CJC-1295 is a long-acting synthetic analog of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH). Unlike direct administration of human growth hormone (HGH), CJC-1295 works by stimulating the pituitary gland to produce and release its own GH. This mechanism, combined with its extended half-life, has made it a subject of interest in anti-aging and athletic communities for its potential to improve body composition, enhance recovery, and increase muscle mass. However, as it is not approved for human use by regulatory bodies like the FDA, it exists in a grey market of research chemicals, posing significant risks related to purity, dosage, and unknown long-term effects. ### Key Findings * **Sustained Action:** A key feature of CJC-1295 is its long half-life of approximately 8 days in humans. This is achieved through a modification that allows it to bind to albumin, a common protein in the blood, creating a stable circulating reservoir PMID:17018654. This contrasts sharply with the body's natural GHRH, which is degraded within minutes. * **Significant Hormonal Increase:** In a clinical study involving healthy men aged 20-40, a single subcutaneous injection of CJC-1295 (60 or 90 µg/kg) resulted in a 46% increase in mean GH levels and a 45% increase in mean Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, with effects lasting for at least one week PMID:17018654. * **Preservation of Pulsatility:** A critical finding is that CJC-1295 preserves the natural, pulsatile secretion of GH, which is vital for its physiological effects. The primary mechanism of action was a 7.5-fold elevation of the 'trough' or baseline GH levels between pulses, rather than simply increasing the size of the pulses themselves PMID:17018654. * **Efficacy in Animal Models:** Research in GHRH knockout mice (animals unable to produce their own GHRH) demonstrated that once-daily administration of CJC-1295 was sufficient to normalize growth, body weight, and lean body mass, confirming its potent biological activity PMID:16822960. ### The Longevity Context CJC-1295 intervenes in the 'somatopause,' the well-documented, age-related decline in GH and IGF-1 secretion PMID:30017799. This decline is linked to many signs of aging, including sarcopenia (muscle loss), increased visceral fat, and reduced physical function. By stimulating the pituitary to release endogenous GH in a more youthful, pulsatile pattern, GHRH analogs like CJC-1295 are proposed as a more physiological approach to hormone restoration than direct HGH injections, which can suppress natural production and disrupt feedback loops PMID:9449031. The FDA approval of a similar GHRH analog, Tesamorelin, for reducing abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy lends credence to the therapeutic potential of this class of compounds PMID:25866592. However, a significant debate exists within longevity science. While restoring GH/IGF-1 levels may improve healthspan metrics like muscle mass and vitality, numerous studies in model organisms have linked *reduced* GH/IGF-1 signaling to extended lifespan. This raises a critical question: does boosting the somatotropic axis trade maximal lifespan for improved short-term function? The long-term effects of GHRH analog use on all-cause mortality in healthy humans remain unknown, making this a high-risk, high-reward intervention primarily focused on performance and body composition rather than proven lifespan extension PMID:30017799. ### Actionable Protocol **Disclaimer:** CJC-1295 is not approved for human use and is classified as a research chemical. Its use outside of a regulated clinical trial is not advised. The information below is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Sourcing from unregulated online vendors carries substantial risks of contamination, incorrect dosage, and lack of purity. * **Therapeutic Analogue:** Individuals interested in this mechanism should discuss FDA-approved GHRH analogs like Tesamorelin with a qualified physician to see if they are eligible for a prescription based on a diagnosed medical need PMID:25866592. * **Dosing from Research Context:** The human clinical trial used single subcutaneous injections of 60 to 90 µg/kg. Due to its long half-life, frequent dosing is not required; the study assessed effects after one week PMID:17018654. * **Biomarker Monitoring:** If pursuing this route under medical supervision, it is critical to monitor key biomarkers. The primary target marker is **IGF-1**, which should be monitored to ensure it remains within a safe, physiological range. Other important markers include **fasting glucose** and **insulin**, as GH has an insulin-antagonistic effect and can impact glucose metabolism. Monitoring **prolactin** is also prudent, as pituitary stimulation can sometimes have off-target effects.