Peptide Encyclopedia / Sermorelin
EncyclopediaSermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino-acid peptide matching the 1-29 fragment of human GHRH, which prompts the pituitary to release its own growth hormone. FDA approved it as Geref for diagnostics and childhood GH deficiency, then it was discontinued, and it now reaches people only through compounding pharmacies. Below you'll find reported dosing, reconstitution, safety, and legal status. Educational only, not medical advice.
| Also known as | Geref, GRF(1-29), sermorelin acetate, GHRH(1-29) |
| Regulatory status | Previously FDA-approved, now discontinued; no longer a marketed FDA-approved product. |
Previously FDA-approved, now discontinued; no longer a marketed FDA-approved product. Sermorelin was approved as Geref (diagnostic agent for pituitary GH-secretory capacity) and later for idiopathic growth hormone deficiency in children. EMD Serono notified FDA in December 2008 of discontinuation, and the product was moved to the Discontinued Drug Product List. FDA later determined Geref was NOT withdrawn for reasons of safety or effectiveness. It is currently available only via compounding pharmacies and is prohibited in sport (WADA S2, GHRH analogues).
Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino-acid peptide corresponding to the 1-29 fragment of endogenous human GHRH, the shortest fragment retaining essentially full biological activity. It binds the GHRH receptor on anterior-pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating the synthesis and pulsatile release of the body's own growth hormone (a true secretagogue mechanism, in contrast to exogenous GH replacement). Pharmacokinetics (half-life Short (on the order of minutes; reported as roughly 10-12 minutes in the literature), producing a discrete GH pulse rather than sustained elevation.): Sermorelin is rapidly cleared, by design mimicking the natural pulsatile pattern of GHRH-driven GH release. Detailed FDA PK labeling is no longer maintained given discontinuation. No verified contemporary FDA PK label is available beyond the historical Geref documentation.
Historically supported by clinical use as a diagnostic agent for pituitary GH reserve and as treatment for childhood idiopathic GH deficiency, the basis of its prior FDA approval. Contemporary use for anti-aging, body composition, and wellness in adults is largely off-label/compounded and is not supported by large modern controlled efficacy trials; FDA determined discontinuation was for commercial, not safety/efficacy, reasons. Reported use: Historically, the approved Geref diagnostic test used a single weight-based intravenous dose, and pediatric GH-deficiency treatment used daily subcutaneous injection (typically at bedtime to align with natural GH pulsatility). Current compounded adult use commonly reported is a nightly subcutaneous injection, but this is compounded/off-label, not standardized by an active FDA label, and is not prescriptive.
During its approved use, sermorelin was generally well tolerated; the most common adverse reaction was injection-site reactions (pain, redness, swelling). Less common effects reported include flushing, headache, dizziness, and rarely hypersensitivity. Class concerns for GH/IGF-1 stimulation (fluid retention, glucose effects, theoretical malignancy concern) apply. Compounded product quality is not FDA-assured..
Known hypersensitivity to sermorelin or any component, Active malignancy (theoretical GH/IGF-1 concern), Pregnancy (not recommended/studied for this use).
Agents that suppress GH (e.g., somatostatin/analogs, exogenous glucocorticoids) may blunt response, Thyroid hormone, antithyroid drugs, and other endocrine agents may affect GH response per historical labeling
Log every dose and injection site, get the reconstitution and units math automatically, follow your cycle, and record how you feel, then export a provider report. Sermorelin tracker, free to start.
PepWise is an informational and educational tracking tool, not medical advice and not a medical device. Sermorelin may be experimental, restricted, or prescription-only; many research peptides are not FDA-approved. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, changing, or stopping any protocol. Operated by STC Consulting, Inc.
