Last Updated January 31, 2024

 January 31, 2024

Researchers curious about CJC-1295 side effects will find clarity regarding the peptides' safety profile below.

While being one of the most popular growth hormone secretagogues, many researchers still lack clarity on the side effects and safety profile of CJC-1295. With over two decades of research, the peptide still confuses even the most astute researchers from time to time.

This is to be expected, as there are many different versions of the research peptide on the market:

  • CJC-1295 DAC
  • CJC-1295 No DAC
  • CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin

To that end, we summarize the main research findings regarding CJC-1295 side effects, and outline what researchers must know when investigating this growth hormone-releasing hormone analog.

For researchers unfamiliar with CJC-1295, we will also discuss its main benefits such as its effects on sleep, muscle mass, and fat loss. 

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What is CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) that was developed in the early 2000s by Canadian biotech firm ConjuChem Technologies [1].

It has been investigated as a treatment for growth hormone deficiency and lipodystrophy, reaching phase II clinical trials that were discontinued for reasons unrelated to administration of the peptide. Subsequent research has shown that CJC-1295 may enhance sleep, increase muscle mass, and stimulate fat loss in test subjects [1].

CJC-1295 has been marketed with and without drug affinity complex (DAC) technology, which extends its half-life and resultant therapeutic window as follows [2]:

  • CJC-1295 No DAC: CJC-1295 No DAC contains only straight CJC-1295 with a D-Ala at the 2-position, a Gln at the 8-position (to reduce asparagine rearrangement), an Ala at position 15 (to enhance bioactivity), and a Leu at position 27 (to prevent methionine oxidation). Without DAC technology, CJC-1295 has a half-life of around 30 minutes [1, 3].
  • CJC-1295 DAC: CJC-1295 with drug affinity complex (DAC) technology contains an acetate that extends the longevity of CJC-1925 by up to five to eight days and increases insulin-like growth levels for up to 29 several days following a single dose [2].

Where available online as a reference material, CJC-1295 is typically sold with the DAC additive.

Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 works by acting on the GHRH receptor and binding to the pituitary gland receptors to stimulate the release of both GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). It has been tested in animals and human test subjects.

A 2005 animal study found that CJC-1295 stimulated a “4-fold increase” in GH levels when administered to male Sprague Dawley rats. Researchers noted that when CJC-1295 was injected along with hGRF1–29 amide and CJC-1288, it caused “acute GH secretions” in all animals and produced the “largest plasma AUC of GH over a 2-h period” of all peptides [4].

Additionally, two human studies involving healthy test subjects found that CJC-1295 DAC administration produced a 2- to 10-fold increase in mean plasma GH concentrations for six days or more and a 1.5- to 3-fold increase in mean plasma IGF-1 concentration for 9-11 days [2].

Legal Status

CJC-1295 is currently classified as a research chemical with no formally recognized use. It is generally available for purchase by licensed researchers and laboratory professionals. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) classifies CJC-1295 as an S2 prohibited substance [5, 6].


cjc-1295 side effects


CJC-1295 Benefits

Research into the benefits of CJC-1295 is still pending. However, a handful of small-scale CJC-1295 studies have centered on its impact on GH secretion, the effects of cumulative doses, and the frequency of adverse events [7].

Using data from these studies, we summarize key CJC-1295 benefits in relation to sleep, muscle-building, and fat loss.

CJC-1295 and Sleep

In a 1999 study by Fehm et al, researchers investigated sleep and endocrine changes following intranasal administration of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), of which CJC-1295 is an analog. In the study, researchers administered 300mcg of GHRH or placebo to both young and elderly male subjects and recorded their sleep. The subjects receiving GHRH experienced a longer period of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and increased slow-wave sleep (SWS), among other benefits.

Researchers surmise that CJC-1295, as a derivative of GHRH, may offer the same benefits by mimicking the dual neuronal and endocrine function of hypothalamic GHRH activity [8, 9].

CJC-1295 and Muscle Growth

As a growth hormone secretagogue, CJC-1295 is believed to increase muscle growth and strength [7, 8]. While no studies have focused specifically on CJC-1295 as a muscle-building agent, the peptide clearly increases levels of serum GH and IGF-1, both of which regulate muscle mass. GH and IGF-I have distinct effects on muscle mass regulation and help promote deep sleep, which is vitally important to all body processes including muscle formation, tissue repair, and a stronger immune system [10].

Research into the role that CJC-1295 may play in muscle building is pending.

CJC-1295 and Fat Loss

CJC-1295 promotes lipolysis with fat loss in the stomach area and has been shown to help maintain normal body composition and growth in a GHRH knockout mouse model. Notably, CJC-1295 administration was linked to the normalization of prolactin, which in animal studies has been shown to promote visceral fat accrual [7, 8, 11, 12].

Despite CJC-1295’s believed impact on weight loss and body composition, there remains a lack of data to indicate the specific dose or duration it may be administered to these ends.


CJC-1295 Side Effects

In this section, we aim to review the available research to provide readers with an overview of CJC-1295 side effects and the peptide’s overall safety profile in test subjects.

