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CJC-1295

Last reviewed: April 18, 2026 by The Peptide Catalog Team

A growth hormone peptide for lean muscle building, fat loss, and faster recovery. CJC-1295 (also known as Mod GRF 1-29) is a modified GHRH analog with four amino acid substitutions that improve stability. With a short ~30 minute half-life, it mimics natural pulsatile GH release patterns. Often combined with GHRPs like Ipamorelin for synergistic effects.

CategoryGrowth & Repair Peptides
ClassGH secretagogue
GoalMuscle Growth
Overview

Core Benefits

Key Advantages
Sustained GH pulse
Amplifies GH pulse amplitude without flattening rhythm.
Lean recovery support
Improves recovery and lean mass over 8 weeks.
Sleep and tissue repair
Drives sleep depth and connective tissue repair.
Stacks with ipamorelin
Standard pairing for amplified, pulsatile GH release.
Differs from sermorelin
Longer half-life than sermorelin — fewer daily shots.
No-DAC vs DAC trade-off
Pulsatile pulses without the long DAC half-life.

These are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.

CJC-1295 Results Timeline

Progression
1
Week 1–2
Physical Changes
Early fat mobilization, muscle fullness
Performance & Recovery
Noticeably better sleep, faster post-workout recovery
Other Benefits
Increased energy, improved mood
2
Week 3–6
Physical Changes
Visible fat reduction (especially belly), increased muscle definition
Performance & Recovery
Greater workout endurance, reduced soreness
Other Benefits
Healthier skin tone, sharper mental focus
3
Month 2–4
Physical Changes
Significant lean muscle gain, accelerated fat loss
Performance & Recovery
Stronger recovery, noticeable strength gains
Other Benefits
Anti-aging effects: skin elasticity, hair quality, sustained energy
4
4+ Months
Physical Changes
Major body recomposition — lower fat % + more muscle
Performance & Recovery
Peak recovery, ability to train harder and more frequently
Other Benefits
Cumulative benefits with continued cycling (8 weeks on/off) or extended use

Timeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.

Read the full CJC-1295 results timeline →

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Evidence at a glance

Two parallel grades per outcome — clinical RCT depth and real-world community adoption. See the Research Overview below for citations and detail.

OutcomeClinical EvidenceCommunity Evidence
Acute GH pulse stimulation (modified GRF 1-29)ModerateStrong
IGF-1 elevationWeakStrong
Body composition (lean mass, fat loss)PreliminaryStrong
How It WorksGHRH Analog (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone)

Sequence → Stability → GH Pattern → Outcomes

1
Target

GHRH Receptor on Pituitary Somatotrophs

CJC-1295 (no DAC) binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotroph cells — the same receptor targeted by Sermorelin and Tesamorelin. This is the "starter signal" that tells your body to release growth hormone.

2
Cellular Signal

cAMP → PKA Cascade → GH Vesicle Release

Receptor activation triggers the cAMP → PKA signaling cascade inside pituitary cells. This causes stored growth hormone to be released in pulses— not a constant drip, but bursts that mimic your body's natural rhythm.

3
Systemic Effect

Pulsatile GH → Liver IGF-1 → Metabolic Cascade

GH pulses travel to the liver and other tissues, stimulating IGF-1 production and triggering downstream metabolic effects: fat mobilization, protein synthesis, tissue repair, and cellular regeneration.

4
What You Notice

Sleep → Recovery → Body Composition → Vitality

Improved sleep quality is often the first effect noticed (weeks 1-2). Faster recovery and gradual fat loss follow over months. Skin elasticity, hair quality, and overall vitality improve with sustained use. Benefits build gradually — GH optimization is a slow, cumulative process.

What Makes This Peptide Different

CJC-1295 (no DAC) is essentially Sermorelin — GHRH(1-29) — with 4 targeted amino acid substitutions engineered to resist enzymatic breakdown. Same receptor, same signaling cascade, but the modifications keep the short fragment intact longer in the body. The ~30 minute half-life still produces natural pulsatile GH release, unlike the DAC version which sustains GH for days.

