CJC-1295 vs Follistatin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
CJC-1295
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more growth hormone.
Full details →Follistatin
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, the protein responsible for limiting muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin can theoretically allow for increased muscle development beyond natural limits.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | CJC-1295 | Follistatin |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 1 mg–2 mg | 50 mcg–100 mcg |
| Frequency | Less than daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 8–12 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | CJC-1295 binds to GHRH receptors in the pituitary, triggering increased production and release of growth hormone. The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version extends half-life significantly. | Binds to and neutralizes myostatin and activin, both of which are negative regulators of muscle mass. This removes the natural brake on muscle growth, allowing for enhanced hypertrophy. |
| Typical Dosage | CJC-1295 DAC: 1-2mg weekly. CJC-1295 no DAC (Mod GRF 1-29): 100-300mcg 2-3 times daily. | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, often combined with a GHRP like Ipamorelin for synergistic effects. Best administered before sleep or fasted. | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. |
| Side Effects | Water retention, tingling in extremities, potential increase in cortisol and prolactin levels. | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
CJC-1295, Follistatin are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to CJC-1295:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Muscle Growth: CJC-1295 has stronger research support.
| Goal | CJC-1295 | Follistatin |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Growth | high | medium |
Key Studies
CJC-1295
- A method for confirming CJC-1295 abuse in equine plasma samples by LC-MS/MS.
Drug testing and analysis, 2019
- An immuno polymerase chain reaction screen for the detection of CJC-1295 and other growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogs in equine plasma.
Drug testing and analysis, 2019
- Netnography of Female Use of the Synthetic Growth Hormone CJC-1295: Pulses and Potions.
Substance use & misuse, 2016
Follistatin
- Heart to Heal: Unveiling Follistatin's Potential for Myocardial Regeneration.
Circulation research, 2025
- Fructose and follistatin potentiate acute MASLD during complete hepatic insulin resistance.
Nature communications, 2025
- Follistatin drives neuropathic pain in mice through IGF1R signaling in nociceptive neurons.
Science translational medicine, 2024
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