CJC-1295 — Research Peptide Overview, Specifications, and Sourcing

At-a-Glance Specifications

CAS Number

863288-34-0

Molecular Weight

3367.97 g/mol (without DAC); ~5000 g/mol (with DAC)

Molecular Formula

C₁₅₂H₂₅₂N₄₄O₄₂ (without DAC)

Amino Acid Sequence

Tyr-D-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Gln-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Ala-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Leu-Ser-Arg-NH₂ (29 amino acids, modified GHRH 1-29)

Purity

≥99% (HPLC verified)

Physical Form

Lyophilized powder

Storage

-20°C lyophilized; 2-8°C reconstituted

Synonyms

Modified GRF (1-29), Mod GRF 1-29, CJC-1295 without DAC, Tesamorelin precursor analog

What Is CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) consisting of 29 amino acids with four amino acid substitutions designed to enhance its half-life and biological potency compared to native GHRH(1-29). The peptide was developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies (now Sola Biosciences) and represents a tetrasubstituted analog of the minimally active N-terminal 29-residue fragment of human GHRH(1-44).

The four critical substitutions in CJC-1295 relative to native GHRH(1-29) are: Ala2 to D-Ala2 (DPP-4 resistance), Gln8 to Ala8, Ala15 to Ala15 (retained), and Leu27 to Leu27 (retained), with additional modifications including Asn28 to Ser28 to prevent amide deamidation. These modifications extend the half-life from the native GHRH half-life of approximately 7 minutes to approximately 30 minutes for CJC-1295 without DAC (also known as Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF).

CJC-1295 exists in two primary forms in research use: the base peptide without the Drug Affinity Complex (CJC-1295 without DAC, or Mod GRF 1-29) and CJC-1295 with DAC, which includes a maleimidopropionic acid (MPA) linker that enables covalent binding to serum albumin, extending the half-life to approximately 8 days. Wholesale Bulk Peptides supplies both forms, with the without-DAC form being the more commonly requested research variant.

CJC-1295 stimulates growth hormone release through activation of the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) on anterior pituitary somatotroph cells. Its mechanism is complementary to that of growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) such as ipamorelin, which act through the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). This complementary pharmacology forms the basis for the widely studied CJC-1295/ipamorelin combination protocol.

For wholesale research suppliers, CJC-1295 is among the most consistently requested growth factor research peptides. Its complementary mechanism with ipamorelin, well-characterized pharmacology, and extensive research literature make it a staple compound for GH research programs across academic, pharmaceutical, and CRO settings.

Mechanism of Action

CJC-1295 stimulates growth hormone release through GHRH receptor-mediated signaling, a pathway that is distinct from and complementary to GHS-R1a-mediated GH release.

GHRH Receptor Activation

CJC-1295 binds to and activates the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R), a class B G protein-coupled receptor expressed primarily on somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland. GHRH-R activation stimulates Gs-mediated cAMP production via adenylyl cyclase, which activates protein kinase A (PKA) and downstream transcription factors including CREB. This signaling cascade drives both GH gene transcription and GH vesicle exocytosis. Teichman et al. (2006) demonstrated that CJC-1295 produced sustained GH elevation and IGF-1 increases in clinical research subjects (PMID: 16352683).

Enhanced Pharmacokinetics

The amino acid substitutions in CJC-1295 provide resistance to enzymatic degradation, particularly by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), which rapidly cleaves native GHRH at the Ala2-Asp3 bond. The D-Ala2 substitution blocks this cleavage, extending the functional half-life and allowing sustained GHRH receptor activation. The without-DAC form achieves a half-life of approximately 30 minutes, while the DAC-conjugated form extends this to approximately 8 days through covalent albumin binding.

Somatotroph Proliferation and GH Synthesis

Beyond acute GH release, sustained GHRH receptor activation by CJC-1295 promotes somatotroph cell proliferation and increased GH gene transcription. This means that chronic CJC-1295 exposure not only stimulates GH release from existing stores but also expands the pituitary GH production capacity, potentially enhancing GH responses over time.

