Sermorelin
Sermorelin (GHRH 1-29 analogue)
Also known as: Geref
A GHRH fragment historically approved as a diagnostic and pediatric GH agent, now used in compounded anti-aging research.
Overview
Sermorelin is a synthetic version of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH, the active portion of the hormone. It was previously FDA-approved (Geref) for diagnosing and treating growth hormone deficiency, though that product was discontinued. It preserves the natural pulsatile pattern of GH release.
Mechanism of action
Activates pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate physiological growth hormone release.
Key studies & citations
- Review1999
Sermorelin: a review of its use in the diagnosis and treatment of children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency
Sermorelin (GHRH 1-29) is the shortest fully active GHRH fragment; IV 1 mcg/kg is a rapid, relatively specific diagnostic test and daily 30 mcg/kg subcutaneous dosing treated some prepubertal children with GH deficiency.
BioDrugs - Human1992
Growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone-(1-29) twice daily reverses the decreased GH and insulin-like growth factor-I levels in old men
In 10 healthy old men, 14 days of GHRH(1-29) 1 mg twice daily restored 24-hour GH and IGF-1 to levels not significantly different from young men.
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Frequently asked questions
Why is sermorelin used instead of growth hormone itself?
It prompts the body's own pulsatile GH release rather than replacing it directly, which some research argues better preserves feedback regulation.