CJC-1295: One Name, Two Molecules

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of the first 29 residues of growth hormone-releasing hormone, modified at four positions to resist enzymatic degradation. A 2005 study by Jette and colleagues in rats characterised the version that defines the name: a hGRF(1-29) analog carrying a Drug Affinity Complex, a maleimidopropionyl group on a C-terminal lysine that binds covalently to circulating albumin. That albumin binding is what extends its plasma residence.

The human data come from a 2006 study by Teichman and colleagues in two placebo-controlled ascending-dose trials in healthy adults. Single subcutaneous doses raised mean plasma growth hormone 2- to 10-fold for six days or more and IGF-I 1.5- to 3-fold for 9 to 11 days, with an estimated half-life of 5.8 to 8.1 days. In a 2006 study in GHRH knockout mice, once-daily administration normalised body weight and length against knockout controls.

The naming matters. CJC-1295 with DAC is the albumin-binding molecule above, formula C165H269N47O46. CJC-1295 without DAC, also called Modified GRF(1-29), is the same 29-residue backbone with a C-terminal amide and no linker, formula C152H252N44O42, and a much shorter half-life. Most product sold online as plain “CJC-1295” is the no-DAC peptide. A certificate of analysis is the only way to know which is in a vial. CJC-1295 has no approved human indication in any major jurisdiction.

Supplied for laboratory research use only.