Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino-acid peptide (MW ~3357.9 g/mol) corresponding to the first 29 amino acids of naturally occurring growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It was previously FDA-approved as Geref for the diagnosis and treatment of growth hormone deficiency in children, though the product was voluntarily discontinued for commercial reasons — the FDA confirmed in 2013 it was not withdrawn for safety reasons. It preserves the body's natural GH feedback loop via somatostatin, making it safer than exogenous HGH. The 1997 JCEM trial remains the most substantial evidence for its effects in adults, demonstrating improvements in IGF-1, body composition, and well-being over 5 months.
Category: Growth Hormone Secretagogue. Evidence rating: C (early/mixed human evidence).
Clinical status: Previously FDA-approved (Geref, discontinued); now used off-label via compounding
Sermorelin binds to GHRH receptors (GHRHR) on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland, stimulating both transcription of the HGH gene and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone. The released HGH increases protein synthesis, fat breakdown (lipolysis), and tissue repair across…
Research base: 5 registered clinical trials and 4 indexed publications reference Sermorelin.
Safety considerations: Generally well-tolerated in clinical studies; safety data from published trials supports good tolerability profile; Common: injection site reactions (redness, swelling, mild pain — typically resolve within days); Systemic: headaches, nausea, dizziness, facial flushing, drowsiness (mild, transient, usually in initial weeks as the body adjusts).
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team. Last reviewed: 2026-07-05.
Related peptides: Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, Tesamorelin.
Compare: Sermorelin vs Ipamorelin, Sermorelin vs CJC-1295, Sermorelin vs Tesamorelin.
Sermorelin was previously FDA-approved as Geref for pediatric GH deficiency, but was voluntarily discontinued by the manufacturer for commercial reasons. The FDA confirmed in 2013 it was not withdrawn for safety reasons. It remains available through physicians who collaborate with compounding pharmacies.
Sermorelin stimulates the pituitary to produce its own GH in a pulsatile pattern, preserving the natural feedback loop via somatostatin. Direct GH injection bypasses the pituitary and produces constant, unregulated hormone levels that can cause insulin resistance and other side effects. Sermorelin also avoids axis suppression — the pituitary retains normal function after stopping.
Common dosing is 200-300 mcg subcutaneously 5 times per week, typically at nighttime to enhance the natural nocturnal GH pulse. For pediatric use, the established dose was 30 mcg/kg daily. For diagnostic purposes, 1 mcg/kg IV. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water and refrigerate. Oral forms have lower bioavailability.
Sermorelin is 29 amino acids (MW ~3357.9) and more widely available through compounding. Tesamorelin is 44 amino acids, currently FDA-approved, and has stronger clinical data for its specific indication (HIV lipodystrophy). Sermorelin has a broader historical evidence base due to its former FDA-approved status.
No. In published studies to date, sermorelin has not been found to cause weight gain. The GH elevation it produces promotes lipolysis (fat breakdown) and lean body mass improvement. Mild water retention is possible but typically transient.