Sermorelin

Overview

Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) consisting of the first 29 amino acids of the 44-aa native hormone — the shortest fragment that retains full biological activity. It was FDA-approved in the 1990s as Geref (EMD Serono) for diagnostic testing of pituitary GH reserve and later for pediatric idiopathic GH deficiency, but was withdrawn from the US market in 2008–2009 at the manufacturer's request for commercial reasons (not safety or efficacy). It remains on the FDA Category 1 list of bulk substances nominated for use in 503A compounding, where it is now widely prescribed off-label for adult GH insufficiency and "anti-aging" indications.

Mechanism of Action

Sermorelin binds GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotrophs, activating Gs-adenylyl cyclase-cAMP-PKA signaling to stimulate both GH gene transcription and pulsatile GH vesicle release. Because GH release remains subject to somatostatin feedback, sermorelin preserves physiologic pulsatility and avoids the continuous supraphysiologic exposure seen with exogenous recombinant GH. Plasma half-life is short (~11–12 min), which is why bedtime subcutaneous dosing is used to augment the natural nocturnal GH pulse.

Research Summary

Sermorelin was FDA-approved in the 1990s as Geref for the GHRH stimulation test of pituitary function and, at higher doses, for pediatric idiopathic GHD. The principal review of pediatric Geref data is Prakash & Goa (BioDrugs 1999; PMID 18031173). In adults, Vittone et al. (Metabolism 1997; PMID 9005976) showed nightly sermorelin in healthy elderly men raised IGF-1 and modestly increased lean mass, and Khorram, Laughlin & Yen (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1997; PMID 9141536) demonstrated that 16 weeks of nightly [Nle27]GHRH(1-29) in 19 subjects aged 55-71 restored GH/IGF-1 toward young-adult levels with small gains in lean mass and skin thickness. Walker (Clin Interv Aging 2006; PMID 18046908) reviewed the rationale for sermorelin as a more physiologic alternative to rhGH in adult GH insufficiency. EMD Serono discontinued Geref in 2008; FDA withdrew NDA approvals in 2009 and affirmed in 2013 that this was for commercial — not safety or efficacy — reasons. Unlike exogenous GH, sermorelin has not been associated with reports of acromegaly because endogenous feedback limits peak GH.

Vendors selling Sermorelin

Scored vendors carrying Sermorelin, ranked by trust grade. Grades are computed from indexed Certificates of Analysis. Full $/mg pricing is on the comparison page.

Prescribers who offer Sermorelin

257 prescribers in our directory work with Sermorelin, each confirmed from their own website. Peptides like Sermorelin require a prescription from a licensed provider — telehealth options are available.

Reported Side Effects

• Injection site reactions — redness, pain, or swelling (most common; ~16% in Geref trials)
• Facial flushing
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Transient dysgeusia (altered taste)

Compare Sermorelin with Others

Research References

• Sermorelin: a better approach to management of adult-onset growth hormone insufficiency? (Walker, Clin Interv Aging) (2006)
• Endocrine and metabolic effects of long-term administration of [Nle27]GHRH-(1-29)-NH2 in age-advanced men and women (Khorram, Laughlin & Yen, J Clin Endocrinol Metab) (1997)
• Effects of single nightly injections of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-29) in healthy elderly men (Vittone et al., Metabolism) (1997)
• Sermorelin: a review of its use in the diagnosis and treatment of children with idiopathic GH deficiency (Prakash & Goa, BioDrugs) (1999)
• FDA Federal Register: Determination That GEREF (Sermorelin Acetate) Injection Was Not Withdrawn From Sale for Reasons of Safety or Effectiveness (2013)

Frequently asked questions

Has Sermorelin been independently lab-tested?

Disclosed Labs has collected 76 Certificates of Analysis (COA) for Sermorelin from 10 independent testing labs. 31 vendors have submitted material for testing. Products average 99.4% tested purity across the corpus. Full testing data is available at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/peptides/sermorelin/testing.

What is the average purity of Sermorelin on the market?

Based on 76 COAs analyzed by Disclosed Labs, Sermorelin products average 99.4% (±0.3%) tested purity. Individual vendor results vary; see per-vendor COA data at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/peptides/sermorelin/coas.

Which labs have tested Sermorelin?

Independent labs that have tested Sermorelin include: ILS Labs (Grade B), Ethos Analytics (Grade C). Full lab credibility grades and profiles are at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/labs.

Where can researchers source Sermorelin?

8 vendors with Disclosed Labs trust grades currently list Sermorelin, including Glacier Aminos, Peptide Partners, Synthesis Peptides. Compare live prices and lab-verified COAs at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/prices/sermorelin.

Which prescribers offer Sermorelin with a prescription?

257 prescribers in the Disclosed Labs directory work with Sermorelin, each confirmed from their own website, with telehealth options available. Sermorelin requires a prescription from a licensed provider. Browse them at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/prescribers?peptide=Sermorelin.

How does Sermorelin work?

Sermorelin binds GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotrophs, activating Gs-adenylyl cyclase-cAMP-PKA signaling to stimulate both GH gene transcription and pulsatile GH vesicle release. Because GH release remains subject to somatostatin feedback, sermorelin preserves physiologic pulsatility and avoids the continuous supraphysiologic exposure seen with exogenous recombinant GH. Plasma half-life is short (~11–12 min), which is why bedtime subcutaneous dosing is used to augment the natural nocturnal GH pulse.

What does the research say about Sermorelin?

Sermorelin was FDA-approved in the 1990s as Geref for the GHRH stimulation test of pituitary function and, at higher doses, for pediatric idiopathic GHD. The principal review of pediatric Geref data is Prakash & Goa (BioDrugs 1999; PMID 18031173). In adults, Vittone et al. (Metabolism 1997; PMID 9005976) showed nightly sermorelin in healthy elderly men raised IGF-1 and modestly increased lean mass, and Khorram, Laughlin & Yen (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1997; PMID 9141536) demonstrated that 16 weeks of nightly [Nle27]GHRH(1-29) in 19 subjects aged 55-71 restored GH/IGF-1 toward young-adult levels with small gains in lean mass and skin thickness. Walker (Clin Interv Aging 2006; PMID 18046908) reviewed the rationale for sermorelin as a more physiologic alternative to rhGH in adult GH insufficiency. EMD Serono discontinued Geref in 2008; FDA withdrew NDA approvals in 2009 and affirmed in 2013 that this was for commercial — not safety or efficacy — reasons. Unlike exogenous GH, sermorelin has not been associated with reports of acromegaly because endogenous feedback limits peak GH.