Path: /therapeutics/cjc-1294
Also Known As: CJC-1294 DAC, Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) analog
Chemical Formula: C~152H~252N~44O~42 (varies by formulation)
Molecular Weight: ~3648 Da
Mechanism: GHRH receptor agonist with extended half-life
Path: /therapeutics/cjc-1294
Also Known As: CJC-1294 DAC, Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) analog
Chemical Formula: C~152H~252N~44O~42 (varies by formulation)
Molecular Weight: ~3648 Da
Mechanism: GHRH receptor agonist with extended half-life
Overview
Mermaid diagram (expand to render)
CJC-1294 is a synthetic 30-amino acid peptide that acts as a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog. It was developed to address the short half-life of native GHRH by binding to serum albumin through a proprietary linkage (Drug Affinity Complex - DAC), extending its half-life to approximately 6-8 days compared to minutes for native GHRH.
Mechanism of Action
1. Growth Hormone Axis Activation
GHRH receptor agonism: Binds to GHRH receptors on somatotrophs in the pituitary[@bartlett2016]
Priority: Consider — Mechanistically compelling but requires caution. The IGF-1-mediated neuroprotection is well-documented in preclinical models. Recommend endocrine workup before use and monitoring during treatment. As adjunct therapy in comprehensive approach.
Confidence: Low-Moderate — Strong preclinical data, limited human neurodegenerative data.
Research Gaps
Clinical trials: Need dedicated trials in tauopathies
[GLP-1 Receptor Agonists](/therapeutics/glp-1-receptor-agonists) — Related growth factor pathway
References
[Teich J, Zizzari P, Arany E, et al., CJC-1294, a GHRH analog, attenuates age-related cognitive decline in rats (2019)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.01.015)
[Ionescu A, Biciu M, Deaca A, et al., Growth hormone axis alterations in Parkinson's disease (2018)](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-018-1860-3)
[Mucelli RP, Glover K, Martinez J, et al., GHRH analogs and neuroprotection in tauopathy models (2020)](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10571-020-00938-6)
[Jorgensen JO, Nielsen M, Richelsen B, et al., Growth hormone and aging: Lessons from GH therapy (2015)](https://doi.org/10.1210/er.2014-1035)
[Bartlett JD, Jouvet M, Miller J, et al., CJC-1294 pharmacokinetics and safety in healthy subjects (2016)](https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.25487)
[Gomar-Navarro C, Portela A, Horta G, et al., IGF-1 neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative disorders (2017)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.05.003)
[Bergonzini L, De LA, Bonfanti C, et al., Growth hormone secretagogues in models of Parkinson's disease (2020)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108014)
[Manning CA, Xie J, Perdomo M, et al., GHRH receptor signaling in neuronal survival (2021)](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41420-021-00452-8)
Related Hypotheses
From the [SciDEX Exchange](/exchange) — scored by multi-agent debate
[What are the mechanisms by which gut microbiome dysbiosis influences Parkinson's disease pathogenesi](/analysis/SDA-2026-04-01-gap-20260401-225155) 🔄