Sequence → Why It Matters

CJC-1295 retains the core active region of GHRH(1-29) with 4 engineered changes to reduce enzymatic breakdown:

1
Position 2: Ala → D-Ala
Protease resistance — prevents enzymes from chopping the peptide apart
2
Position 8: Asn → Gln
Chemical stability — prevents spontaneous rearrangement that deactivates the molecule
3
Position 15: Gly → Ala
Enhanced receptor binding — stronger engagement with the GHRH receptor
4
Position 27: Met → Leu
Oxidation resistance — prevents damage that would shorten shelf life and potency

So what? Same receptor target as Sermorelin, but engineered to keep the short 1-29 fragment intact long enough to reliably signal. The result: a more consistent GH pulse window compared to unmodified Sermorelin, without the sustained (non-pulsatile) elevation caused by the DAC version.

GHRH Peptide Comparison

PeptideHalf-LifeGH PatternWhat's Unique
Sermorelin~10-20 minShort, natural pulseNative GHRH(1-29) — no modifications, shortest duration
CJC-1295 (no DAC)~30 minBroader natural pulse4 substitutions for stability — more reliable signaling window
Tesamorelin~26-38 minReliable, broader pulseFull 44-AA GHRH + hexenoic acid — FDA-approved, builds lean mass
CJC-1295 (DAC)6-8 daysSustained elevationAlbumin binding — convenience, but non-pulsatile GH

Research overview

Outcome-by-outcome look at what the evidence actually supports for CJC-1295, including human vs. animal study counts and our editorial take on each.

GH pulse stimulation (modified GRF 1-29)

Clinical:ModerateCommunity:Strong

CJC-1295 *without DAC* (modified GRF 1-29) is a sermorelin analog with four amino-acid substitutions improving stability against DPP-4 cleavage but no albumin tether. No standalone human RCT of modGRF 1-29 has been published — its clinical claims are extrapolated from the DAC variant (Teichman 2006, Ionescu 2006) and from sermorelin's GHRH(1-29) literature. Mechanistically a near-certainty; cleanly characterized clinically, no.

0 human studies · 4 animal studies

Key findings & citations
  • Four aa substitutions (D-Ala, Gln, Ala, Leu) extend half-life vs. sermorelin from minutes to hours.
  • No published human RCT of modGRF 1-29 alone — practice is built on extrapolation.
  • Combined with ipamorelin (GHRP) it produces synergistic GH pulses, the basis for the 'CJC + ipamorelin' protocol.

Our take

Mechanistically sound, clinically under-characterized. Treat any specific outcome claim for modGRF 1-29 alone as an extrapolation, not data.

Body composition / lean mass

Clinical:PreliminaryCommunity:Strong

There is no published human trial of modGRF 1-29 with body composition as a primary endpoint. The community-reported lean-mass and recovery effects rest on (a) sermorelin's body composition data and (b) the CJC + ipamorelin synergy literature.

0 human studies · 2 animal studies

Key findings & citations
  • Zero published human composition RCTs for modGRF 1-29 monotherapy.
  • Sermorelin literature shows ~1.2 kg lean mass gain over 16 weeks — translation is reasonable but not proof.
  • Practitioner reports describe 6-12 week timelines for visible composition change at typical doses.

Our take

The community uses CJC like a more convenient sermorelin. That's roughly the right mental model — and it's also why expectations should match sermorelin's modest data, not exceed it.

What CJC-1295 doesn't do

Claims that current evidence does not support. Worth knowing before you set expectations.

Top CJC-1295 Vendors

#1 VendorEZ PeptidesEZ Peptides10% OFFCOA Verified

$34.20 for 5mg ($6.84/mg) · Score: 10/10

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Dosing ProtocolGrowth Hormone / Longevity

Educational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.

