Comparison

CJC-1295 vs. Follistatin (FST)

Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.

Identity

Mechanism of action

CJC-1295

Synthetic analogue of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), modified for extended half-life via a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) binding to albumin. Acts on the pituitary GHRH receptor and stimulates endogenous growth-hormone release.

Follistatin (FST)

Follistatin binds with high affinity to activin and to myostatin (GDF-8), as well as related TGF-β ligands such as GDF-11 and some BMPs, preventing their binding to the activin type-II receptors. Myostatin is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass; by sequestering myostatin, its growth-inhibiting signalling is removed (de-repression). Because follistatin additionally neutralises activin, it acts on several muscle-inhibiting pathways at once — in animal models this produced greater muscle gain than knocking out myostatin alone. Several isoforms exist (including FST-288 and FST-315) that differ in tissue binding via heparan sulfate. The FST344 variant used in gene therapy was chosen to reduce binding to off-target structures.

Evidence base

Highest evidence

Human trial

Studies

of which in humans

Effects recorded

Open conflicts

Documented adverse events

Legal status

Country	CJC-1295	Follistatin (FST)
Germany	Unapproved	Unapproved
United States	Research only	Unapproved

Full entries

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CJC-1295 and Follistatin (FST)?: CJC-1295 is classified as "Growth", while Follistatin (FST) is classified as "Growth". CJC-1295: Long-acting synthetic GHRH analogue modified for albumin binding (DAC). Stimulates endogenous growth-hormone release. Pharmacodynamic effect established in small human studies; clinical endpoint trials are missing. Follistatin (FST): Follistatin is an endogenous glycosylated binding protein (~35 kDa, considerably larger than typical peptides) that binds and neutralises members of the TGF-β superfamily, including activin and myostatin (GDF-8). In animal models, raising follistatin de-represses muscle growth. Clinically it has been studied mainly via AAV gene therapy (FS344) in muscular dystrophies. Follistatin is not an approved drug; human efficacy and safety data are limited and stem mostly from early gene-therapy trials and preclinical research. A 'follistatin-344' product is sold on the grey market, the identity and purity of which cannot be verified without analytics. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
Which peptide is better supported by science, CJC-1295 or Follistatin (FST)?: The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for CJC-1295 and "Human trial" for Follistatin (FST). A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
What is the legal status of CJC-1295 and Follistatin (FST) in Germany and the United States?: Germany: CJC-1295 — Unapproved, Follistatin (FST) — Unapproved. United States: CJC-1295 — Research only, Follistatin (FST) — Unapproved. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.

Country

CJC-1295

Follistatin (FST)

Germany

Unapproved

United States

Research only

Unapproved

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CJC-1295 and Follistatin (FST)?

CJC-1295 is classified as "Growth", while Follistatin (FST) is classified as "Growth". CJC-1295: Long-acting synthetic GHRH analogue modified for albumin binding (DAC). Stimulates endogenous growth-hormone release. Pharmacodynamic effect established in small human studies; clinical endpoint trials are missing. Follistatin (FST): Follistatin is an endogenous glycosylated binding protein (~35 kDa, considerably larger than typical peptides) that binds and neutralises members of the TGF-β superfamily, including activin and myostatin (GDF-8). In animal models, raising follistatin de-represses muscle growth. Clinically it has been studied mainly via AAV gene therapy (FS344) in muscular dystrophies. Follistatin is not an approved drug; human efficacy and safety data are limited and stem mostly from early gene-therapy trials and preclinical research. A 'follistatin-344' product is sold on the grey market, the identity and purity of which cannot be verified without analytics. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.

Which peptide is better supported by science, CJC-1295 or Follistatin (FST)?

The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for CJC-1295 and "Human trial" for Follistatin (FST). A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.

What is the legal status of CJC-1295 and Follistatin (FST) in Germany and the United States?

Germany: CJC-1295 — Unapproved, Follistatin (FST) — Unapproved. United States: CJC-1295 — Research only, Follistatin (FST) — Unapproved. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.