CJC-1295 vs Follistatin 344
A neutral, side-by-side comparison of two performance & growth hormone peptides — their mechanisms, dosing ranges, administration routes, side effects, and research evidence. For research and educational purposes only.
CJC-1295
CJC-1295 is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog. It stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone and is almost universally used in combination with a GHRP like Ipamorelin to produce a more physiological GH pulse.
Full profileFollistatin 344
Follistatin 344 is a 344-amino acid isoform of follistatin — an endogenous glycoprotein that functions primarily as a myostatin and activin inhibitor. Myostatin (GDF-8) is the body's primary muscle growth suppressor; follistatin binds and neutralizes it with high affinity, removing this brake on muscle protein synthesis. Research and animal data show dramatic increases in muscle fiber size and strength when follistatin is elevated or myostatin is inhibited.
Full profile| CJC-1295 | Follistatin 344 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Performance & Growth Hormone | Performance & Growth Hormone |
| Also known as | CJC-1295 DAC, CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29), Modified GRF 1-29 | FST-344, Follistatin isoform 344, FST |
| Evidence | Research-stage | Research-stage |
| Dosing range | 100mcg–300mcg mcg, once daily (Mod GRF) or twice weekly (DAC version) | 50mcg–200mcg mcg, Once daily or every other day for 10–30 day cycles |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection (most common), Intramuscular injection | Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection (into target muscle — local effect hypothesis) |
| Key side effects | Water retention (especially early in protocol), Tingling or numbness in extremities, Injection site redness, Flushing (transient, shortly after injection) | Potential FSH suppression (reproductive effects in females — may affect menstrual cycle), Accelerated hair follicle cycling (Wnt pathway involvement — theoretical hair loss concern at high doses), Joint discomfort with rapid muscle tissue growth, Limited long-term human safety data |
| Cited sources | 2 references | 3 references |
Key differences
- Administration: CJC-1295 — Subcutaneous injection (most common), Intramuscular injection; Follistatin 344 — Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection (into target muscle — local effect hypothesis).
- Frequency: CJC-1295 is typically once daily (Mod GRF) or twice weekly (DAC version); Follistatin 344 is Once daily or every other day for 10–30 day cycles.
- Research depth: this profile cites 2 sources for CJC-1295 vs 3 for Follistatin 344.
How each works
CJC-1295
Studies have demonstrated that CJC-1295 significantly increases plasma GH and IGF-1 levels. The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version extends the half-life to approximately 6–8 days via albumin binding, while Mod GRF 1-29 has a much shorter half-life (~30 minutes) and is dosed more acutely. Research in adults with GH deficiency has shown improved body composition and metabolic markers.
Follistatin 344
Follistatin's muscle effects were dramatically illustrated when mice and cattle with follistatin overexpression or myostatin knockouts developed 2–3x normal muscle mass. Human follistatin gene therapy trials (AAV-mediated) are ongoing for Becker Muscular Dystrophy, showing sustained myostatin inhibition and improved muscle function over years from a single injection. Follistatin also inhibits activin A and B (involved in muscle wasting during illness), FSH secretion (reproductive effects), and inflammatory cytokines. The 344 isoform has an extended heparin-binding domain that increases tissue retention compared to the shorter FST-288 isoform.
This comparison aggregates public research and structured profile data for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not recommend either compound for human use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any peptide.