CJC-1295 (Modified Growth Hormone Releasing Factor 1-29)
A modified growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that stimulates natural GH secretion from the pituitary. Available in two forms: CJC-1295 with DAC (long-acting) and CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF).
CJC-1295 tells your pituitary gland to release growth hormone naturally, in the same pulsing pattern your body uses on its own. Unlike injecting synthetic GH directly, this preserves your body's normal feedback system. When paired with Ipamorelin (which works on a different receptor), the two together produce a much larger GH release than either alone -- like pressing the gas and releasing the brake at the same time.
GH promotes lipolysis (fat breakdown). Body composition improvement commonly reported over 8-12 week cycles. More effective when combined with exercise.
GH elevation promotes protein synthesis and lean tissue growth. Not as powerful as exogenous GH but more physiological and with fewer side effects.
GH/IGF-1 decline is a hallmark of aging. Restoring more youthful GH levels associated with improved skin, hair, body composition, energy, and recovery.
GH pulses naturally occur during deep sleep. Pre-bed dosing amplifies this. Improved sleep quality is one of the most commonly reported early benefits.
GH/IGF-1 promote collagen synthesis. Improved skin quality and hair growth commonly reported.
GH promotes tissue repair. Not as targeted as BPC-157/TB-500 but provides systemic healing support.
GH/IGF-1 have neuroprotective properties. Some users report improved focus and mental clarity.
GH supports overall hormonal health. Some indirect benefit through improved testosterone in GH-deficient individuals.
GH supports immune function but not a primary immune peptide.
Not relevant to gut health directly.
CJC-1295 binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotroph cells, stimulating the release of stored growth hormone in a pulsatile pattern. The four amino acid substitutions (Ala2->D-Ala, Asn8->Gln, Ala15->Ala, Met27->Leu) prevent DPP-4 degradation and oxidation. The DAC modification enables covalent binding to serum albumin via reactive chemistry, extending plasma half-life dramatically. When combined with a ghrelin mimetic (Ipamorelin), the dual stimulation produces synergistic GH release -- GHRH amplifies the GH pulse initiated by the ghrelin signal.
The standard community protocol. Inject on empty stomach (fasting 2+ hours, no food for 30min after). Pre-bed dose is most important as it amplifies the natural nocturnal GH pulse.
Less common in community due to non-pulsatile GH elevation (sustained release). May cause more GH-related side effects. The DAC version creates a constant GH elevation rather than natural pulses.
GH-mediated effect, more common with DAC version
GH-mediated, indicates GH elevation. Reduce dose if persistent.
GH-mediated, more common at higher doses
GH and IGF-1 promote cell growth. Elevated IGF-1 is associated with increased cancer risk. Do not use with any active malignancy.
GH elevation can worsen insulin resistance and raise blood glucose. Monitor closely if diabetic. May need to adjust diabetes medications.
No safety data.
Stimulates pituitary function. Contraindicated with pituitary tumors.
GH secretagogues can worsen insulin resistance, potentially counteracting metabolic benefits of GLP-1 agonists.
Primary outcome measure. Dose-dependent IGF-1 elevation demonstrated in human trials.
Direct mechanism. Pulsatile GH release.
GH is a counter-regulatory hormone that can raise blood glucose.
May worsen insulin resistance at higher GH levels.
GH promotes lipolysis. Body composition improvement over 8-12 week cycles.
GH promotes protein synthesis and lean tissue growth.
THE standard stack. GHRH (CJC-1295) + GHSR agonist (Ipamorelin) = synergistic GH release. Almost always used together. This is the most recommended GH peptide stack.
Both elevate GH/IGF-1. Stacking may cause excessive GH side effects (water retention, insulin resistance). Usually one or the other, not both.
No known interactions. Some users add for healing benefits alongside GH elevation.
No known interactions.
GH elevation may worsen insulin resistance, potentially counteracting semaglutide's metabolic benefits. Monitor blood glucose.
Both are GHRH analogs. Do not stack two GHRH compounds.
Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, Gagnon C, Castaigne JP, Bhatt JK - J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2006) - Human pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study - n=21
Single injection of CJC-1295 resulted in sustained, dose-dependent increases in GH and IGF-1 levels for 6-14 days. Mean IGF-1 levels increased 1.5-3 fold. Well-tolerated with no serious adverse events.
Limitations: Small sample, single-dose study, industry-funded.
Ionescu M, Bhatt JK, Gagnon C, et al. - Growth Horm IGF Res (2006) - Human pharmacokinetic study - n=34
CJC-1295 with DAC showed terminal half-life of 5.8-8.1 days. After multiple doses, IGF-1 levels increased 2-3 fold and remained elevated for up to 28 days.
Limitations: Industry-funded, pharmacokinetic focus.
CJC-1295 (specifically the no-DAC / Mod GRF 1-29 version) paired with Ipamorelin is the most recommended GH peptide stack on r/Peptides. Community strongly prefers no-DAC version because it produces pulsatile GH release (more physiological) vs the DAC version which creates sustained elevation (more side effects). Key advice: inject on empty stomach, pre-bed dose is most important, avoid carbs/fat around injection time (insulin blunts GH release). Most commonly reported benefits: improved sleep quality, faster recovery, improved skin/hair, gradual fat loss, improved body composition. Users typically run 8-12 week cycles with 4-week breaks. Cost is moderate ($40-80/month for both peptides from research chemical vendors). Quality varies significantly between vendors -- Janoshik testing recommended.
Research chemical. Not FDA-approved. ConjuChem trials discontinued after a participant death (unrelated per investigators but program halted). Available from research chemical vendors.
CJC-1295 is not FDA-approved. Clinical development was discontinued after a participant death during trials (attributed to pre-existing cardiac condition, not the peptide per investigators). It is available as a research chemical and is prescribed by some anti-aging/peptide clinics. Not currently on WADA prohibited list as a named substance but GH secretagogues as a class are prohibited in sport.
Multiple human pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies demonstrating dose-dependent GH and IGF-1 elevation. Phase 2 clinical trials conducted. Not FDA-approved. Better evidence base than most research peptides.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational and research purposes only. PepStack does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide or supplement. Research suggests these compounds may have various effects, but individual results vary and many claims require further clinical validation.