Library · Brain & nerves · Stimulation of natural growth hormone production
Sermorelin (Geref)
Geref, GRF 1-29, GHRH (1-29), Sermorelin acetate
A 29-amino-acid GHRH analogue, the shortest fully active GHRH fragment, approved by the FDA in the 1990s for pediatric growth hormone deficiency and diagnostics, then discontinued commercially in 2008 for business reasons, not safety. It prompts natural pulsatile GH release and remains available through compounding pharmacies, often for off-label age-management use.
Research score 78/100. Reference only, not a dose.
- Growth Hormone Release
- Sleep Improvement
- Cognitive Enhancement
- Anti-aging
- Recovery Enhancement
- Hormone Regulation
- US status
- Prescription Only (via compounding pharmacy)
- Approval
- FDA approved (1997), but commercially discontinued in 2008. Available via compounding pharmacies.
- Evidence
- Extensive Human Studies prior to 2008. A 2021 study showed benefits in an animal model of heart failure.
- Research score
- 78 / 100
- Indication
- Growth Hormone Deficiency
- Origin
- USA
- Source category
- Brain & Nervous System
- Status group
- Approved / prescription
Mechanism
Binds GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, raising cAMP via adenylate cyclase to trigger PKA activity, calcium influx, and GH vesicle release; it also upregulates GHRH receptor expression, preserving natural GH pulsing patterns.
Safety file
Good tolerability profile.
- Injection site reactions
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Transient hypoglycemia
- Restlessness