Sermorelin
Sermorelin is a GHRH 1-29 analog. It held FDA approval as a diagnostic agent until 2008.
Checked by the PU Research editorial team — evidence-graded against primary sources. Last check: 23 July 2026. Sources: 3. Who checks this
Sport prohibition notice. WADA prohibits GHRH analogs and growth hormone secretagogues under section S2.2.4. Seven of the eight compounds in this category fall under that section. IGF-1 LR3 falls under S2, and its insulin cross-activity also relates to S4. Check the live WADA list before any decision that involves competition.
01Identity & Classification
Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH. The short name is GHRH 1-29. The former brand names were Geref and Geref Diagnostic.
02Mechanism: How It Works
Sermorelin binds the GHRH receptor on anterior pituitary somatotrophs. It stimulates the body's own pulsatile growth hormone release.
Somatostatin feedback still controls that release. This is a difference from injected growth hormone.
03Research Findings
Evidence tier: clinical, for the diagnostic use only.
The FDA approved sermorelin in 1997. The approval covered the diagnostic evaluation of pituitary growth hormone secretion and growth hormone deficiency.
Peak growth hormone occurs 30 to 60 minutes after the injection.
Evidence limit. No controlled trial supports a body-composition claim in healthy adults.
04Reported Dosing & Delivery
The historic diagnostic use was one 1 µg/kg intravenous dose.
Sermorelin now reaches the market through compounding pharmacies. Any body-composition dosing is non-clinical. It is not a recommendation.
05Pharmacokinetics & Timing
The half-life is short. Growth hormone peaks 30 to 60 minutes after the dose.
06Interactions & Combinations
Sermorelin acts on the growth hormone axis.
Community protocols combine it with a growth hormone secretagogue. That combination is anecdotal. No published human trial tests it.
Compare with Tesamorelin and CJC-1295.
07Safety & Contraindications
Sermorelin was well tolerated in its approved diagnostic use. Injection site reactions occurred.
Long-term safety in healthy adults is not established.
08Monitoring & Biomarkers
- IGF-1.
- Glucose.
09Regulatory Status
The FDA approval ended in 2008. The reason was commercial, not a safety finding. FDA records list it as a discontinued drug product. It reaches patients through compounding.
WADA prohibits it under S2.2.4. See the WADA prohibited list status.
10Works Cited
- 01FDA discontinued drug product records. View source →
- 02Prakash A, Goa KL. Drug review of sermorelin. View source →
- 03WADA 2025 Prohibited List, section S2.2.4. View source →
More in Growth Hormone Axis
Open the Growth Hormone category →Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a growth hormone-releasing factor analog. The FDA approves it for one indication only.
CJC-1295
CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog. Two different forms exist. Only Phase 1 human data support it.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue. Human pharmacokinetic data exist. No outcome trial exists.
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