Vial Size
10 mg
Reconstitution
3 ml BAC water
Dose
200 mcg (6 units on 1ml syringe)
Timing
PM (before bed)
Frequency
5 days on, 2 days off
Duration
8 weeks on, 8 weeks off
Protocol Notes
Best taken before bed to amplify natural nighttime GH pulse. Often stacked with Ipamorelin.

Why This Dosing Protocol

Why before bed? Your largest natural GH pulse occurs ~1 hour after falling asleep. Injecting CJC-1295 before bed amplifies this existing pulse rather than creating an artificial one, working with your circadian biology.

Why empty stomach? Food (especially carbs) triggers insulin release, which blunts GH secretion. A 2+ hour fast before injection ensures insulin is low when the GH pulse fires.

Why 5 days on / 2 days off? A common community schedule, generally framed around cost and letting IGF-1 normalize between blocks; no long-term trial has evaluated continuous CJC-1295 use, so the on/off pattern is a convention rather than a desensitization-validated requirement (see whether GH peptides desensitize).
Full Dosing GuideReconstitution CalculatorCycle Cost Calculator
Popular Stack Protocols1 stack

Commonly paired protocols from the peptide research community. Educational reference only.

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin

Growth Hormone / Fat Loss / Anti-Aging
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
Dose
250 mcg
Vial Size
5 mg blend or separate vials
Reconstitution
2 ml BAC water (blend)
Ipamorelin
Dose
250 mcg
Vial Size
5 mg blend or separate vials
Reconstitution
2 ml BAC water (blend)
Timing
AM and/or PM (empty stomach)
Frequency
5 days on, 2 days off
Duration
8 weeks on, 8 weeks off
The most popular GH stack. GHRH (CJC) + GHRP (Ipa) together produce significantly greater GH release than either alone — synergistic amplification of the natural GH pulse. Best taken on empty stomach (2+ hr fast). Many vendors sell this as a pre-mixed blend vial (5mg/5mg).
Popular CJC-1295 Stacks

Pre-made bundles ranked by value. Cost per mg is based on the CJC-1295 portion of each stack.

Top CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Vendors

#1 VendorNura PeptideCOA Verified

$55.00 for 5mg/5mg ($11.00/mg) · Score: 10/10

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Reconstitution Calculator

Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.

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Storage & Handling

Storage at a glance

Proper storage temperatures, shelf life, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.

Powder: Freezer
1+ year at -20°C
Reconstituted: Fridge
4 weeks max at 2-8°C
View Complete Storage Guide

Handling specifics

Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.

Powder storage (very stable)
  • Freezer (-20°C): 1+ year
  • Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1-3 months
  • Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
Reconstituted storage (fragile)
  • MUST refrigerate at 2-8°C
  • 4-week maximum shelf life
  • NEVER freeze after reconstitution
  • Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose
Molecular Structure

CJC-1295 sequence

Click any residue to see its properties.

HydrophobicPolarAcidic (−)Basic (+)Special

Sequence-derived properties

Length
29 residues
Molecular weight
3358.9 Da
backbone only
Avg hydrophobicity
-0.22
Kyte–Doolittle scale

Residue classes

Hydrophobic: 12 (41%)Polar: 9 (31%)Acidic (−): 2 (7%)Basic (+): 5 (17%)Special: 1 (3%)

Net charge distribution

Positive5 (17%)
Neutral22 (76%)
Negative2 (7%)

Amino acid frequency

L×4A×3R×3S×3D×2I×2K×2Q×2Y×2F×1

Modifications

  • D-Ala at position 2
  • Gln at position 8
  • Ala at position 15
  • Leu at position 27

Sequence and properties provided for educational reference. Not for clinical dosing decisions.

