Ionescu, M. & Frohman, L.A.
Endocrinology Research
Overnight pulse-deconvolution study on CJC-1295 DAC pharmacodynamics.
CJC-1295 is a synthetic tetrasubstituted GHRH analog engineered with four amino acid substitutions to resist DPP-IV enzymatic cleavage. The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) formulation covalently binds to albumin in vivo, extending plasma half-life to 6–8 days and enabling once-weekly dosing. In April 2026, the FDA classified both CJC-1295 formulations as Category 2 prohibited substances under 503A compounding pharmacy laws.
Mechanism of action
- Binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs, triggering cAMP/PKA signaling.
- Drives pulsatile GH release and downstream IGF-1 production.
- DAC formulation conjugates to serum albumin, dramatically extending half-life.
Research highlights
- Ionescu & Frohman: pulse-deconvolution study showed ~7.5x trough GH and 46% increase in 24-hour GH production.
- Alba et al. (AJP, 2006): once-daily CJC-1295 normalized growth in GHRH-knockout mice.
Regulatory note: In April 2026 the FDA classified both CJC-1295 formulations as Category 2 prohibited substances under 503A compounding pharmacy laws.