A pair of double-blind studies conducted by Teichman et al. in 2006 examined the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of CJC-1295. The studies were brief, with the first involving one of four ascending single doses over 28 days, and the second involving two or three weekly or biweekly doses over 49 days [2].

The researchers found that CJC-1295 was safe and relatively well tolerated when administered at doses of 30 or 60 μg/kg, without any notable adverse effects observed. However, the test subjects did experience the following minor side effects:

  • Mild injection site reactions (pain, itching, swelling)
  • Headaches
  • Diarrhea,
  • Hypertension
  • Induration

CJC-1295 administration has also been linked to mild, transitory side effects such as flushing, water retention, and insomnia [7].

Adverse effects of CJC-1295 administration may also result from improper dosage or contaminated peptides, if sourced from an untrustworthy vendor. Low-purity CJC-1295 products can contain dangerous contaminants that can lead to acute systemic toxicity. Accordingly, at Peptides.org we strongly advise that researchers procure CJC-1295 from strictly reputable sources and firmly abide by prevalent dosing guidelines, based on scientific research.


CJC-1295 Dosage Guide

CJC-1295 is typically available in the form of sterile, non-pyrogenic, white lyophilized powder for administration via subcutaneous after reconstitution with bacteriostatic water [2].

Sample CJC-1295 DAC Dosing Protocol

Drawing on past research, here is a sample CJC-1295 DAC dosing protocol that researchers may administer to observe the effects of this growth hormone secretagogue:

  • Dosage: 1g-2g CJC-1295 DAC per injection, depending on weight of test subjects.
  • Frequency: Once weekly.
  • Study duration: 8-12 weeks
  • Notes: CJC-1295 DAC is available from our preferred vendor in vials of 2g and 5g. Most studies following this protocol will thus require two CJC-1295 DAC 5g vials.

Research CJC-1295 Cycle

Researchers curious about how to cycle CJC-1295 will note that the longest studies conducted to date have lasted just 28 and 49 days. While the duration of these studies offers a rough idea of how long one CJC-1295 cycle may last, the peptide was not cycled and test subjects were only administered one course of CJC-1295 DAC [2].

Researchers planning to administer multiple courses of CJC-1295 to test subjects will note that according to Teichman et al, the “mean IGF-I levels (of the participants) remained above baseline for up to 28 days” [2]. This indicates that researchers may stop administering this peptide for at least one month following the end of the trial without affecting the IGF-I levels of the test subjects.


CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin

CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is a combination of CJC-1295 and another growth hormone secretagogue called ipamorelin. The latter is a ghrelin mimetic that works along a different pathway to CJC-1295, binding to ghrelin receptors and also stimulating the release of GH. As both CJC-1295 and ipamorelin have been linked to improved body composition, there is strong research interest in the synergistic effect of these peptides and their impact on cortisol, prolactin, and fat loss when combined.

Notably, a CJC-1295/Ipamorelin blend will typically contain CJC-1295 No DAC, and will thus need to be administered five-seven times weekly — rather than once weekly as with CJC-1295 DAC.


cjc-1295 side effects


Where to Buy CJC-1295 Online? | 2024 Edition

Researchers interested in where to buy CJC-1295 online may be aware that this peptide is available from multiple vendors in several different forms, or blends.

However, the quality, purity, and reliability of peptides can vary significantly from one vendor to the next.

To assist researchers interested in buying CJC-1295 online, our team has reviewed a number of leading vendors and ranked them according to their pricing, delivery speed, and overall buying experience.

We recommend two vendors in particular:

CJC-1295 No DAC | Limitless Life

The team at Peptides.org has plenty of experience working with different peptide vendors. That’s why we can safely recommend Limitless Life for all research peptide needs for qualified researchers.

We like Limitless Life because of their dedication to product quality, their strict safety standards, their excellent reputation within the peptide research community, and their excellent service practices.

Below, we’ve shared a bit more about each of these distinguishing factors:

  • High Purity Standards: By partnering with independent laboratories, Limitless Life is able to offer extremely pure and high quality research peptides — verified by third-party testing.
  • Dedication to Safety: Research peptides are to be used only by qualified peptide researchers. Limitless Life takes great care to emphasize this fact on their website.
  • Highly Reputable: Limitless Life has earned a reputation as an honest and noteworthy company in the research peptide space, evidenced by their exceptionally low rate of credit card charge-backs and positive reviews found online.
  • Great Service: Limitless Life’s service team is available to answer questions promptly and helpfully seven days per week by email or phone.

What’s more, researchers can get 10% off their next order at Limitless Life simply by clicking the button below and using this code at checkout:

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CJC-1295 DAC | Research Chemical

Here is why Research Chemical is considered one of the top peptides vendors in the world:

  • Third-Party Testing: Research Chemical has all their CJC-1295 batches purity tested with third-party labs. This ensures the highest quality peptides. Then the company posts results of the testing on their website for reference.
  • Multiple Payment Options: Research Chemical offers reliable credit card payments with all major brands. They also offer cryptocurrency payments for researchers.
  • Quick, Simple Shipping: Research Chemical offers same-day and next-day fulfillment standard. This allows researchers to get peptides in an efficient manner, thus beginning their studies with speed.

