CJC-1295 research: what the published literature reports

The short version: CJC-1295 was studied in early phase trials, raised IGF-1 for days at a time, and never reached approval. Most modern use is off-label and compounded.

TL;DR

• CJC-1295 is a modified GHRH analog studied in phase I/II trials in the early 2000s.
• A single dose raised IGF-1 in adults for up to a week, depending on the form used.
• The compound was not approved; the compounded version is not FDA-approved either.

What it is

CJC-1295 is a synthetic version of growth hormone-releasing hormone (in plain English: a small protein the brain makes to tell the pituitary to release growth hormone). It was modified in two ways. First, four amino acids were swapped to slow breakdown. Second, in the DAC form (Drug Affinity Complex), a chemical “magnet” was attached so the molecule could ride along with albumin in the bloodstream.

How it works

Think of GHRH receptors on the pituitary gland as locks. CJC-1295 is a key shaped like the body’s own GHRH key. When it fits, the pituitary releases a pulse of growth hormone. The DAC modification is like attaching a long string to the key so it stays nearby for days. That extended dwell time is what produced the multi-day IGF-1 elevations seen in early trials (Teichman et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006).

Who asks about it

People come to CJC-1295 research after reading about the “no DAC” or “DAC” forms in podcasts or peptide forums. Most want to know whether the older trial data actually supports the recovery and sleep claims they have heard about.

What the research says

The Teichman 2006 phase I/II trial in healthy adults found that a single subcutaneous dose of CJC-1295 with DAC raised IGF-1 about 1.5-fold to threefold above baseline. The elevation lasted six to eleven days at the higher doses (Teichman, J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006). A separate dose-response study showed pulse-style growth hormone release was preserved at lower doses but flattened at higher ones (Ionescu et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006). Most data after 2010 is observational, not randomized.

What to know before considering it

Side effects in trials were mild — injection-site reactions, flushing, and occasional headache. The long half-life of the DAC form is also why it carries more theoretical concern about flattened pulse architecture. Any peptide access requires a licensed clinician and baseline labs, including IGF-1.

The Halftime POV

CJC-1295 has the deepest published literature of any compounded growth hormone peptide. That is a low bar. The honest read is: real signal at the receptor, modest sample sizes, and a development path that stalled before phase III. Worth understanding, not worth overstating.

Related reading:

• How CJC-1295 extends GHRH signaling: the mechanism
• CJC-1295 side effects: what the literature reports
• CJC-1295 with DAC vs without DAC: which form and why

FAQ

Q: What does CJC-1295 research show? A: Published trials show CJC-1295 with DAC raises IGF-1 by roughly 1.5-fold to threefold above baseline for several days after a single dose. Pulse-style growth hormone release is preserved at lower doses; higher doses flatten the pulse pattern.

Q: Are there CJC-1295 human trials? A: Yes. The pivotal pharmacokinetic and dose-response studies were published by Teichman and colleagues in 2006. Most subsequent data is observational. The evidence base is smaller than for direct growth hormone.

Q: Is CJC-1295 FDA-approved? A: No. CJC-1295 was studied in phase II trials but was not approved. The compounded version is not FDA-approved and is accessed only through state-licensed 503A compounding pharmacies under physician prescription.

Disclaimer

This article is educational and is not medical advice. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. Clinical outcomes depend on individual factors and require physician evaluation. Results vary. Halftime Health is launching soon — join the waitlist to get updates.

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Sources

• Teichman SL et al. — J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006: Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295
• Ionescu M, Frohman LA — J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006: Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295

This article discusses compounds that are currently under FDA Category 2 review (see our FDA categorization explainer). These compounds are not currently part of Halftime Health’s published protocol catalog. This article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or an offer to sell.