Head to head
Sermorelin against Somatropin
A GHRH fragment that prompts the pituitary against recombinant growth hormone that bypasses it. The pituitary route preserves pulsatility, which is a mechanistic argument, and somatropin is the one with approved indications and outcome data in deficiency.
Column A
SermorelinSermorelin (GHRH 1-29 analogue)
A GHRH fragment historically approved as a diagnostic and pediatric GH agent, now used in compounded anti-aging research.
Column B
SomatropinSomatropin (recombinant human growth hormone)
FDA-approved recombinant human growth hormone used for growth hormone deficiency and several other approved indications.
Side by side, on the facts we can check
| Attribute | Sermorelin | Somatropin |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Hormone | Growth Hormone |
| FDA status | Previously FDA-approved (Geref, discontinued); available compounded | FDA-approved for GH deficiency and other indications |
| Half-life | ~10-20 minutes | ~3-4 hours (subcutaneous) |
| Molecular weight | 3,357.9 Da | 22,124 Da |
| Mechanism | Activates pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate physiological growth hormone release. | Directly activates growth hormone receptors, raising IGF-1 and driving growth, protein synthesis, and metabolic effects. |
| Human studies cited | 1 | 2 |
| Legal status, US | Prior approval discontinued; available via compounding pharmacies | FDA-approved, prescription only |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Sermorelin and Somatropin?
Sermorelin: A GHRH fragment historically approved as a diagnostic and pediatric GH agent, now used in compounded anti-aging research. Somatropin: FDA-approved recombinant human growth hormone used for growth hormone deficiency and several other approved indications.
Which has stronger research evidence, Sermorelin or Somatropin?
This database does not grade compounds. It counts what was run in people: 1 of the 2 studies cited on the Sermorelin profile were human work, against 2 of 3 for Somatropin. Those counts are of our own citation lists and understate any larger literature, and neither is a recommendation.
Are Sermorelin and Somatropin FDA-approved?
Sermorelin: Previously FDA-approved (Geref, discontinued); available compounded. Somatropin: FDA-approved for GH deficiency and other indications.
Related posts
Blog articles that cover Sermorelin or Somatropin, newest first.
Reviewed Sep 2026. This page sets two published records side by side. It is educational, it is not medical advice, and it contains no dosing protocols or recommendations for personal use.