Sermorelin
GRF 1-29 / GHRH 1-29
Sermorelin (GHRH 1-29) was previously FDA-approved for pediatric GH deficiency and is now available through compounding. It stimulates pituitary GH release and has a longer clinical history than most research peptides.
Overview
Sermorelin (also known as GRF 1-29 or GHRH 1-29) is a synthetic peptide consisting of the first 29 amino acids of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It was one of the first GHRH analogs to be developed and clinically used, representing the shortest fragment of GHRH that retains full biological activity at the GHRH receptor.
Sermorelin works by stimulating the pituitary gland to produce and release endogenous growth hormone (GH), rather than replacing GH directly. This mechanism preserves the body's natural pulsatile GH secretion pattern and feedback regulation. Sermorelin was previously FDA-approved (under the brand name Geref) for diagnosing and treating growth hormone deficiency in children but was discontinued from the commercial market in 2008 for business reasons, not safety concerns.
Research context
Sermorelin's clinical history spans several decades. It received FDA orphan drug designation in 1988 and subsequent FDA approvals in 1990 (as a diagnostic agent for pituitary function) and 1997 (for treating pediatric growth hormone deficiency under the brand Geref). Clinical studies in children demonstrated that sermorelin effectively stimulated GH secretion and promoted growth.
Since the manufacturer's voluntary withdrawal from the market, sermorelin has continued to be used in off-label adult contexts through compounding pharmacies, primarily in hormone optimization and anti-aging medicine. However, most published clinical data come from pediatric growth hormone deficiency populations, and well-controlled adult studies are limited. Sermorelin is shorter-acting than some newer GHRH analogs like tesamorelin and CJC-1295.
Safety and regulatory framing
Formerly FDA-approved (Geref, withdrawn 2008 for business reasons); now available via compounding pharmacies
Sermorelin was formerly FDA-approved but the commercially manufactured version (Geref) was voluntarily discontinued in 2008. The discontinuation was a business decision by the manufacturer, not a safety action by the FDA. Sermorelin is not a controlled substance.
Currently, sermorelin is available in the United States through licensed compounding pharmacies by prescription. Compounded products are not FDA-approved and do not undergo the same regulatory review as commercially manufactured medications. Quality and purity can vary between compounding sources. Readers should consult a licensed healthcare provider for any decisions related to hormone therapy.
References
- Sermorelin — Wikipedia (Summary of FDA Approval History) ↗Wikipedia
- Thorner MO, et al. "Once Daily Subcutaneous GHRH-(1-29) NH2 Accelerates Growth in Growth Hormone-Deficient Children." J Clin Endocrinol Metab (1996) ↗Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
- FDA Drug Approval Database: Sermorelin ↗FDA.gov
- Exploring FDA-Approved Frontiers: Insights into GHRH Analogs. PMC (2024) ↗PMC / NLM
Research information only
Peptide Daily is an informational resource only. Peptide research chemicals are not approved for human use by the FDA unless otherwise noted. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide or research chemical.
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Keep exploring the research context
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is an FDA-approved GHRH analog indicated for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It stimulates endogenous GH release and has Phase 3 trial data supporting its approved use.
CJC-1295
CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog that stimulates pituitary GH release. Limited human clinical data exists; it is not FDA-approved and is classified as a compounding safety concern.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that triggers pulsatile GH release without significant cortisol or prolactin elevation. Not FDA-approved; WADA-prohibited.