CJC-1295 (no DAC / mod GRF 1-29)
CJC-1295 without DAC, commonly sold as modified GRF(1-29), is a short-acting growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogue. Four amino-acid substitutions on the GHRH(1-29) fragment resist enzymatic degradation, giving a brief but potent GH pulse. It is frequently paired with a GHRP (e.g. ipamorelin) for synergistic release. Human evidence is limited; use is largely anecdotal.
01 Overview
Modified GRF(1-29) stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone in a pulse that preserves physiological feedback, unlike direct GH administration. Its short half-life means it is dosed once or several times daily, often at night to mimic natural nocturnal GH pulses.
It is typically combined with a ghrelin-mimetic GHRP because the two act on different receptors and amplify each other's GH release. Controlled human data at physique doses is scarce; the parent GHRH(1-29) has been studied clinically, but the specific analogue as used non-medically has not. Effects and side effects here reflect mechanism and anecdote.
02 Mechanism
Analogue of GHRH(1-29) that binds the pituitary GHRH receptor to stimulate synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone; amino-acid substitutions resist DPP-4 degradation for a slightly prolonged action versus native GHRH.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anecdotal (non-medical) | 100 mcg | SubQ | ~100 mcg per injection, often 1-3x/day; commonly combined with a GHRP. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raised GH and IGF-1Stimulates a pulsatile GH release and downstream IGF-1 rise; magnitude in non-medical use is not well quantified in humans. | Preclinical | ||
| Improved sleepNight-time dosing reportedly deepens slow-wave sleep, consistent with GHRH physiology. | Anecdotal | ||
| Fat loss and recoveryReported modest fat loss and faster recovery; not established in controlled trials at these doses. | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injection-site reactionsRedness, itching or swelling at the injection site. | Mild | Common | Anecdotal | |
| Transient flushing/head rushWarmth, facial flushing or light-headedness minutes after dosing. | Mild | Common shortly after injection | Anecdotal | |
| Water retention / carpal-tunnel-like symptomsMild fluid retention or wrist tingling, as with any GH elevation. | Mild | Uncommon at typical doses | Anecdotal |
06 Commonly used with
What cjc-1295 is combined with, and why. This is about intent rather than safety — the interactions table below covers what is dangerous. Nothing here is listed without what it costs.
| Compound | Frequency | Purpose & trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Stacked compounds | ||
| IpamorelinGHRP | The canonical partner — CJC-1295 (GHRH analogue) sets a higher GH baseline while ipamorelin triggers clean pulses with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin, giving synergistic GH release.Trade-off: Combined they still amplify GH side effects (edema, carpal-tunnel symptoms, worsened insulin sensitivity), and the DAC version's long half-life can cause an unphysiological 'bleed' of GH rather than natural pulses. | |
| GHRP-2 or GHRP-6alternative GHRP | Swapped in for ipamorelin when a stronger GH pulse or appetite stimulation is wanted alongside the GHRH.Trade-off: These older GHRPs raise prolactin, cortisol and hunger far more than ipamorelin, trading a bigger pulse for messier hormonal side effects. | |
| IGF-1 LR3downstream mediator | Added to boost the IGF-1 arm directly rather than waiting on GH-driven hepatic IGF-1 output.Trade-off: Stacking exogenous IGF-1 on elevated GH sharply increases hypoglycaemia risk and pushes into territory with no human safety evidence. | |
| Support & ancillaries | ||
| Metformin / glucose monitoringinsulin support | Used to offset the reduced insulin sensitivity that comes with keeping GH chronically elevated.Trade-off: It mitigates but does not eliminate the glucose stress, and adds its own GI burden while somewhat opposing GH's lipolytic aims. | |