Catalog
GHRH(1–29) analog

Sermorelin

Truncated GHRH — historically FDA-approved (Geref, withdrawn 2008); now compounded.

Compounded (503A/503B)Grade C — Promising, preliminary
Target
GHRHR

Mechanism of action

29-aa N-terminal fragment of GHRH; same receptor, shorter half-life than tesamorelin.

Pharmacokinetics

SC nightly. Very short t½ (~10 min).

Clinical context

Off-label adult 'GH optimization'; pediatric GH stimulation testing historically.

Safety

Contraindications
  • Active malignancy
  • Pituitary disease
Adverse effects
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Flushing
  • Headache
  • IGF-1 rise — long-term tumor signal unknown

Relevant labs

IGF-1Hemoglobin A1c

Covered in modules

Module 05
Growth Hormone Secretagogues
CJC-1295, ipamorelin, sermorelin, tesamorelin, MK-677 — what's approved, what's compounded, what's hype.

Related compounds

GHRH analog
Tesamorelin
Selective GH secretagogue (GHS-R agonist)
Ipamorelin
Long-acting GHRH analog
CJC-1295 (with/without DAC)

Generate prescriber-grade deep dive

Pull in expanded mechanism, PK/PD, dosing strategies for special populations, drug interactions, monitoring cadence, head-to-head differentials, prescriber pearls, and patient FAQs for Sermorelin.

Educational reference. Not medical advice. Always verify against current FDA labeling and local regulatory guidance before prescribing or counseling.