CJC-1295: GHRH Analog for Prolonged Growth Hormone Secretion
CJC-1295 is a synthetic GHRH analog designed to prolong the half-life of growth hormone secretagogues through covalent protein binding, supporting sustained growth hormone release.
Structural Parameters of CJC-1295
| Property | Value and Specification | References |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 863288-34-0 (with DAC); 446262-90-4 (without DAC) | |
| Molecular Formula | C152H252N44O42 (with DAC); C165H269N47O46 (without DAC) | |
| Molecular Weight | 3367.90 g/mol (with DAC); 3647.25 g/mol (without DAC) | |
| Sequence | Tyr-D-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe- Thr-Gln-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-V al-Leu-Ala-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala -Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp -Ile-Leu-Ser-Arg-Lys(DAC) | |
| Key Modifications | D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, and Leu27 substitutions for enzymatic stability |
Origin, History, and Research Stage
CJC-1295 was synthesized by ConjuChem Biotechnologies in the mid-2000s. The primary development goal was to create a long-acting GHRH analog that could bind to endogenous albumin, reducing injection frequency. Although Phase 2 clinical trials demonstrated a strong capacity to raise GH and IGF-1 levels, commercial development by ConjuChem was halted before final regulatory approval. Today, CJC-1295 is widely researched as a pre-clinical peptide and is popular in alternative wellness and longevity medicine.
Mechanism of Action and Pharmacokinetics
CJC-1295 acts as a GHRH receptor agonist. To protect the peptide from rapid DPP-4 cleavage, key amino acid substitutions were introduced: D-alanine at position 2, glutamine at position 8, alanina at position 15, and leucine at position 27. Two primary forms exist: ● CJC-1295 with DAC: Features a reactive maleimidopropionilo group (Drug Affinity Complex) attached to a C-terminal lysine. This complex binds covalently to circulating albumin, extending its biological half-life to 6–8 days. ● CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29): Lacks this reactive group, leading to rapid renal clearance and a short half-life of roughly 30 minutes, producing rapid, physiological GH pulses. Both forms bind to GHRHR in the pituitary gland to stimulate pulsatile GH release.
Scientific and Clinical Effects
Preclinical and clinical studies report that a single weekly dose of CJC-1295 with DAC elevates basal GH levels by 2- to 10-fold and raises serum IGF-1 levels up to 3-fold. These changes support protein synthesis, lean muscle tissue development, adipose tissue lipolysis, and enhanced recovery from musculoskeletal injuries.
