Sermorelin
Quick Definition
Sermorelin is a 29-amino-acid GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone) analog that stimulates the pituitary to release endogenous growth hormone. It was FDA-approved in 1990 for pediatric growth hormone deficiency but the branded product was withdrawn in 2008. It is currently available through compounding pharmacies for off-label adult use.
In Depth
Sermorelin received FDA approval in 1990 as Geref for diagnostic use and treatment of pediatric growth hormone deficiency. The branded product was voluntarily withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2008. Sermorelin is currently available as a compounded preparation through 503A pharmacies for patients with documented adult growth hormone deficiency or for off-label adult use focused on body composition and recovery.
The molecule mimics endogenous GHRH, signaling the pituitary to release growth hormone in pulses. This pulsatile release pattern broadly resembles natural physiologic GH secretion, in contrast to exogenous recombinant human growth hormone which produces sustained non-physiologic levels.
For patients with documented adult GH deficiency, GHRH analog therapy produces measurable improvement in body composition, energy, and quality of life metrics in published trials. For healthy adults with normal GH/IGF-1 axes, the effect is more modest and the "feel younger, recover faster, look 10 years younger" marketing claims extrapolate well past what trials demonstrate.
Common side effects include injection site reactions, fluid retention, mild joint aches, and headaches. Insulin sensitivity and theoretical cancer concerns (related to IGF-1 elevation) are clinical considerations for some patients.
Compounded sermorelin is in a different regulatory category than supplement-grade research peptides — it is a prescription compounded medication, regulated by state pharmacy authority and federal pharmacy law.
Related Terms
BPC-157
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a 15-amino-acid peptide derived from human gastric juice protein, marketed in the wellness and "research peptide" space for tissue healing. It is not FDA-approved and is not currently authorized for compounding for human use.
Peptide Therapy
Peptide therapy refers to the clinical or off-label use of short chains of amino acids (peptides) for various therapeutic purposes including growth hormone modulation, tissue healing, and metabolic effects. The clinical evidence base varies dramatically across specific peptides — from FDA-approved indications to research-only.
Growth Hormone Secretagogue
A growth hormone secretagogue is a substance that stimulates the pituitary to release endogenous growth hormone. The category includes GHRH analogs (sermorelin, tesamorelin, CJC-1295) acting through the GHRH receptor, and GHRPs (ipamorelin, MK-677) acting through the ghrelin receptor pathway.