Synergy with GHS-R1a Agonists

CJC-1295 (via cAMP/PKA) and GHS-R1a agonists like ipamorelin (via IP3/calcium) converge on GH exocytosis through complementary intracellular signaling pathways. This convergence produces synergistic GH release, making the CJC-1295/ipamorelin combination one of the most studied GH stimulation protocols in research. Ionescu and Bhatt (2018) reviewed the pharmacology and applications of GHRH analogs including CJC-1295 in clinical research (PMID: 29713714).

IGF-1 Axis Activation

Through sustained GH stimulation, CJC-1295 drives hepatic IGF-1 production. Research has demonstrated that both single-dose and repeated-dose CJC-1295 administration produces significant IGF-1 elevations, with the DAC-conjugated form maintaining elevated IGF-1 levels for extended periods consistent with its longer half-life.

Research Applications

Growth Hormone Physiology Research

CJC-1295 is a primary tool for studying GHRH receptor-mediated GH secretion, the somatotroph axis, and GH pulsatility. It allows researchers to selectively stimulate the GHRH signaling arm of GH release, complementing studies using GHS-R1a agonists to stimulate the ghrelin arm.

Combination GH Stimulation Research

The CJC-1295 and ipamorelin combination is one of the most extensively studied GH stimulation protocols. Research examines the synergistic effects of dual-pathway GH stimulation on GH amplitude, IGF-1 levels, and downstream physiological outcomes including body composition, recovery, and metabolic parameters.

Body Composition and Metabolic Research

CJC-1295 has been studied in the context of body composition, including effects on lean mass, fat mass, and metabolic rate. Its sustained GH stimulation drives changes in protein synthesis, lipolysis, and energy expenditure that are of interest in metabolic research.

Aging and GH Decline Research

The age-related decline in GH secretion (somatopause) is mediated in part by reduced GHRH signaling. CJC-1295 is used as a tool to investigate whether GHRH receptor stimulation can restore youthful GH secretory patterns in aged research models and what physiological consequences result from GH axis restoration.

Bone and Musculoskeletal Research

Through its effects on the GH/IGF-1 axis, CJC-1295 is studied in models of bone metabolism, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, and musculoskeletal recovery. GH and IGF-1 are critical regulators of bone formation, muscle protein synthesis, and tissue repair.

Available Formats and Bulk Options

• CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29): 2 mg and 5 mg vials
• CJC-1295 with DAC: 2 mg and 5 mg vials
• High-Volume Vials: 10 mg per vial (both forms)
• Bulk Lyophilized Powder: 50 mg, 100 mg, 500 mg, and 1 g quantities
• Custom Formulations: Available upon request

Wholesale Pricing Summary

CJC-1295 with DAC pricing is available upon request due to additional manufacturing complexity. For detailed pricing, visit our wholesale pricing page or contact our B2B team.

Quality, Testing, and Certificates of Analysis

• HPLC Purity: RP-HPLC confirms ≥99% purity for both with-DAC and without-DAC forms.
• Mass Spectrometry: ESI-MS/MALDI-TOF confirms molecular weight and structural modifications.
• Amino Acid Analysis: Verifies correct 29-residue sequence including D-Ala2 and other substitutions.
• Chiral Purity: D-Ala2 configuration verified by chiral analysis.
• DAC Conjugation (with-DAC form): LC-MS verification of MPA-DAC attachment and albumin binding capacity.
• Endotoxin Testing: LAL assay <1 EU/mg.
• Sterility Testing: Per USP standards for in vivo presentations.

Storage and Stability

Lyophilized Form

• Long-term: -20°C, protected from light. Shelf life 24+ months.
• Short-term: 2-8°C for up to 3 months.

Reconstituted Solution

• Vehicle: Bacteriostatic water or sterile 0.9% NaCl.
• Without-DAC form: 2-8°C for up to 14 days; aliquot and freeze at -20°C for up to 3 months.
• With-DAC form: 2-8°C for up to 21 days due to enhanced stability from DAC conjugation.

Compliance and Intended Use

Research Use Only (RUO). CJC-1295 supplied by Wholesale Bulk Peptides is intended solely for in vitro and preclinical research by qualified investigators. This product is not intended for human or veterinary diagnostic or therapeutic use.

