Sermorelin (also known as GHRH (1-29) or GRF 1-29) is a performance-enhancing peptide studied for its effects on growth hormone, GHRH, anti-aging. FDA-approved GHRH analog — the 29-amino-acid active fragment of growth hormone-releasing hormone. Stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone and IGF-1 under normal feedback control. Marketed as Geref for diagnosing and treating GH deficiency; now widely used off-label for anti-aging. Short half-life; nightly subcutaneous injection.
Sermorelin acetate, also known as GHRH (1-29), is a peptide analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) consisting of the first 29 amino acids of endogenous human GHRH, which is the shortest fully functional fragment of the hormone. It binds GHRH receptors on the pituitary and stimulates the synthesis and pulsatile release of growth hormone (GH), which in turn raises insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Because it amplifies the body's own GH pulses rather than replacing GH directly, the response remains subject to normal feedback regulation.
Overview
Sermorelin was approved by the FDA (marketed as Geref) as a diagnostic agent for assessing pituitary GH secretory capacity and, historically, for treating idiopathic growth hormone deficiency in children to promote linear growth; the branded product was later discontinued for commercial reasons rather than safety.
It has a short plasma half-life of roughly 10-20 minutes and is typically injected subcutaneously at night to mimic the natural nocturnal GH pulse.
Today it is widely used off-label in anti-aging, wellness, and hormone-optimization clinics as a GH secretagogue.
It is banned by WADA in competitive sport.
Mechanism of action
Stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone and IGF-1 while preserving normal feedback control. FDA-approved for diagnosing and treating GH deficiency; used off-label for anti-aging. Nightly subcutaneous injection.
Reported effects
Effects reported in the literature and from preclinical models include:
- Nightly GHRH(1-29) analog administration significantly elevates integrated nocturnal GH levels and raises circulating IGF-1 in age-advanced men and women. [2] Phase II
- High-dose GHRH(1-29) (60 mcg/kg/day) produces linear growth velocity in GH-deficient children comparable to exogenous GH treatment over 6 months. [1] Phase II
- Long-term nightly GHRH analog administration increases lean body mass and improves insulin sensitivity in older men. [2] Phase II
- As a growth hormone secretagogue, sermorelin activates IGF-1 signaling and satellite cell repair pathways relevant to musculoskeletal recovery. [5][6] Preclinical
- An intravenous bolus of GHRH(1-29) reliably evokes pituitary GH release, supporting its use as a diagnostic test of pituitary GH secretory reserve. [3][4] Phase II
Evidence grades: FDA approved Phase III Phase II Phase I Preclinical Anecdotal
Dosage and administration
Diagnostic GH stimulation test
- 1 mcg/kg as a single intravenous dose
Pediatric GH deficiency
- ~0.03 mg/kg subcutaneously once nightly (historical Geref dosing)
Off
- label anti-aging use: 200-300 mcg subcutaneously at bedtime
Short half
- life (~10-20 min) — dosed at night to align with the natural GH pulse
General
- Often stacked with a GHRP (e.g. ipamorelin) for synergistic GH release
Natty status
Sermorelin is classified as not natty. It appears on the WADA prohibited list and is banned by major natural bodybuilding federations.[7] Use of this compound places the athlete in the enhanced category rather than the natural category in competitive contexts.
Research
The peptide has been the subject of 7 studies and reference works collected on this site. The full bibliography is in § External links below.
Related compounds
Other peptides in this catalogue with overlapping mechanisms or status:
References
- ^ Growth response to GHRH(1-29)-NH2 compared with growth hormone in children with GH deficiency (clinical trial, Acta Paediatr 1993)
- a b Endocrine and metabolic effects of long-term GHRH(1-29) administration (clinical trial, J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1997)
- ^ The GH response to low-dose bolus GHRH(1-29) (clinical trial, Eur J Endocrinol 2000)
- ^ Quantitative GH secretion and final adult height after GHRH(1-29) therapy (clinical trial, Clin Endocrinol 1999)
- ^ Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance. Recent review
- ^ Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions. Recent review
- a b World Anti-Doping Agency. (2026). Prohibited List 2026.
External links
This page was last updated on June 15, 2026, at 07:17 (UTC).
Research last reviewed on June 15, 2026.
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