Prolonged Stimulation of Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Secretion by CJC-1295, a Long-Acting Analog of GH-Releasing Hormone, in Healthy Adults — VialBase Research

Summary

This pivotal human pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that CJC-1295 with Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) produces prolonged stimulation of GH and IGF-1 secretion from a single subcutaneous injection. The DAC modification enables albumin binding, extending the half-life from minutes (native GHRH) to approximately 8 days.

Key Findings

• Single injection of CJC-1295 DAC produced sustained GH elevation for 6+ days
• 2-10 fold increases in mean GH concentration (dose-dependent)
• IGF-1 levels elevated 1.5-3 fold, sustained for up to 28 days after single dose
• Half-life of CJC-1295 DAC: approximately 5.8-8.1 days
• Multiple-dose regimens showed sustained IGF-1 elevation without tachyphylaxis
• Well-tolerated with injection site reactions as most common adverse event

Methodology

Phase 1/2, single- and multiple-dose escalation study in 33 healthy adults aged 21-61. Single ascending doses (30, 60, 125, 250 μg/kg) and multiple weekly doses tested. Frequent GH sampling (q20min over 24h) and serial IGF-1 measurements.

Limitations

• Small sample size (n=33)
• Healthy adults — may not represent GH-deficient or aging populations
• DAC version differs from “no-DAC” CJC-1295 commonly used in practice
• No long-term safety data beyond 4 weeks
• Supraphysiological GH/IGF-1 elevation raises safety concerns (cancer risk, insulin resistance)
• No assessment of body composition or functional outcomes

Relevance to Content

The most important clinical reference for CJC-1295. Establishes human evidence for sustained GH/IGF-1 stimulation. Critical distinction: this study used CJC-1295 with DAC — most peptide clinics use “CJC-1295 no DAC” (also called modified GRF 1-29), which has different pharmacokinetics. Content must be clear about this distinction.

See Also

• Parent compound: CJC-1295