CJC-1295
Research useGrowth hormone releasing hormone analogue (29 amino acids)
Last updated 29 October 2026
CJC-1295 is a synthetic growth hormone releasing hormone analogue that prompts the body to release more of its own growth hormone. It comes in two forms with very different durations. It has no UK marketing authorisation, and the human evidence for the benefits people seek is limited.
Key points
- CJC-1295 is a 29 amino acid peptide that acts on the same receptors as natural growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH).
- The version with DAC lasts several days; the version without DAC, sometimes called Modified GRF 1-29, lasts only hours.
- The main human study looked at how it behaves in the body, not whether it delivers real world benefits.
- It has no UK marketing authorisation, and growth hormone releasing peptides are prohibited in sport.
Quick facts
- What it is
- GHRH analogue, 29 amino acids
- Forms
- With DAC (lasts days) or without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29, hours)
- UK status
- Not a licensed medicine; sold for research use
- Human evidence
- One early study of how it behaves; no benefit trials
- In sport
- On the WADA Prohibited List
How it works
CJC-1295 binds GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, prompting it to release growth hormone, which raises IGF-1. The DAC version sticks to a blood protein so it keeps stimulating the gland over days, a steadier signal than the body's natural pulses. The version without DAC produces a single short pulse. It is often paired with ipamorelin, which works through a different receptor.
What the evidence shows
The main human evidence is a single early study in healthy adults, which showed that growth hormone and IGF-1 stayed raised for several days after a dose. That was a study of how the drug behaves, not a trial of benefit. There are no controlled trials in people on muscle, fat, ageing or any other outcome, and no long term safety data.
What it does not settle
- There are no controlled human trials on body composition or ageing.
- The effect of a steady, continuous signal on insulin sensitivity and on the pituitary over time is not known.
- There is no established human dose, and the link between raised IGF-1 and cancer is a theoretical concern.
Side effects
Common
- Injection site redness or tenderness, flushing and headache, usually early on.
- With ongoing use, water retention, tingling in the hands or feet, joint aches and tiredness.
Less common but serious
- Possible changes in blood sugar, and a reduced response from the pituitary over time, are reported but poorly characterised.
- Because there is no licensed product, the dose, purity and contents of material bought online cannot be verified.
Report any suspected side effect through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
UK legal status and access
CJC-1295 has no UK marketing authorisation, so it is not a licensed medicine and is not offered by registered clinics or pharmacies. It is sold online labelled for research use. Genuine growth hormone deficiency is diagnosed and treated with licensed medicines under specialist care.
Common questions
What is the difference between CJC-1295 with and without DAC?
The DAC version binds a blood protein and acts over several days. The version without DAC, Modified GRF 1-29, clears within hours and gives a single pulse.
How does it differ from the CJC-1295 / ipamorelin blend?
CJC-1295 acts on GHRH receptors. The blend adds ipamorelin, which works through a separate receptor, to engage two pathways at once.
Is it allowed in sport?
No. Growth hormone releasing peptides are on the WADA Prohibited List, and the DAC version's long action widens the detection window.
The licensed route
Growth hormone deficiency is diagnosed with blood tests and treated with licensed medicines under specialist care. A registered clinician can advise on genuine concerns.
Factual reference only, not medical advice. We give no dosing for unlicensed compounds.