Verified July 2026 · Cited to primary sources

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

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CJC-1295 (mono GHRH analog, usually "with DAC") is not FDA-approved and not legally compoundable — its nomination was withdrawn in April 2026.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 — 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 is assigned by a fixed A–F rubric — human-trial strength, not hype or affiliate status. Last verified July 6, 2026.

What is CJC-1295?

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

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 — 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 FDA 503A bulks list (CJC-1295 removed from Category 2; compounding nomination withdrawn)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–$400/month (typically stacked)

CJC-1295 is usually sold stacked with Ipamorelin at roughly $200–$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 — we don't link them. If you pursue CJC-1295, do it with a licensed clinician, and re-check its legal status first.

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 → 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.

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 / GH-releasing factors), banned at all times for tested athletes.

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 — the best-evidenced option you can still legally get through a compounding pharmacy.

Grade A

Tesamorelin

One of only two FDA-approved peptides in this space — 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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