Sermorelin
Also known as: GRF 1-29, Geref (discontinued brand), Sermorelin acetate
Sermorelin (also called GRF 1-29 or Geref (discontinued brand)) is a research peptide in the Growth Hormone Secretagogue class. Sermorelin is GRF(1-29), the shortest N-terminal fragment of growth hormone-releasing hormone that retains full biological activity. It binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs, a Gs-coupled receptor whose activation raises cyclic AMP and triggers synthesis and pulsatile release of growth hormone.
For research use only.
Key Facts
- CAS
- 86168-78-7
- Molecular Weight (MW)
- 3357.96 g/mol
- Half-life
- ~11-12 minutes
- FDA status
- Withdrawn / Rejected
- Evidence level
- Limited Human Evidence
- Human dose established
- Yes
- Administration Route
- Intravenous · Intranasal · Subcutaneous
- Frequency
- Single administration in the published dose-response work
- Last updated
- Sep 26, 2026
- Reviewed
- Aug 30, 2026
- Targets
- GHRH receptor
Vendor price snapshot
Each vendor counts once, at the median price per mg of its own listings; the typical range is the middle half of vendors. From public vendor listings collected between Dec 2025 and Oct 2026, so confirm the live price on the vendor site. Peptide Library does not sell peptides.
- Vendors listing this peptide
- 40
- Listed offers
- 94
- Median price per mg
- $7.75/mg
- Typical $6.72–$8.80/mg
Research summary
GHRH(1-29), the shortest fragment of growth hormone-releasing hormone that retains full activity at the pituitary GHRH receptor. It was marketed in the United States as Geref for paediatric growth hormone deficiency and as a diagnostic agent; the brand was discontinued in 2008 for commercial rather than safety reasons, and it remains available through compounding pharmacies. Because it stimulates the pituitary rather than replacing the hormone, it requires an intact somatotroph axis. Prohibited in sport under WADA class S2.
Peptide Library's Sermorelin profile summarises 5 cited studies listed in the Science section, the compound's regulatory status, and research-protocol parameters reported for it. It is a research reference, not medical advice.
Sermorelin dosage chart
Sermorelin has published human dosing from pharmacology studies of GHRH(1-29)-NH2: 0.25 mcg/kg intravenously already produces significant growth hormone release, with a maximal response at 1–2 mcg/kg, and roughly 50 mcg/kg intranasally is about as potent as 1 mcg/kg intravenously. That dosing is weight-based and acute. DailyMed lists no current FDA-labelled sermorelin product.
| Human dosing established | Yes |
|---|---|
| Studied dose range | 0.25–2 mcg/kg intravenously (about 50 mcg/kg intranasally) |
| Route | Intravenous · Intranasal · Subcutaneous |
| Frequency | Single administration in the published dose-response work |
| Duration studied | Acute pharmacology protocols |
| Evidence level | Limited Human Evidence |
| Last reviewed | 2026-09-05 |
Research-reported dosing
Doses as studied, one row per regimen. Different trials used different regimens; they are listed separately rather than averaged.
| Study / context | Population | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Outcome studied | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GHRH(1-29)-NH2 pharmacokinetics and dose-responseClinical trial · Human dose-response pharmacology study | Human subjects in a dose-response protocol | 0.25 mcg/kg produced significant GH release; maximal response at 1–2 mcg/kg intravenously; ~50 mcg/kg intranasally equivalent to 1 mcg/kg intravenously | Intravenous and intranasal | Single dose per level | Acute | Growth hormone release and pharmacokinetics | Pharmacokinetics of growth hormone-releasing hormone(1-29)-NH2 and stimulation of growth hormone secretion. Acta Paediatr Suppl. 1993. |
| Growth hormone deficiency treatment study (1987)Clinical trial · Clinical study | Patients with growth hormone deficiency | Per study protocol | Subcutaneous | — | — | Growth response in GH deficiency | Treatment of growth-hormone deficiency with growth-hormone-releasing hormone. Lancet. 1987. |
| NCT01060488 — GHRH diagnostic validationClinical trial · Phase 3 diagnostic validation trial | Adults undergoing growth hormone testing (n=69) | Per trial protocol | Intravenous | — | — | Validation of the GHRH-arginine stimulation test | NCT01060488 — Comparative Validation of the Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone and Arginine Test |
Where sources disagree
- Published dosing is weight-based and micrograms per kilogram — roughly 17–140 mcg for a 70 kg adult intravenously. Sermorelin is sold with fixed protocols commonly quoted at 200–500 mcg subcutaneously nightly, which is well above the studied intravenous range and by a different route.
