Growth Hormone Secretagogue
CJC-1295
Also known as: Modified GRF (1-29)
A long-acting synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), studied in a human clinical trial for its ability to produce sustained increases in GH and IGF-I.
Overview
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) engineered for a longer plasma half-life than native GHRH. Unlike most peptides referenced on this site, CJC-1295 has been studied directly in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind human clinical trial (Teichman et al., 2006), in addition to animal model data.
Proposed Mechanism of Action
CJC-1295 acts as a GHRH receptor agonist in the pituitary, stimulating pulsatile release of growth hormone, which in turn drives hepatic IGF-I production. Its extended half-life relative to native GHRH is the basis for the "long-acting" designation and the multi-day duration of effect reported in the cited human study.
Research Context
The Teichman et al. (2006) trial enrolled healthy adults aged 21–61 and tested both single ascending doses and repeated (weekly/biweekly) dosing, delivered subcutaneously. The companion animal study (Alba et al., 2006) demonstrated that daily CJC-1295 administration normalized growth in GHRH-deficient ("knockout") mice, supporting the GHRH-receptor-mediated mechanism.
Limitations of the Current Evidence
- The human trial is relatively small and short in duration relative to what would be required to characterize long-term safety.
- "CJC-1295" is sometimes used informally to refer to different molecular variants (with or without a drug affinity complex/DAC modification intended to further extend half-life); studies and vendor products are not always explicit about which variant is being discussed, and dosing/pharmacokinetics can differ meaningfully between them.
Research-Setting Dosing (as reported in literature)
| Route | Range (as reported) | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subcutaneous injection | 30–60 µg/kg | Single dose, or repeated weekly/biweekly dosing (multi-dose study arm) | From the human clinical trial (Teichman et al., 2006); doses in this range were reported as showing a favorable safety/tolerability profile. Single doses produced GH elevations lasting 6+ days and IGF-I elevations lasting 9–11 days. |
Figures above are extracted directly from the cited preclinical/research literature. They describe what researchers administered to study subjects (frequently animal models) — they are not human dosing recommendations and are not medical advice.
Cited Studies
Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults
Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, Gagnon C, Castaigne JP, Frohman LA · Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2006
Human clinical trial (randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind)View source →Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse
Alba M, Fintini D, Sagazio A, Lawrence B, Castaigne JP, Frohman LA, Salvatori R · American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism · 2006
Animal study (GHRH knockout mouse)View source →
Last updated August 1, 2026