PeptideFederation

GHRH analog

Sermorelin

Also known as GRF(1-29)NH2, Geref, GHRH(1-29)

Approved medicine

Summary

Sermorelin is the active 29-amino-acid fragment of growth-hormone-releasing hormone. It was FDA-approved as Geref for children with growth hormone deficiency until the manufacturer withdrew it in 2008. It raises the pituitary’s own growth hormone release, so normal feedback limits still apply.

Structure

  1. Y1
  2. A2
  3. D3
  4. A4
  5. I5
  6. F6
  7. T7
  8. N8
  9. S9
  10. Y10
  11. R11
  12. K12
  13. V13
  14. L14
  15. G15
  16. Q16
  17. L17
  18. S18
  19. A19
  20. R20
  21. K21
  22. L22
  23. L23
  24. Q24
  25. D25
  26. I26
  27. M27
  28. S28
  29. R29

HydrophobicGly / ProPolarBasic (+)Acidic (−)

The first 29 residues of human GHRH, C-terminally amidated. This is the shortest fragment with full biological activity.

How it works

Sermorelin binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs and triggers pulsatile GH release. Because somatostatin and IGF-1 feedback remain intact, peak GH levels stay within a physiological range. Its half-life is roughly 10 to 20 minutes.

Research use cases

Areas where Sermorelin has been studied. Inclusion here does not mean it works for that purpose.

  • Paediatric growth hormone deficiency (formerly approved)
  • Diagnostic testing of pituitary GH reserve
  • Age-related decline in GH secretion (studied)

What the research found

Paediatric GHD

A review of clinical data found that daily sermorelin increased growth velocity in children with idiopathic GH deficiency, though less than recombinant GH.1

Adult use

A 2006 review argued that stimulating endogenous GH with sermorelin might be preferable to recombinant GH in adults, while acknowledging the limited trial data.2

Safety and open questions

Injection-site reactions, flushing, headache and dizziness were reported in clinical use. Antibodies developed in some children without loss of effect.

Regulatory status

Previously FDA-approved (Geref) for diagnosing and treating growth hormone deficiency in children; the branded product was discontinued in 2008 for commercial reasons. Available in the US through compounding pharmacies.

Status was accurate when this page was last reviewed on October 26, 2026. Regulations change; check with the relevant authority before relying on it.

Sermorelin: common questions

Is sermorelin the same as growth hormone?

No. Sermorelin signals the pituitary to release its own GH. Recombinant GH (somatropin) replaces the hormone directly and bypasses pituitary feedback.

Is Sermorelin approved for human use?

Previously FDA-approved (Geref) for diagnosing and treating growth hormone deficiency in children; the branded product was discontinued in 2008 for commercial reasons. Available in the US through compounding pharmacies.

References

  1. Prakash A, Goa KL. (1999). Sermorelin: a review of its use in the diagnosis and treatment of children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency. BioDrugs.
  2. Walker RF. (2006). Sermorelin: a better approach to management of adult-onset growth hormone insufficiency?. Clinical Interventions in Aging.

Links open a PubMed search for the exact title, or the original source where one is given.