Sermorelin
The first commercially available GHRH analog; still prescribed via compounding.
- Primary research area
- GH deficiency
- FDA status
- Historical FDA approval; now compounded
- Last updated
- Apr 21, 2026
- Reviewed by
- Peptide Examiner editorial team
What it is
Sermorelin is a synthetic fragment of the first 29 amino acids of human growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-29). It was FDA approved in 1997 under the brand Geref for pediatric growth hormone deficiency. The original FDA approval has since been withdrawn commercially (Geref was discontinued in 2008), but sermorelin remains available through compounding pharmacies in the US and is heavily used off-label in anti-aging clinics.
Mechanism of action
Sermorelin binds GHRH receptors in the anterior pituitary, stimulating endogenous pulsatile growth hormone release. Because it drives native pulsatile secretion rather than supplying exogenous GH, it preserves physiological feedback loops — IGF-1 levels rise meaningfully but not to the sustained supra-physiological levels seen with recombinant GH injection. Half-life is short (minutes to an hour); daily or twice-daily subcutaneous dosing is typical.
Research history
Pivotal pediatric GH deficiency trials in the 1990s established efficacy and supported original FDA approval. After commercial discontinuation, the bulk of published data on sermorelin use in adults comes from smaller clinical studies and observational series in anti-aging contexts. Adult-specific indications have not been pursued via FDA channels.
Current trial status
Commercial FDA product withdrawn. Available through compounding (503A). No active Phase 3 trials for adult indications.
Regulatory status
Historical FDA approval (Geref, 1997) for pediatric GH deficiency; commercially discontinued 2008. Compounded sermorelin is legally available under 503A when prescribed. Not on Category 2 list. Commonly prescribed off-label for adult GH decline, general wellness, and body composition. Full regulatory timeline →
Controversies and open questions
The adult off-label use case lacks rigorous clinical trial support for the benefits typically claimed (fat loss, muscle gain, sleep quality, cognitive function). Long-term safety of chronic GHRH stimulation in healthy adults is less-studied than acute safety. IGF-1 elevation shares the theoretical cancer-risk concerns of the broader GH/GHRH category.
Further reading
Frequently asked
Is sermorelin legal in the US?
Yes, via 503A compounding pharmacies with a prescription. The original FDA-approved commercial product (Geref) was discontinued in 2008, but compounded sermorelin remains legally available. It is not on the FDA Category 2 list.
What is sermorelin typically prescribed for?
Originally approved for pediatric growth hormone deficiency (1997). Current adult use is off-label — clinics prescribe it for age-related GH decline, fat loss, sleep quality, and general wellness. Clinical trial evidence for those adult indications is weaker than the marketing.
How does it compare to HGH injection?
Sermorelin stimulates endogenous pulsatile GH release via GHRH receptors. Recombinant GH directly supplies the hormone and bypasses pulsatility. Sermorelin preserves more physiological regulation; HGH produces higher sustained levels. Sermorelin is much cheaper and less tightly regulated.
What does it cost?
Compounded sermorelin runs $150-400/month depending on pharmacy, dose, and prescriber markup — substantially less than tesamorelin or recombinant GH.