- DailyMed lists no current FDA-labelled sermorelin product, so there is no active prescribing information to cite for a maintenance regimen. The published human evidence is acute pharmacology and diagnostic testing, not long-term treatment.
- Most registered trials returned when searching sermorelin actually studied other GHRH analogues, chiefly tesamorelin (TH9507). Evidence for tesamorelin is not dosing evidence for sermorelin.
Reconstitution
Common research vial sizes: 5 mg, 10 mg.
| Vial | Bacteriostatic water | Concentration | Per 0.01 mL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 2 mL | 2.5 mg/mL | 25 mcg per 0.01 mL |
| 10 mg | 2 mL | 5 mg/mL | 50 mcg per 0.01 mL |
These figures are arithmetic only — they convert a vial and a volume into a concentration. They are not a recommendation to take any dose.
Calculate reconstitution & dose →Handling & administration
- Reconstitution Guide
- 3 mL BAC for 5 mg vial
- Injection Sites
- AbdomenThigh
- Concentration Example
- 5 mg / 3 mL = ~1.67 mg/mL
- Timing Notes
- Bedtime
- Expected Onset
- 2-3 weeks
How to reconstitute Sermorelin
- Check the vial size and diluent volume. The profile example for Sermorelin is: 3 mL BAC for 5 mg vial.
- Swab both vial stoppers and draw the bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Add the water slowly down the inside wall of the peptide vial so it does not jet onto the powder, then swirl gently until the solution is clear. Do not shake.
- Record the resulting concentration: 5 mg / 3 mL = ~1.67 mg/mL.
- Label the vial with the date and concentration, refrigerate it (see Storage & stability below), and use the calculator preset to convert a dose in mcg into syringe units.
Sequence & molecular data
| Amino acid sequence | Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-NH2 |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C149H246N44O42S |
| Molecular weight | 3357.96 g/mol |
| CAS number | 86168-78-7 |
| Half-life | ~11-12 minutes |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Formulation | Lyophilized Powder |
| PubChem CID | 16132413 |
| FDA UNII | 89243S03TE |
Identifiers link to the public PubChem, FDA Substance Registration (UNII), ChEMBL and DrugBank records for the same entity.
Science
Mechanism of Action
Sermorelin is GRF(1-29), the shortest N-terminal fragment of growth hormone-releasing hormone that retains full biological activity. It binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs, a Gs-coupled receptor whose activation raises cyclic AMP and triggers synthesis and pulsatile release of growth hormone. Because it acts on the pituitary rather than replacing the hormone, it only works where the somatotroph axis is intact, and the resulting GH release remains subject to negative feedback from IGF-1 and somatostatin — a self-limiting property that exogenous growth hormone does not have. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 cleaves it rapidly, giving a half-life of minutes.
Origin
Synthetic GHRH(1–29) amide.
Targets
Studies
- A potentially effective drug for patients with recurrent glioma: sermorelin
- Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions
- Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance
- A new era of doping? Use of peptide and peptide-analog drugs in recreational and professional sport and bodybuilding: a critical review
- The emerging landscape of performance-enhancing peptides modulating GH-IGF1 axis: bridging the gap between clinical evidence and patient self-administration
Regulatory & research status
Sermorelin was withdrawn from the market or rejected for approval. It is not an approved product.
| FDA status | Withdrawn / Rejected |
|---|---|
| Availability | Discontinued |
| WADA (sport) | Banned in Sport |
| Library classification | Research-Only |
Benefits
Sermorelin side effects
Sermorelin has only limited human data, so the list below is incomplete and its side-effect profile is not well established.
Side Effects
- Flushing
- Injection pain
- Taste changes (IV)
Contraindications
- Cancer history
Stacking
Common stacking partners
Combinations that include Sermorelin, with the proposed rationale, an evidence grade and what is not established, are catalogued in the peptide stacks directory.
Storage & stability
Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder is far more stable than the reconstituted solution. Keep sealed vials cold, dry and away from light; long-term storage is typically frozen, with short-term refrigeration for vials in use.
Once reconstituted in bacteriostatic water, keep the solution refrigerated, avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles and agitation, and label the vial with the reconstitution date and concentration. Discard any solution that turns cloudy or shows particulates.
