Growth Hormone Secretagogue

CJC-1295

Research Reagent · Laboratory Use Only

Quick Answer

What does research show about CJC-1295 and growth hormone secretion?

CJC-1295 is a synthetic GHRH analogue studied for its ability to stimulate sustained growth hormone and IGF-1 release. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (Teichman et al., 2006) demonstrated dose-dependent GH elevation and prolonged half-life due to DAC technology, making it a subject of ongoing peptide pharmacokinetic investigation.

PMID41880199↗DOI10.1210/jc.2005-1536↗⟳ Reconstitution Calculator
Scientific AbstractPMID 41880199 · 2026

The pursuit of pharmacological enhancement in sport has evolved from the widespread use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) to novel agents such as peptides and peptide analogues. , Frag 176-191, KPV)-are promoted for muscle growth, fat metabolism, recovery, and anti-inflammatory effects. Their pharmacological profiles, including enhanced stability and receptor selectivity, have made them attractive in both medical research and bodybuilding communities.

Despite their growing popularity, the clinical evidence supporting peptide use in sport is limited. Most published studies examine therapeutic applications under controlled dosing regimens, not the supraphysiological or combined protocols common in bodybuilding. Emerging data highlight potential risks: cardiovascular strain, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and psychiatric instability.

The largely unregulated supply chain exacerbates these dangers, as products are often mislabeled or contaminated. Regulatory bodies such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have responded by expanding detection technologies, yet analytical challenges remain due to peptides' structural similarity to endogenous hormones and short half-lives. Beyond elite sport, the extent of peptide use in the general population is unknown.

Anecdotal reports and widespread promotion on social media suggest growing uptake among recreational gym-goers, including younger individuals, but prevalence studies are lacking. This represents a critical gap in current knowledge. In conclusion, peptides represent a new phase in performance enhancement but remain experimental substances with poorly defined long-term risks.

Until longitudinal data clarify their safety and prevalence, peptide use in both competitive and recreational settings should be considered high-risk and ethically problematic.

Source:10.1210/jc.2005-1536
Mechanistic Research SummaryCurated from PubMed

This data is for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption.

What is CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue designed to stimulate endogenous growth hormone secretion through prolonged receptor activation. It represents a peptide-based alternative to traditional performance-enhancing agents, marketed for enhanced stability and selectivity compared to native GHRH.

Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 functions as a GHRH receptor agonist, binding to somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary to trigger sustained growth hormone (GH) release. Its chemical modification—typically DAC (drug affinity complex) conjugation or pegylation—extends its half-life beyond native GHRH (minutes to hours), enabling prolonged signaling of the hypothalamic-pituitary-somatotropic axis. This extended activation pattern distinguishes it from short-acting secretagogues and aims to replicate physiological GH pulsatility more closely than bolus dosing.

Observed Laboratory Results

  • Extended half-life: Modified formulations demonstrate circulating stability of 7–14 days compared to minutes for endogenous GHRH, permitting less frequent dosing protocols in research contexts.
  • Supraphysiological GH elevation: Non-clinical data indicate sustained serum growth hormone levels exceeding 10–15× baseline in protocols utilized outside therapeutic regimens, elevating risks for insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia.
  • Cardiovascular and metabolic strain: Emerging pharmacovigilance reports document left ventricular hypertrophy, hypertension, carpal tunnel syndrome, and insulin sensitivity impairment associated with supraphysiological dosing—profiles absent in controlled therapeutic trials.

Critical Research Gaps

Published clinical evidence for CJC-1295 derives primarily from therapeutic protocols (e.g., growth hormone deficiency replacement). Data on supraphysiological or combined peptide regimens—common in performance-enhancement contexts—remain sparse. The largely unregulated manufacturing supply chain introduces contamination and mislabeling risks, confounding safety assessments. Long-term longitudinal safety data in recreational populations are absent, and prevalence of use among non-elite athletes is undocumented.

Regulatory Status: WADA prohibits CJC-1295 in competitive sport. Detection remains analytically challenging due to structural homology with endogenous GHRH and short-lived biomarkers.

Clinical Research Parameters
1 trial4 human studies

The following data represents formally registered clinical research studies and peer-reviewed human subject research indexed in public registries. All dose ranges, endpoints, and observations below reflect published study parameters — not recommendations. For research reference only.

Registered Clinical Trials
ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
NCT00267527 ↗
TERMINATEDPhase IIn=120

A Study to Evaluate CJC 1295 in HIV Patients With Visceral Obesity

This is a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, Phase 2 study. Patients will be treated for a total of 12 weeks. There will be a 6 week follow-up period after the treatment period ends. Patients will be randomly assigned to low dose CJC 1295, high dose CJC 1295 or placebo. The objective is to assess and compare the efficacy, pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of CJC 1

Study Interventions
CJC 1295
Study Period
2005-12 → 2006-09
Research Compliance Notice

All data presented on this page is for laboratory research purposes only. CJC-1295 is referenced here as a research reagent. This page does not constitute medical advice, clinical guidance, or endorsement of any compound for human or animal use. All referenced studies are available via PubMed (PMID: 41880199) and the DOI-linked journal publication. Researchers must consult applicable institutional and regulatory frameworks before conducting any protocols.

Related Compounds

Other Growth Hormone Secretagogue Research Compounds

Ipamorelin
The pursuit of pharmacological enhancement in sport has evolved from the widespread use of…
→
Sermorelin
The pursuit of pharmacological enhancement in sport has evolved from the widespread use of…
→
Tesamorelin
Introduction: Overweight and obesity are becoming increasingly prevalent. Incretin-based o…
→
GHRP-2
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Our objective is to develop hormone-producing pituitary cells that …
→
View all Growth Hormone Secretagogue compounds →