ConjuChem Technologies created CJC-1295 in the middle of the 2000s as a synthetic successor to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and growth hormone secretagogue (GHS). This peptide has been hypothesised to potentially act in the context of growth hormone deficiency, possibly regulating sleep quality, and promoting cell longevity.

Although the normal CJC-1295 peptide has 29 amino acids, the abbreviation “DAC” indicates that it is often sold as a “Drug Affinity Complex.” By enhancing the CJC-1295 peptide’s affinity for blood protein bonds, the DAC bioconjugation platform prolongs the compound’s half-life compared to its unmodified version.  

Researchers were confused since other companies started making CJC-1295 without DAC, even though the original CJC-1295 from ConjuChem Technologies had DAC. To avoid misunderstanding, CJC-1295, devoid of DAC, is usually marked as “CJC-1295 Without DAC” or “CJC-1295 No DAC”. Any mention of CJC-1295 in this context refers to CJC-1295, which has had the ConjuChem-developed DAC technology added to it. 

In the US, the peptide is considered an Investigational new compound and is only accessible to researchers for research purposes.

CJC-1295: Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 attaches to pituitary gland receptors to potentially increase the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and plasma growth hormone (GH). Research indicates it may potentially increase GH levels and bind to the GHRH receptor, much like Sermorelin. Compared to Sermorelin, which is believed to produce a more natural release of GH, CJC-1295 is thought to have a longer half-life and suggests more prolonged periods of elevated GH. 

Investigations purport that adding DAC may significantly lengthen the half-life of CJC-1295, which may bind preferentially to endogenous albumin. The half-life of CJC-1295 DAC is expected to be 6 to 10 days, but that of CJC-1295 No DAC is just thirty minutes. 

Research on rats has indicated that CJC-1295 may possibly activate the GRF receptors on the anterior pituitary and function as a long-lasting GRF analog. This work has provided a foundation for further investigations into CJC-1295’s potential on GH and IGF-1 in various animal models.

A Function Analysis of CJC-1295

We will outline the main CJC-1295 properties hypothesizlsed thus far by drawing on small-scale animal research, even if we have minimal data on the compound: 

Multiple studies have pointed to GHRH’s potential function in regulating sleep cycles, which might explain why CJC-1295 is theorized to induce deep sleep. Researchers are very interested in CJC-1295’s potential impacts on sleep as it is a synthetic version of GHRH. 

Fehm et al. studied the impact of GHRH on sleep quality. The trial followed a double-blind cross-over design. Thirty minutes before sleep, researchers introduced GHRH or a placebo to research models. Blood was drawn at 15-minute intervals to determine GH and cortisol levels, and polysomnography was used to record sleep until 7 in the morning. Besides the obvious changes in hormone production and sleep patterns associated with cell aging, GHRH also appeared to have the following potential impacts: 

● possible decreased levels of cortisol just before bedtime (P < 0.05)

● possible rise in GH concentrations during the first stages of sleep

● possible elevated REM (rapid eye movement) sleep duration

● possible increase in slow-wave sleep (SWS), with the majority of this effect occurring during the latter stages of sleep

Results from this study suggest that GHRH may have a role in regulating sleep processes and hypothalamic-hypophysiotropic secretory activity. Therefore, GHRH may possibly imitate the hypothalamus GHRH’s combined neuronal and endocrine roles. 

Injured muscles may potentially heal more rapidly with increased sleep. Following a period of sleep loss, GH has been speculated to improve non-REM sleep. The GHRH analog CJC-1295 is now the focus of intense research into its potential to regulate sleep.  

Research into the potential involvement of CJC-1295 in developing and encouraging proliferation of muscle cells may be attributed to its purported capacity to raise GH and IGF-1 levels. CJC-1295 has been suggested to promote protein synthesis, supporting the development of muscular bulk. Whether anabolic properties stem from elevated GH and IGF-1 levels is still debatable; however, studies in this field continue. 

A combination of CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin might be an interesting option for researchers looking to test its potential on muscle hypertrophy. This peptide combination has been associated with increased protein synthesis and muscle cell proliferation. 

Studies suggest that CJC-1295 may potentially improve fat reduction by restoring normal prolactin levels, which have been suggested to boost fat metabolization in GHRH knockout mice. Previous research has indicated that prolactin may increase visceral fat deposition in several animal models. These results have sparked research into the potential involvement of CJC-1295 in regulating prolactin and promoting fat reduction. 

Combining CJC-1295 with GHRP-2 would be an interesting option for researchers investigating its claimed fat-burning effects. The growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) is an alternative to CJC-1295 that GHRP-2 uses to induce anterior pituitary GH release. Data from animal studies suggests that GHRP-2 plus CJC-1295 may have a synergistic impact, improving muscular mass, cardiac function, and immune system performance.

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