Degradation rates differ by sequence: peptides containing methionine, cysteine, asparagine or glutamine are more prone to oxidation and deamidation, so shelf life after reconstitution is compound-specific rather than universal.
Read the full guide: how to store peptides before and after reconstitution →
Source: Manning MC, Chou DK, Murphy BM, Payne RW, Katayama DS. Stability of protein pharmaceuticals: an update. Pharm Res. 2010;27(4):544–575. (PMID 20143256). General guidance for research handling; not product-specific instructions.
Sermorelin: frequently asked questions
What is Sermorelin?
GHRH(1-29), the shortest fragment of growth hormone-releasing hormone that retains full activity at the pituitary GHRH receptor. It was marketed in the United States as Geref for paediatric growth hormone deficiency and as a diagnostic agent; the brand was discontinued in 2008 for commercial rather than safety reasons, and it remains available through compounding pharmacies. Because it stimulates the pituitary rather than replacing the hormone, it requires an intact somatotroph axis. Prohibited in sport under WADA class S2.
What are the side effects of Sermorelin?
Sermorelin has only limited human data, so its side-effect profile is not well established. Effects recorded on this profile include flushing, injection pain and taste changes (IV). Cautions recorded on this profile: cancer history. It is on the WADA Prohibited List for athletes. This is reference information, not medical advice.
How does Sermorelin work?
Sermorelin is GRF(1-29), the shortest N-terminal fragment of growth hormone-releasing hormone that retains full biological activity. It binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs, a Gs-coupled receptor whose activation raises cyclic AMP and triggers synthesis and pulsatile release of growth hormone.
Is Sermorelin FDA approved?
No. Sermorelin is not currently FDA-approved. Its development or marketing was discontinued, which can happen for commercial reasons as well as safety or efficacy ones. Any material available today is not an approved product.
What is the half-life of Sermorelin?
Reported half-life for Sermorelin is ~11-12 minutes. Half-life describes how long the compound persists in circulation, not how long any effect lasts, and published figures vary with route of administration, formulation and the population studied.
What is the amino acid sequence of Sermorelin?
Sermorelin has the sequence Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-NH2, giving a chain of 30 amino acids. Its molecular formula is C149H246N44O42S.
Is Sermorelin banned in sport?
Sermorelin is recorded here as prohibited in sport. Athletes subject to anti-doping rules should check the current WADA Prohibited List directly, since it is revised annually and classifications change.
References
- WADA Prohibited List 2026External reference
- A potentially effective drug for patients with recurrent glioma: sermorelin — Ann Transl Med, 2021External reference
- Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions — J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev, 2026External reference
- Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance — Sports Med, 2026External reference
- A new era of doping? Use of peptide and peptide-analog drugs in recreational and professional sport and bodybuilding: a critical review — J Sports Med Phys Fitness, 2026External reference
- The emerging landscape of performance-enhancing peptides modulating GH-IGF1 axis: bridging the gap between clinical evidence and patient self-administration — Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 2026External reference
Related research, comparisons & guides
- CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin: Why the Pairing Exists and What the Vial Math Looks Like
- Sermorelin Dosage: A Discontinued Drug With a Second Life
- Ipamorelin vs Tesamorelin: Two Receptors, One Approved Drug
- Tesamorelin vs CJC-1295: Same Receptor, Different Clock
- Tesamorelin vs. Sermorelin: Same Family, Different Standing
- Best Time to Inject: When Timing Matters and When It Does Not
- Ipamorelin vs. Sermorelin: Two Receptors, One Outcome
- Sermorelin Side Effects: What the Label Recorded
- Sermorelin Before and After: What Results Are Plausible and What Photos Hide
- Sermorelin Tablets: Why Oral and Sublingual Forms Are a Hard Sell
- CJC-1295
- Tesamorelin
- Ipamorelin
- Peptide stacks: combinations by research goalStacks
- Peptide dosage chart: dose, route and frequencyCategory
- Peptide calculator with the Sermorelin preset
- How to store peptides before and after reconstitution
Related peptides
Compiled by Peptide Library Editorial · Reviewed Aug 30, 2026 · Updated Sep 26, 2026 · Version 4
This Sermorelin profile is compiled from published literature (5 cited studies linked above), public regulatory records and chemical registries. It describes what research reports; it is not medical advice, and nothing here is a dosing recommendation for humans. Peptide Library does not sell peptides. Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled · Report an error
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