Evidence Grade C — Moderate human evidence. 22 published studies, 14 human. 0 registered clinical trials.
Medically reviewed by a licensed medical professional
Sermorelin is a shortened form of growth hormone-releasing hormone that retains full biological activity. It was previously sold as Geref for growth hormone deficiency before being voluntarily withdrawn in 2009 for commercial reasons (not safety concerns). It remains one of the most commonly prescribed compounds through US compounding pharmacies, particularly in anti-ageing and hormone optimisation clinics.
Sermorelin is also known by these brand and alternate names:
22 published studies: 14 human, 0 animal, 3 in-vitro, 4 reviews
Sermorelin was formerly marketed as Geref (Serono) before voluntary withdrawal in 2009. The FDA confirmed the withdrawal was not related to safety or effectiveness. Research suggests it remains one of the most commonly prescribed compounds through US compounding pharmacies, particularly in anti-ageing and hormone optimisation clinics.
Research suggests sermorelin's appeal lies in its more physiological approach to growth hormone enhancement compared to direct growth hormone injection — it preserves pulsatile release and feedback regulation. However, clinical evidence for its use in adults outside the original paediatric growth hormone deficiency indication is limited, and its very short half-life requiring daily injection is a practical limitation. Compounding pharmacy formulations are not subject to the same regulatory oversight as FDA-approved products.
Like tesamorelin, sermorelin works by stimulating the pituitary gland to produce its own growth hormone rather than replacing it directly. It binds to the same GHRH receptor and triggers the same natural growth hormone release pattern. The body's feedback systems remain active, meaning growth hormone production does not exceed physiological levels. Its very short half-life (approximately eight minutes) means it is typically injected at bedtime to coincide with the body's natural nocturnal growth hormone pulse.
Research suggests sermorelin's appeal lies in its physiological approach — rather than replacing growth hormone directly, it stimulates the pituitary to produce its own, preserving the body's natural pulsatile release pattern and feedback regulation. This is considered potentially safer than direct growth hormone injection. However, no large randomised controlled trials exist for its current compounding pharmacy uses (anti-ageing, body composition improvement). The very short half-life (approximately 8 minutes) requires daily injection, typically at bedtime. Compounding pharmacy formulations are not subject to the same regulatory oversight as previously approved products. The FDA's consideration of its bulk drug substance status has raised questions about future compounding availability.
PeptideTrace tracks 0 registered clinical trials for Sermorelin sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
No trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov for this compound.
Sermorelin is GHRH(1-29)-NH₂, the first 29 amino acids of native 44-amino-acid GHRH. These 29 residues retain full biological activity at the GHRH receptor. It was formerly marketed as Geref. All NDAs were voluntarily withdrawn in 2009.
Sermorelin binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating endogenous GH release with preserved pulsatility and somatostatin-mediated feedback regulation. Its very short half-life of approximately 8 minutes necessitates subcutaneous injection (typically at bedtime to coincide with physiological GH release). Like tesamorelin, it cannot produce sustained supraphysiological GH levels due to intact negative feedback.
Sermorelin was formerly marketed as Geref (Serono). NDAs were voluntarily withdrawn June 18, 2009 (Federal Register 74 FR 23407). The FDA confirmed in March 2013 (78 FR 14095) that withdrawal was NOT for reasons of safety or effectiveness—it was a commercial decision by EMD Serono. The drug is widely available through US compounding pharmacies for off-label use in age-related GH decline, body composition optimization, and sleep quality improvement.
The information on this page is provided for educational and research reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
Compare prices from 21 vendor listings
View pricing data across vendors and countries for Sermorelin
Somatrogon is marketed as Ngenla (approved June 2023) for paediatric growth hormone deficiency in children aged 3 years and older. In the pivotal trial, once-weekly somatrogon produced growth rates equivalent to daily somatropin injections (10.1 cm/year versus 9.8 cm/year), confirming that reducing injection frequency does not compromise growth outcomes. Ngenla represents a meaningful advance for paediatric patients and their families, reducing injections from 365 to 52 per year. Treatment adherence has been a persistent challenge with daily growth hormone, and weekly dosing is expected to improve long-term outcomes through better compliance. Somatrogon competes directly with somapacitan (Sogroya), the other approved weekly growth hormone, creating a new generation of less burdensome treatment options.
Somapacitan is marketed as Sogroya (approved August 2020 for adult growth hormone deficiency; expanded April 2023 to paediatric growth hormone deficiency in children aged 2.5 years and older). It is the first once-weekly growth hormone approved for both adult and paediatric patients. In adults, clinical trials showed improvements in body composition including reduced truncal fat. In children, growth rates were comparable to daily somatropin. The albumin-binding approach provides predictable drug levels with lower peak-to-trough variation than some other long-acting growth hormone technologies. Sogroya competes with somatrogon (Ngenla) in the growing once-weekly growth hormone market, with both products expected to gradually replace daily injections as the standard of care.
ACE-031 has no marketing authorisation. A Phase I trial in healthy women showed increased lean mass and decreased fat mass. A Phase II trial in DMD (24 patients) showed lean body mass increases but was discontinued due to bleeding-related safety concerns (epistaxis, telangiectasias, and gum bleeding), likely caused by inhibition of BMP-9/10 vascular signalling. ACE-031 is a large fusion protein (~90 kDa), not a peptide. Its clinical development was halted. The non-selective ligand-trapping profile — capturing beneficial vascular signalling molecules alongside the intended muscle-growth targets — illustrates the challenge of targeting the TGF-beta superfamily. Acceleron subsequently developed more selective agents.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health.
