Compound profile
Sermorelin
Also known as GHRH (1-29), Geref
Last reviewed October 2026
Educational only. A summary of published research, not medical advice or a recommendation. No doses are listed.
Quick take
A shortened form of growth hormone–releasing hormone made of its first 29 amino acids.
- Class
- Growth hormone secretagogues
- Status
- Previously approved
- Evidence
- Early or small human studies
- Half-life
- Not well documented
Mechanism fingerprint
What it acts on, and how. Each chip links to that pathway on the map.
Stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone in natural pulses.
What makes it different
The first 29 amino acids of natural GHRH; it prompts growth hormone release in natural pulses and was once approved for children.
Compare side by side
Mechanism & pathways
-
Agonist
GHRH receptor
in the pituitary
Receptor in the pituitary gland for growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH). Activating it releases the body's own growth hormone in pulses.
Leads to Growth hormone & GH receptor IGF-1
Evidence overview
Early or small human studies
Older clinical studies, mainly in children with growth hormone deficiency.
A breakdown into human, animal and cell studies hasn't been added for this compound yet.
Why it's used
Was used to test and treat growth hormone deficiency in children; now used off-label at some clinics to raise growth hormone.
Side effects & risks
Reported side effects
- Injection-site reactions
- Flushing
- Headache
Risks and warnings
- No longer available as an approved product in the US
- Products sold as “research use only” are not quality-controlled medicines; purity, sterility and labeled amount are not verified.
FAQ
Short answers taken from this profile.
What is Sermorelin?
A shortened form of growth hormone–releasing hormone made of its first 29 amino acids.
How does Sermorelin work?
Stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone in natural pulses.
What receptors or pathways does Sermorelin act on?
GHRH receptor (agonist; in the pituitary). Downstream, that leads to growth hormone & GH receptor and IGF-1.
How is Sermorelin different from similar compounds?
The first 29 amino acids of natural GHRH; it prompts growth hormone release in natural pulses and was once approved for children.
Is Sermorelin approved?
Was FDA-approved (Geref) for growth hormone deficiency in children; the brand was discontinued in the US in 2008.
What has Sermorelin been studied for?
Was used to test and treat growth hormone deficiency in children; now used off-label at some clinics to raise growth hormone.
How strong is the evidence?
Early or small human studies. Older clinical studies, mainly in children with growth hormone deficiency.
What are the main risks?
No longer available as an approved product in the US. Products sold as “research use only” are not quality-controlled medicines; purity, sterility and labeled amount are not verified.
Sources
- Prakash A, Goa KL. Sermorelin: a review of its use in the diagnosis and treatment of children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency. BioDrugs 1999.