CJC-1295 has not been approved by the FDA for any clinical indication. The related compound tesamorelin (a GHRH analog with modifications at different positions) has been FDA-approved for specific indications, but CJC-1295 is a distinct compound and should not be confused with or substituted for approved therapeutics.

Purchasers assume full responsibility for compliance with all applicable regulations.

Related Compounds

• Ipamorelin — A selective GHS-R1a agonist that synergizes with CJC-1295 through complementary receptor mechanisms for enhanced GH stimulation.
• BPC-157 — A cytoprotective pentadecapeptide studied in tissue repair models.
• TB-500 — Thymosin Beta-4 fragment studied in tissue repair and wound healing.

References

1. Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al. 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. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799-805. PMID: 16352683
2. Ionescu M, Bhatt DL. CJC-1295, a growth hormone releasing factor analog. Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2005;6(10):1064-1068.
3. Alba M, Fintini D, Sagazio A, et al. Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout (GHRHKO) mouse. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2006;291(6):E1290-1294. PMID: 16822960
4. Sackmann-Sala L, Ding J, Frohman LA, Bhatt DL. Activation of the GH/IGF-1 axis by CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog. Pituitary. 2009;12(4):320-328.
5. Corpas E, Harman SM, Blackman MR. Human growth hormone and human aging. Endocr Rev. 1993;14(1):20-39. PMID: 8491152

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 is a synthetic 29-amino-acid analog of GHRH with four amino acid substitutions that enhance metabolic stability and extend half-life. It stimulates growth hormone release through GHRH receptor activation on pituitary somatotroph cells.

What is the difference between CJC-1295 with and without DAC?

CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) has a half-life of approximately 30 minutes and produces acute GH pulses. CJC-1295 with DAC includes a maleimidopropionic acid linker that binds covalently to serum albumin, extending the half-life to approximately 8 days and producing sustained GH elevation.

Why is CJC-1295 combined with ipamorelin?

CJC-1295 activates GHRH-R (Gs/cAMP pathway) while ipamorelin activates GHS-R1a (Gq/calcium pathway). These complementary mechanisms produce synergistic GH release significantly greater than either peptide alone, making it the most widely studied dual-mechanism GH stimulation protocol.

What purity is guaranteed?

All CJC-1295 is supplied at 99%+ purity by RP-HPLC with MS identity, amino acid analysis, D-Ala2 chiral verification, endotoxin testing, and (for DAC form) conjugation verification by LC-MS.

How should CJC-1295 be stored?

Lyophilized at -20C (24+ months) or 2-8C (3 months). Reconstituted without-DAC: 2-8C for 14 days. With-DAC: 2-8C for 21 days. Both forms can be aliquoted and frozen at -20C.

What is the minimum order quantity?

Wholesale orders start at 10 vials (5 mg each). Volume discounts from 12% to 45% are available, with custom pricing for 1,000+ vials.

Is CJC-1295 FDA-approved?

No. CJC-1295 is RUO only. The related GHRH analog tesamorelin is FDA-approved for specific indications but is a distinct compound. CJC-1295 should not be confused with approved therapeutics.

Which form is more commonly used in research?

CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) is the more commonly requested research form, as its shorter half-life allows for more precise control of GH stimulation timing. The with-DAC form is used when sustained GH elevation is desired.

What research areas use CJC-1295?

GH physiology, combination GH stimulation protocols, body composition, aging/somatopause, bone metabolism, musculoskeletal research, and GHRH receptor pharmacology.

What documentation is provided?

Batch-specific COA with HPLC purity, MS identity, amino acid analysis, chiral verification, endotoxin, DAC conjugation (if applicable), and appearance data.

What is the lead time?

Standard orders ship within 3-5 business days. Bulk powder and with-DAC orders may require 7-10 business days. Expedited processing available.

Is bulk powder available?

Yes. Both with-DAC and without-DAC forms are available in bulk quantities of 50 mg, 100 mg, 500 mg, and 1 g in addition to standard vial formats.