Clinical1993
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study in healthy subjects showed GHRH(1-29)-NH2 stimulates GH secretion after intravenous and intranasal administration, with a short duration of action.
Natural GH stimulation
anecdotal
WADA Banned 21 views
Sermorelin
GHRH analog stimulating natural growth hormone production
WADA BANNED - Prohibited in competitive sports as growth hormone releasing agent
Overview
Sermorelin is a bioidentical synthetic peptide containing the first 29 amino acids of naturally occurring growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-29), representing the shortest fully functional GHRH fragment. It stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and secrete growth hormone through its natural regulatory pathways, maintaining physiological feedback mechanisms. Unlike exogenous growth hormone, sermorelin preserves the pulsatile nature of GH release and allows the body's regulatory systems to prevent excessive hormone levels. Research indicates potential benefits for age-related GH decline, including improved body composition, sleep quality, immune function, and tissue repair. The peptide has been used clinically for GH deficiency diagnosis and pediatric growth disorders. Sermorelin requires subcutaneous injection, typically administered before bedtime to augment natural nocturnal GH secretion. It is often combined with growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs) for enhanced efficacy. CJC-1293 (Mod GRF 1-29) is a modified version with improved stability and longer duration of action.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-18
Identity & Aliases
Also known as
Sermorelin acetateGHRH(1-29)GRF 1-29GRF(1-29)-NH2Geref
Status: FDA approved
CAS86168-78-7
PubChem16133753Full composition (formula, molecular weight, sequence) in Quick Facts →
Research Areas
Pediatric growth hormone deficiencyGH stimulation testingAge-related GH decline (investigational)GHRH pharmacology
Available Evidence
Human
Sermorelin (GHRH 1-29) was FDA approved in 1997 (Geref) for pediatric growth hormone deficiency; clinical studies show it stimulates GH release in healthy subjects and in GH-deficient patients. Adult 'anti-aging' and body-composition uses are off-label and lack large outcome trials.
Animal
Rodent studies of GHRH analogs support pituitary GH-releasing activity and dose-dependent GH responses.
In Vitro
Pituitary cell assays characterize GHRH(1-29) as a full agonist at the GHRH receptor, stimulating GH synthesis and release.
Uncertain
Claims of improved sleep, energy, muscle mass, and 'longevity' from off-label adult use are not supported by large randomized trials in healthy or aging adults.
Key Studies & Findings
Clinical1997
The FDA approved sermorelin (Geref) in 1997 for pediatric growth hormone deficiency, based on its ability to stimulate endogenous GH secretion.
Benefits & Effects
Increases natural GH production
Improves sleep
Anti-aging.
Increases natural GH production
Improves sleep
Anti-aging.
Side Effects & Safety
Interaction
Avoid: Somatostatin
Interaction
Avoid: Somatostatin
Mild side effect
MildUncommon Reversible
Onset: Weeks
Management: Monitor lipids; self-resolving
Dose-dependent
Limitations & Open Questions
Approved only for pediatric GHD; the marketed product's availability has changed over time. Adult off-label 'anti-aging' use has limited high-quality evidence, GH responses vary widely between individuals, and long-term safety for this use is unestablished.
Pharmacology
Sermorelin is the 29-amino-acid N-terminal fragment of GHRH (GHRH 1-29), administered by subcutaneous injection; it stimulates pituitary GH secretion in a pulsatile manner. It is short-acting, which is why repeated or nightly dosing is used in research/off-label protocols.
Reported Research Dosing
Reported values from research literature and community protocols. Educational reference only — not a dosing recommendation or medical advice.
200-500 mcg Daily
Route: SC
Half-life: 10-20 minutes
Research Protocols
Anti-aging/Longevity
- Dose
- 200-300 mcg daily
- Frequency
- Once at bedtime
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
Athletic Performance
- Dose
- 300-500 mcg daily
- Frequency
- Once at bedtime
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
Pediatric GH Deficiency
- Dose
- 30 mcg/kg daily
- Frequency
- Once at bedtime
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
Diagnostic Testing
- Dose
- 1 mcg/kg IV
- Frequency
- Single dose
- Route
- Intravenous bolus
Body Composition
- Dose
- 200 mcg daily
- Frequency
- 5 days weekly
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
Combination Therapy
- Dose
- 200 mcg + GHRP
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Route
- Subcutaneous co-injection
Research protocols are for educational purposes only. Always consult qualified medical professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sermorelin FDA approved?
Yes, as Geref (sermorelin acetate) for pediatric growth hormone deficiency (approved 1997); it is not approved for adult anti-aging use.
How is sermorelin given?
By subcutaneous injection, typically daily at bedtime in off-label adult protocols to augment nocturnal GH secretion.
Does sermorelin build muscle or reverse aging?
No large randomized trials support these adult off-label claims; evidence for body-composition or aging benefits is limited.
Research Citations
3
4
A potentially effective drug for patients with recurrent glioma: sermorelin.
Chang Y, Huang R, Zhai Y, Huang L, Feng Y, Wang D, Chai R, Zhang W, Hu H (2021)
5
+ 22 more citations
Related Resources
Quick Facts
Formula
C149H246N44O42S
Molecular Weight
3357.88
Sequence
MAADSQTPWLLTFSLLCLLWPQEAGAFPAMPLSSLFANAVLRAQHLHQLAADTYKEFERAYIPEGQRYSIQNAQAAFCFSETIPAPTGKEEAQQRTDMELLRFSLLLIQSWLGPVQFLSRIFTNSLMFGTSDRVYEKLKDLEEGIQALMQELEDGSPRIGQILKQTYDKFDANMRSDDALLKNYGLLSCFKKDLHKAETYLRVMKCRRFAESSCAF
Mechanism
GHRH analogue for pulsatile GH release
Safety Information
FDA approved for growth hormone deficiency. Well-established safety profile.
Citations
273.Sermorelin: a better approach to management of adult-onset growth hormone insufficiency?
Walker RF (2006)
4.A potentially effective drug for patients with recurrent glioma: sermorelin.
Chang Y, Huang R, Zhai Y, Huang L, Feng Y, Wang D, Chai R, Zhang W, Hu H (2021)
+ 22 more citations