The 4 substitutions
  • Position 2: Ala → D-Ala
    (Helps prevent enzymatic cleavage.)
  • Position 8: Asn → Gln
    (Helps prevent chemical rearrangement.)
  • Position 15: Gly → Ala
    (Can enhance receptor binding strength.)
  • Position 27: Met → Leu
    (Helps reduce oxidation damage.)
Modified 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
Positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 are modified; the rest remain identical to sermorelin, yielding improved stability while maintaining a short half-life (~30 minutes).
Key takeaway: Modified GRF (1-29) and CJC-1295 no DAC are the same peptide — sermorelin with four strategic substitutions for better stability, still short-acting compared to CJC-1295 with DAC.

FAQ

What are the most common side effects?

Most peptides cause mild injection site reactions, temporary water retention, and possible joint discomfort. CJC-1295 (no DAC) has minimal impact on cortisol and prolactin levels compared to other GH peptides.

Why do people stack CJC-1295 with Ipamorelin?

This combination works synergistically—CJC-1295 (GHRH pathway) increases the number of cells releasing GH, while Ipamorelin (GHRP pathway) increases GH release per cell. Together they produce stronger results with minimal side effects.

What is CJC-1295 and how does it work?

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). It stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone. The "no DAC" version has a half-life of about 30 minutes, producing pulsatile GH release that mimics natural patterns.

What is the difference between CJC-1295 and CJC-1295 with DAC?

CJC-1295 (no DAC) has a ~30 minute half-life and produces natural pulsatile GH release. CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) binds to albumin, extending half-life to 6-8 days and creating sustained GH elevation. No DAC is preferred for mimicking natural GH patterns; DAC for convenience.

What is the typical CJC-1295 dosage?

A common research dosage for CJC-1295 (no DAC) is 200 mcg per injection, taken once daily before bed on an empty stomach (5 days on, 2 days off). It's often combined with a GHRP like Ipamorelin at similar doses. Bedtime dosing amplifies the natural nighttime GH pulse.

What benefits does CJC-1295 provide?

By elevating GH and IGF-1 levels, CJC-1295 may support fat loss, lean muscle growth, improved sleep quality, faster recovery, enhanced skin health, and general anti-aging effects. Benefits develop gradually over weeks to months of consistent use.

How long until CJC-1295 shows results?

Initial effects like improved sleep quality may be noticed within 1-2 weeks. Body composition changes (fat loss, muscle gain) typically take 2-3 months. Skin and recovery improvements develop over 3-6 months. Patience and consistency are key — GH works gradually.

Is CJC-1295 better than synthetic HGH?

CJC-1295 stimulates your body's natural GH production rather than replacing it. This preserves natural feedback mechanisms and pulsatile release patterns. It's generally considered safer with fewer side effects than exogenous HGH, though effects may be more subtle. It's also significantly less expensive.

How long does reconstituted peptide last?

Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.

Is this peptide legal to purchase?

Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.

New to peptides?

Take our Peptide Match tool to find the best peptide for your goals. You can also read our Complete Guide to Peptides to learn the basics.

Scientific Sources

The following peer-reviewed studies and official resources provide additional scientific context for this peptide:

CJC-1295 Research Articles

guides

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin: 250mcg/250mcg Stack Dosage

The synergy only works if you time both peptides right. Covers the 5mg/5mg blend protocol, reconstitution, and 8-week cycling.

guides

CJC-1295 No DAC: 200mcg PM, 5-On/2-Off

Without DAC, timing is everything -- miss the window and GH response drops. Covers 200mcg PM dosing, GHRP stacking, and 8-week cycling.

dosing

CJC-1295 DAC Dosage Chart: 2mg Twice Weekly

The 8-day half-life changes everything about injection timing. Covers 1-4mg protocols, IGF-1 monitoring, and GHRP stacking.

results

CJC-1295 DAC Results: Week-by-Week Timeline

One injection elevates IGF-1 for over a week — but body composition lags. What the clinical data and community reports show, stage by stage.

Compare CJC-1295 to alternatives

Side-by-side mechanism, dose, half-life, and vendor pricing.

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