Sermorelin

Overview

Sermorelin is a synthetic version of the first 29 amino acids of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), the active fragment that signals the pituitary gland to release its own growth hormone rather than replacing growth hormone directly. It was approved decades ago under the brand Geref for diagnostic use and for pediatric growth-hormone deficiency, but the manufacturer later discontinued it commercially, generally described as a business decision rather than a safety or efficacy withdrawal. Today it is typically used off-label through compounding pharmacies, which are not FDA-approved finished-drug products.

It is given as a daily subcutaneous injection, usually at night, to line up with the body's natural overnight growth-hormone pulse. Because it works by nudging the pituitary rather than supplying growth hormone directly, effects tend to build gradually and taper after the compound is discontinued, so any change is not usually maintained without continued use.

Dosing

Historically dosed as Geref for diagnostic testing and pediatric growth-hormone deficiency. Community and compounding practice commonly cites roughly 200 – 500 mcg once daily at night. There is no current FDA-approved dosing label for compounded sermorelin.

Side effects

In its clinical review literature, transient facial flushing and injection-site pain were the most commonly reported adverse events, and the doses tested were well tolerated. Longer-term data outside the historical pediatric setting is limited.

Storage

Keep unmixed vials refrigerated and away from light. Like other GHRH analogs, sermorelin is less stable once mixed than the GLP-1 peptides, so most research reports store it refrigerated for only about 2 – 3 weeks. See the full storage & safety guide for handling and disposal basics.

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