Sermorelin

Sermorelin acetate is a synthetic peptide corresponding to the first 29 amino acids of human growth-hormone-releasing hormone, GHRH(1-29)-NH2. Although native GHRH is 44 amino acids long, its full agonist activity resides in this N-terminal fragment, so sermorelin reproduces GHRH's biological effect with a shorter molecule. It acts on the pituitary's GHRH receptor to stimulate release of the body's own growth hormone, rather than supplying GH directly. Sermorelin has an unusually strong clinical pedigree for a research peptide. It was developed as Geref and received FDA approval in 1997 for idiopathic growth-hormone deficiency in children with growth failure, supported by multicenter randomized trials. The manufacturer voluntarily withdrew it from the US market in 2008 for commercial (not safety) reasons. It continues to be supplied by compounding pharmacies in the US, is used clinically in some countries, and is widely used off-label for adult GH restoration and anti-aging. The distinction that matters is between its evidenced and unevidenced uses. The pediatric GH-deficiency data are robust; the adult anti-aging and body-composition evidence is real but limited to small, mostly 1990s studies, with no large long-term trials of off-label use. Compounded formulations have not undergone the same regulatory scrutiny as the original approved product, and sermorelin is prohibited in sport by WADA. Material sold outside the compounding channel is labeled for research use only. This entry summarizes the published science and community-reported practice for reference only. It is not medical advice and does not endorse non-prescribed human use.