablished.
Educational notice
Education, not usage guidance.
This profile is provided for scientific education only. It is not medical advice, treatment guidance, dosing information, or instructions for CJC-1295 use. The FDA reports limited clinical information and has identified concerns involving product identity, immunogenicity, peptide-related impurities, increased heart rate, and systemic vasodilatory reactions. Products carrying the same general name may contain chemically different substances.
Key scientific referencesComing soon
A curated primary-source reference list will be added during the next educational expansion.