CJC-1295: Research Overview, Mechanism of Action & Lab Supply Standards
A summary of published research on CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analogue, including DAC technology, GH/IGF-1 axis stimulation, study findings, and sourcing considerations for Canadian researchers.
What Is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) engineered for extended plasma half-life. The compound is available in two forms: CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) and CJC-1295 without DAC (also referred to as Modified GRF 1-29). The DAC variant incorporates a lysine-maleimide linker that enables covalent binding to serum albumin, dramatically extending the compound's half-life from minutes to several days.
By acting on pituitary GHRH receptors, CJC-1295 stimulates pulsatile endogenous GH secretion and downstream IGF-1 production. The extended half-life of the DAC variant allows less frequent administration while maintaining sustained GH axis stimulation — a pharmacokinetic property of significant interest in neuroendocrine and metabolic research. All material supplied by ACCUTIDE is for laboratory research use only (RUO).
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
GHRH Receptor Agonism
CJC-1295 binds pituitary GHRH receptors (GHRHR) and activates Gs protein signaling, raising intracellular cAMP and stimulating GH secretion from somatotrophs. This action preserves the physiological pulsatile nature of GH release rather than producing continuous elevation.
DAC Technology — Albumin Binding
The maleimide-containing DAC linker in CJC-1295 (with DAC) reacts with the free thiol group of Cys34 on serum albumin, forming a stable covalent bond. Since albumin has a half-life of approximately 19 days and is too large for renal filtration, the bound peptide is protected from degradation and clearance — extending CJC-1295's effective half-life to 6–8 days in research models.
GH/IGF-1 Axis Stimulation
GH released in response to CJC-1295 binds hepatic GH receptors, stimulating IGF-1 synthesis. Sustained GH axis elevation from extended-release GHRH analogues is associated with increased IGF-1 baseline levels in preclinical models, which may be relevant for metabolic, anabolic, and aging research applications.
Synergy with GH Secretagogues
GHRH receptor agonism (via CJC-1295) and GHS-R1a agonism (via Ipamorelin or other secretagogues) act through complementary intracellular pathways in somatotrophs. Co-administration research has consistently documented synergistic GH output significantly greater than either compound alone.
Selected Published Research
The following is a selection of peer-reviewed studies available in PubMed. This is not a comprehensive literature review.
Teichman SL, et al. — Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2006
Phase 1 clinical study documenting sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation following single-dose CJC-1295 administration, with half-life data supporting the DAC technology's effectiveness in extending plasma residence time.
Alba M, et al. — Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, 2006
Review of GHRH analogue pharmacology including CJC-1295, examining structure-activity relationships and the impact of N-terminal modifications on receptor affinity and plasma stability.
Walker RF. — Rejuvenation Research, 2006
Examined the combined GH-releasing effect of GHRH analogues and GH secretagogues in rodent and primate models, documenting synergistic GH output greater than either compound alone when acting on complementary receptor pathways.
Frohman LA, et al. — Endocrinology, 2004
Rodent aging model study examining how long-acting GHRH analogues restore age-associated decline in GH pulse amplitude and IGF-1 levels, with assessment of pituitary responsiveness over extended treatment periods.
Purity Standards for Research Use
HPLC Purity Analysis
Research-grade CJC-1295 should meet ≥99%+ purity by HPLC. The DAC linker adds complexity to the molecule; purity analysis must confirm both the intact conjugated form and absence of hydrolyzed or unreacted by-products.
Mass Spectrometry (Identity)
MS identity confirmation is particularly important for CJC-1295 to distinguish between the DAC and non-DAC variants, and to confirm absence of truncated GHRH fragments with altered receptor affinity profiles.
Endotoxin Testing
Endotoxin testing (LAL method) is essential for in vivo neuroendocrine research. LPS directly activates GH secretion and confounds GH axis studies — making clean endotoxin data critical for interpreting results.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Batch-specific COA documenting HPLC, MS, and endotoxin results. Must be lot-specific and include whether the product is the DAC or non-DAC variant.
Sourcing CJC-1295 in Canada
ACCUTIDE Research Supply provides CJC-1295 tested to ≥99%+ HPLC purity with batch-specific COA documentation. All material is lyophilized for stability and ships Canada-wide. For research use only.
CJC-1295 — Canadian Research Supply
HPLC tested · COA every batch · Ships Canada-wide · RUO
Often Researched With
Compounds frequently co-investigated alongside Cjc-1295 in preclinical research literature.
Research Use Only Disclaimer: All information on this page is provided for scientific research and educational purposes only. CJC-1295 supplied by ACCUTIDE Research Supply is strictly for laboratory and research use (RUO). It is not intended for human or animal consumption, therapeutic use, or any application outside of controlled research settings. All published studies referenced are preclinical or in vitro research unless otherwise noted. Findings must not be extrapolated to human use.