CJC-1295: What Lakeland Readers Should Know

CJC-1295 is often sold online and by some clinics, sometimes combined with ipamorelin. It has never been approved, and FDA has posted safety concerns about it. This short page covers what is known. It is general information, not advice for your situation.

What it is and how it works

CJC-1295 is a lab-made analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). GHRH is a brain hormone that tells the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. That puts CJC-1295 in the same family as sermorelin and tesamorelin. FDA groups it with growth hormone secretagogues, meaning substances that prompt the body to release its own growth hormone.¹

What the research shows (and where evidence is weak)

Published human research on CJC-1295 is limited to small, early studies. No large, controlled trial has shown that it is safe or that it helps with muscle, fat loss, sleep, recovery or aging. FDA describes the available clinical data as limited.² In a December 2024 briefing for its compounding advisory committee, FDA said it found three published studies in which CJC-1295 was given to people, all in healthy adults. FDA said these studies “had small sample sizes, and were of short duration,” and that there are no data on effectiveness for treating growth hormone deficiency.¹

Raising growth hormone on a lab test is not the same as improving health.

FDA and regulatory status

Never approved. No form of CJC-1295 has been approved by FDA. FDA has stated that sermorelin was the only growth hormone secretagogue ever approved for children with growth hormone deficiency, and that none has been approved for adults.¹

Compounding. FDA earlier placed CJC-1295 in Category 2, its list of substances that raise significant safety risks in compounding. As of FDA’s page dated April 22, 2026, CJC-1295 is listed among substances “previously in category 2” whose nominations “were withdrawn by the nominators.”² This is not an approval. FDA still lists its concerns: compounded CJC-1295 may cause immune reactions and may contain impurities. FDA “has identified serious adverse events associated with CJC-1295 including increased heart rate and systemic vasodilatory reaction” (widening of blood vessels that can cause flushing and low blood pressure). FDA adds that “available clinical data are limited.”² See compounded vs. FDA-approved peptides. In the same December 2024 briefing, FDA proposed not adding any form of CJC-1295 to the 503A bulks list, the list of substances traditional pharmacies may compound from. FDA said it would not issue a final determination until the advisory committee’s input had been considered.¹ Ask any provider how their product is legally sourced.

“Research chemical” products. Products sold online as “not for human use” are not made to drug-quality standards, and what is in the vial may not match the label. See research-chemical peptide risks.

Sport. The World Anti-Doping Agency’s 2026 Prohibited List names CJC-1295 among GHRH analogues that are banned at all times.³

Common side effects and safety

FDA’s posted concerns include immune reactions, impurities, a fast heart rate and flushing-type reactions.² Long-term safety is unknown. Because CJC-1295 is meant to raise growth hormone, ask a provider about the cautions that apply to growth hormone, especially if you have diabetes or a history of cancer. Tell a licensed provider about any symptom that worries you.

Typical cost range

There is no FDA-approved product, so there is no official price. Prices vary by seller and clinic, and insurance does not usually cover unapproved drugs. Ask any provider for a written price breakdown before you start. See our cost guide.

Questions to ask a provider

• CJC-1295 has never been FDA-approved. Where does your product come from, and how is that allowed?
• What published human evidence supports it for my goal?
• How do you respond to FDA’s listed safety concerns?
• Are there FDA-approved or better-studied options? See how to vet a peptide clinic.