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Side Effects of CJC-1295 | Verdict

In summary, researchers interested in CJC-1295 side effects will note that the peptide enjoys a favorable safety profile, backed by nearly two decades of research.

Notably, past studies have linked CJC-1295 to mild side effects such as injection site pain, itching, swelling, headaches, and diarrhea, all of which tend to subside following discontinuation of therapy.

The peptide has been linked to key benefits in the areas of sleep and body composition, and remains on the radar of growth hormone secretagogue researchers.

Whether looking for research-grade CJC-1295 DAC, CJC-1295 No DAC, or a CJC-1295/Ipamorelin blend for the next study, researchers need look no further than our top-rated vendor.


References

  1.  Lucie Jetté, Roger Léger, Karen Thibaudeau, Corinne Benquet, Martin Robitaille, Isabelle Pellerin, Véronique Paradis, Pieter van Wyk, Khan Pham, Dominique P. Bridon, Human Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor (hGRF)1–29-Albumin Bioconjugates Activate the GRF Receptor on the Anterior Pituitary in Rats: Identification of CJC-1295 as a Long-Lasting GRF Analog, Endocrinology, Volume 146, Issue 7, 1 July 2005, Pages 3052–3058, https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2004-1286
  2. Sam L. Teichman, Ann Neale, Betty Lawrence, Catherine Gagnon, Jean-Paul Castaigne, Lawrence A. Frohman, 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, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 91, Issue 3, 1 March 2006, Pages 799–805, https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2005-1536
  3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2022). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 91976842, CJC1295 Without DAC. Retrieved November 26, 2022 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/CJC1295-Without-DAC.
  4. Lucie Jetté, Roger Léger, Karen Thibaudeau, Corinne Benquet, Martin Robitaille, Isabelle Pellerin, Véronique Paradis, Pieter van Wyk, Khan Pham, Dominique P. Bridon, Human Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor (hGRF)1–29-Albumin Bioconjugates Activate the GRF Receptor on the Anterior Pituitary in Rats: Identification of CJC-1295 as a Long-Lasting GRF Analog, Endocrinology, Volume 146, Issue 7, 1 July 2005, Pages 3052–3058, https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2004-1286
  5. Henninge J, Pepaj M, Hullstein I, Hemmersbach P. Identification of CJC-1295, a growth-hormone-releasing peptide, in an unknown pharmaceutical preparation. Drug Test Anal. 2010 Nov-Dec;2(11-12):647-50. doi: 10.1002/dta.233. Epub 2010 Dec 10. PMID: 21204297.
  6. WORLD ANTI-DOPING CODE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD PROHIBITED LIST 2022. World Anti-Doping Agency. (2022). Retrieved November 28, 2022, from https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/resources/files/2022list_final_en.pdf
  7. van Hout, MC and Hearne, E (2016) Netnography of Female Use of the Synthetic Growth Hormone CJC-1295: Pulses and Potions. Substance Use & Misuse, 51 (1). pp. 73-84. ISSN 1082-6084
  8. Saugy M, Robinson N, Saudan C, Baume N, Avois L, Mangin P. Human growth hormone doping in sport. Br J Sports Med. 2006 Jul;40 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):i35-9. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2006.027573. PMID: 16799101; PMCID: PMC2657499.
  9. Perras B, Marshall L, Köhler G, Born J, Fehm HL. Sleep and endocrine changes after intranasal administration of growth hormone-releasing hormone in young and aged humans. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 1999 Oct;24(7):743-57. doi: 10.1016/s0306-4530(99)00027-x. PMID: 10451909.
  10. Velloso CP. Regulation of muscle mass by growth hormone and IGF-I. Br J Pharmacol. 2008 Jun;154(3):557-68. doi: 10.1038/bjp.2008.153. PMID: 18500379; PMCID: PMC2439518.
  11. Alba M, Fintini D, Sagazio A, Lawrence B, Castaigne JP, Frohman LA, Salvatori R. Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2006 Dec;291(6):E1290-4. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00201.2006. Epub 2006 Jul 5. PMID: 16822960.
  12. Petra Kok, Ferdinand Roelfsema, Marijke Frölich, A. Edo Meinders, Hanno Pijl, Prolactin Release Is Enhanced in Proportion to Excess Visceral Fat in Obese Women, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 89, Issue 9, 1 September 2004, Pages 4445–4449, https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2003-03q2184
  13. Hage M, Kamenický P, Chanson P. Growth Hormone Response to Oral Glucose Load: From Normal to Pathological Conditions. Neuroendocrinology. 2019;108(3):244-255. doi: 10.1159/000497214. Epub 2019 Jan 25. PMID: 30685760.

Scientifically Fact Checked by:

David Warmflash, M.D.

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