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Peptide Database

Growth hormone & endocrine research

Sermorelin (Sermorelin acetate): Research Overview

GHRH analogue formerly approved for diagnosing growth hormone deficiency, withdrawn commercially.

Also known as sermorelin acetate · Geref · GHRH (1-29) · Sermorelin acetate

Research use onlyStrongest evidence: study type not statedReviewed
DatabaseReferences

What is Sermorelin?

Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino acid analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone that stimulates natural growth hormone production while preserving physiological pulsatile patterns. Originally FDA-approved in 1997 for pediatric GH deficiency, it was discontinued in 2008 for manufacturing reasons, not safety concerns.

What is Sermorelin researched for?

  • 1.26kg lean mass increase documented in elderly men with improved muscle strength tests.
  • Endogenous IGF-1 stimulation drives protein synthesis and muscle growth.
  • Enhanced recovery through physiological GH stimulation.
  • Doubles 12-hour GH release in elderly subjects over 6 weeks.
  • Decreased adiposity and improved lean mass distribution.
  • Improved skin thickness and quality.
  • Preserves natural axis function without suppression.
  • Maintains physiological GH release patterns.

How does Sermorelin work?

Subcutaneous injection provides optimal bioavailability for binding GHRH receptors, stimulating pulsatile GH release while maintaining hypothalamic-pituitary axis integrity and allowing natural somatostatin negative feedback.

Reported targets: GHRH receptor

References

  1. The effects of intranasal insufflation of growth hormone releasing factor analogue GRF 1-29 NH2 on growth hormone secretion in children with short stature

    Borkenstein M · Acta endocrinologica. Supplementum · 1986

    Intranasal GRF 1-29 at 100mcg/kg induced prompt GH release in prepubertal children with peak values at 15 minutes. Demonstrated feasibility of nasal delivery with minimal side effects.

    PMID 2877535

  2. Growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone-(1-29) twice daily reverses the decreased GH and insulin-like growth factor-I levels in old men

    Corpas E, Harman SM, Piñeyro MA, et al. · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1992

    Landmark study in healthy old men (68 +/- 6.2 yr). High-dose GHRH(1-29) twice daily for 14 days reversed age-related decreases in GH and IGF-I to levels not significantly different from young men.

    PMID 1379256

  3. Once daily subcutaneous growth hormone-releasing hormone therapy accelerates growth in growth hormone-deficient children during the first year of therapy. Geref International Study Group

    Thorner M, Rochiccioli P, Colle M, et al. · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1996

    Pivotal multicenter trial with 110 prepubertal GH-deficient children. Sermorelin 30mcg/kg/day at bedtime increased height velocity from 4.1 to 8.0 cm/year at 6 months, with 74% achieving good response.

    PMID 8772599

  4. Endocrine and metabolic effects of long-term administration of [Nle27]growth hormone-releasing hormone-(1-29)-NH2 in age-advanced men and women

    Khorram O, Laughlin GA, Yen SS · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1997

    5-month single-blind RCT in 19 adults (55-71 yr). Nightly GHRH analog for 4 months activated somatotropic axis. Men showed increased lean body mass, insulin sensitivity, and well-being. Skin thickness improved in both genders.

    PMID 9141536

  5. Sermorelin: a better approach to management of adult-onset growth hormone insufficiency?

    Walker RF · Clinical interventions in aging · 2006

    Review arguing sermorelin preserves pituitary function and physiological GH pulsatility, offering a safer alternative to exogenous GH for adult-onset GH insufficiency.

    PMID 18046908

Common questions

Why was sermorelin discontinued if it was FDA-approved and safe?

Sermorelin was discontinued in 2008 for manufacturing reasons, not safety concerns. It was approved in 1997 and had a solid safety record, but the manufacturer stopped production. This left a gap in the market—sermorelin is now available through research/compounded sources but not as a branded pharmaceutical.

How does sermorelin preserve natural GH patterns better than taking GH directly?

Sermorelin stimulates your pituitary to release GH in its natural pulsatile pattern (high at night, low during day). Direct GH injection creates constant levels, suppressing your natural axis. Sermorelin preserves the hypothalamic-pituitary-axis (HPA) feedback loop, meaning you maintain natural regulation rather than becoming dependent on external hormones.