What Is CJC-1295?

Introduction

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that has been studied in laboratory settings for its ability to stimulate growth hormone secretion. It is notable for its extended half-life compared to native GHRH, achieved through structural modifications that promote albumin binding and reduce enzymatic degradation.

Relationship to GHRH

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is a 44-amino acid hypothalamic peptide that stimulates the synthesis and pulsatile release of growth hormone (GH) from somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary. Native GHRH has a very short half-life in circulation due to rapid cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) and other proteases, limiting its utility as a research tool for sustained GH stimulation studies.

Structural Modifications

CJC-1295 incorporates several key modifications relative to native GHRH:

  • Substitution of alanine at position 2 with D-alanine to confer DPP-IV resistance
  • Substitution of other labile residues to improve overall stability
  • A C-terminal amide modification
  • In the DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version, a lysine-maleimide side chain that enables covalent binding to circulating albumin, dramatically extending half-life

The No DAC version (CJC-1295 without DAC) retains the stability modifications but lacks the albumin-binding component, resulting in a shorter but still extended duration of action compared to native GHRH.

Research Applications

CJC-1295 has been used in laboratory research to investigate:

  • Pulsatile versus sustained growth hormone secretion dynamics
  • GHRH receptor pharmacology and downstream signaling
  • IGF-1 axis regulation in response to prolonged GH stimulation
  • Comparative pharmacokinetics of GHRH analogs
  • Somatotroph cell biology and GH synthesis regulation

Research Use Notice

CJC-1295 research peptide is intended strictly for in vitro and laboratory research purposes. It is not intended for human or veterinary use, therapeutic application, or clinical administration.

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