Verified July 2026 · Cited to primary sources

CJC-1295: Evidence Grade C. Early / foreign human data only.

A GHRH analog, usually the long-acting "with DAC" version, that one human study shows raises GH/IGF-1. No trial shows it builds muscle or burns fat.

Grade CResearch-onlySafety: amber

The honest verdict

CJC-1295 (mono GHRH analog, usually "with DAC") is not FDA-approved and not legally compoundable; its nomination was withdrawn in April 2026. Human evidence is Grade C: one PK study proves it raises GH/IGF-1, but no trial shows muscle or fat-loss benefit. Most people search for the popular blend, so see our CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin page. We don't link gray-market sources.

CJC-1295 at a glance

Class
Synthetic long-acting GHRH (growth-hormone-releasing hormone) analog
Mechanism
A modified GHRH analog that stimulates sustained pituitary GH and IGF-1 release; the "with DAC" (Drug Affinity Complex) version binds albumin to extend its half-life to days, versus the shorter-acting no-DAC form (Mod-GRF 1-29).
Also known as
CJC-1295 with DAC, CJC-1295 DAC, Drug Affinity Complex GRF, CJC-1295 no-DAC, Mod-GRF 1-29
Research applications
  • GH/IGF-1 elevation (proven in one human pharmacokinetic study)
  • Muscle growth, body recomposition and anti-aging (marketed; no efficacy RCT)
Forms
subcutaneous injection
Legal status
Research-only
WADA (anti-doping)
Prohibited (S2, GHRH analog / GH-releasing factors) at all times
Evidence grade
Grade CEarly / foreign human data only

How we grade evidence

Every grade comes from a fixed A to F rubric: human-trial strength, not hype or affiliate status. Last verified July 6, 2026.

What is CJC-1295?

Compound class: Synthetic long-acting GHRH (growth-hormone-releasing hormone) analog

A modified GHRH analog that stimulates sustained pituitary GH and IGF-1 release; the "with DAC" (Drug Affinity Complex) version binds albumin to extend its half-life to days, versus the shorter-acting no-DAC form (Mod-GRF 1-29).

How strong is the evidence for CJC-1295?

Grade C: one published human pharmacokinetic study (Teichman et al., JCEM 2006) shows CJC-1295 elevates GH and IGF-1 in healthy adults, which is real early human data (decision-tree rule 4 fired). But there is no efficacy RCT for muscle, fat loss or anti-aging, so the marketed body-composition benefits are unproven.

Primary sources (4)

  1. Teichman et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2006: CJC-1295 human PK study (GH/IGF-1 elevation in healthy adults)
  2. FDA 503A bulks list (CJC-1295 removed from Category 2; compounding nomination withdrawn)
  3. Federal Register FDA-2025-N-6895 (April 2026 503A reclassification)
  4. WADA Prohibited List (S2, GHRH analog / GH-releasing factors)

What is CJC-1295 used for?

CJC-1295 is marketed for the goals below. See how it ranks against other peptides in each, by evidence, not hype.

Best peptides for Muscle Growth →

What does CJC-1295 cost, and how do you access it legally?

Typical cost

$200 to $400/month (typically stacked)

CJC-1295 is usually sold stacked with Ipamorelin at roughly $200 to $400/month per seekpeptides.com; access is gray-market given its 503A status. Standalone "with DAC" pricing is not separately verified.

No legal supervised access route right now.

CJC-1295 has no compliant US route today. Vials sold "for research use only" are a gray-market fig-leaf, not a legal loophole, so we don't link them. If you pursue CJC-1295, do it with a licensed clinician, and re-check its legal status first.

Telehealth programs do advertise several compounds in this position as prescribable online. We checked those advertised menus against the law in peptide telehealth programs.

Is CJC-1295safe? Side effects & risks

Limited human safety data, no major documented harms

GH-excess effects (edema, carpal-tunnel symptoms, insulin resistance, IGF-1 elevation with a theoretical cancer risk). A widely-cited adverse-event report exists for CJC-1295 DAC (causation unestablished; represent carefully). CJC-1295's compounding nomination was withdrawn in April 2026 and PCAC previously voted against inclusion, so there is no compliant 503A route. WADA-prohibited (S2).

Medical disclaimer: This page is independent editorial information, not medical advice, and Best Peptide For That is not a medical provider. We do not provide dosing. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, stopping, or changing any peptide or medication. Full medical disclaimer.

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FAQ

CJC-1295 FAQ

What is the difference between CJC-1295 and CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin?

CJC-1295 on its own is a single GHRH analog, most often the long-acting "with DAC" version. It's very commonly sold stacked with Ipamorelin (a separate ghrelin/GH-secretagogue peptide) to add a cleaner GH pulse. If you're researching the popular stack, see our dedicated CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin page; this page covers CJC-1295 by itself.

Does CJC-1295 build muscle?

There is no human trial showing CJC-1295 builds muscle or burns fat. The only human data is a 2006 pharmacokinetic study confirming it raises GH and IGF-1 levels in healthy adults, which is why we grade it C, not higher.

Is CJC-1295 legal to get from a clinic?

Not through a compliant 503A route. CJC-1295's compounding nomination was withdrawn in April 2026 and PCAC previously voted against it, so it is effectively research-only. A clinic openly selling it today is a compliance flag.

Is CJC-1295 banned in sport?

Yes. CJC-1295 is on the WADA Prohibited List under S2 (GHRH analogs and GH-releasing factors), banned at all times for tested athletes.

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Keep reading

Grade C

CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin

The classic GH-boosting stack. One human PK study shows it raises GH/IGF-1, but no trial shows it builds muscle or burns fat.

Grade B

Sermorelin

The "gentler," formerly-FDA-approved GH-axis peptide. It's the best-evidenced option you can still legally get through a compounding pharmacy.

Grade A

Tesamorelin

An FDA-approved peptide drug, not a research chemical. Proven to cut visceral fat, but approved for a narrow HIV indication.

How we grade the evidence →Are peptides safe? →FDA peptide status 2026 →

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