GHRH analogEditorially reviewed · 28. Mai 2026

Sermorelin

Also known as GHRH(1-29)-NH₂, GRF(1-29), Geref et al.

not approvedEvidence · early clinical studies3 studies citedWADA-listed

Structure · schematic

Peptide chain of 29 amino acids · GHRH-Analog

Sequence

YADAIFTNSYRKVLGQLSARKLLQDIMSR-NH₂

Schematic representation of the amino acid chain — not a chemical structural formula. Each node represents one amino acid (shown truncated).

Research areas*

Muscle growth
Anti-aging

* Contexts in which the peptide has been scientifically studied — not assured or recommended effects.

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Mechanism of action

  • Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino-acid peptide corresponding to the first 29 amino acids of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) — the shortest sequence that still retains full biological activity at the GHRH receptor (GHRHR).
  • By binding to GHRHR in the somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary, sermorelin stimulates the synthesis and pulsatile release of growth hormone (GH).
  • Compared with CJC-1295, sermorelin has a shorter biological half-life (approx. 10–20 minutes), producing more physiological, short-lived GH pulses than long-acting GHRH analogs.
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Research status

  • In the USA, sermorelin was approved as Geref from 1997 to 2002 for the treatment of idiopathic growth hormone deficiency in children (withdrawn from the market for commercial, not safety, reasons).
  • Clinical studies documented improved body composition, increased bone density and reduced body fat in GH-deficient adults.
  • In an anti-aging medical context, sermorelin is used off-label in the USA as an alternative to exogenous HGH; controlled studies for this use in healthy adults are largely lacking.
  • Its effect depends on intact pituitary function — insufficient in cases of severe GH-axis damage.

Evidence level

PreclinicalEarly clinicalEstablished
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Cited studies

  1. 1998
    Sermorelin: a review of its use in the diagnosis and treatment of children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency
  2. 2006
    Effects of sermorelin on body composition in adults with growth hormone deficiency
  3. 2010
    Growth hormone-releasing hormone(1-29) normalizes sleep and the GH/IGF-I axis in patients with depression
§ 4

Known risks

  • 01Flushing and dizziness possible shortly after injection (vasodilatory effect)
  • 02Headache described at higher doses
  • 03Pituitary function required — without an intact GH axis, insufficient effect
  • 04Fluid retention due to GH/IGF-1 increase
  • 05No data on long-term use in healthy adults
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Frequently asked questions

What is Sermorelin?

Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino-acid peptide corresponding to the first 29 amino acids of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) — the shortest sequence that still retains full biological activity at the GHRH receptor (GHRHR).

What type of peptide is Sermorelin?

Sermorelin belongs to the GHRH analog class.

Is Sermorelin legal in Germany?

Sermorelin is not approved as a medicine in Germany. Obtaining it outside clinical studies is legally problematic.

Where can I buy Sermorelin?

Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Sermorelin is "not approved" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.

Is Sermorelin banned in sport (WADA)?

Yes. Sermorelin is on the WADA Prohibited List and is therefore banned in competitive sport.

What are the known risks of Sermorelin?

Documented risks include: Flushing and dizziness possible shortly after injection (vasodilatory effect); Headache described at higher doses. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.

How well researched is Sermorelin?

The evidence is classified as “early clinical studies”. 3 studies are cited on this page.

What is the molecular weight of Sermorelin?

Sermorelin has a molar mass of about 3357.9 Da, with a plasma half-life of ~10–20 minutes.

Which peptides are related to Sermorelin?

Closely related entries: CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, Tesamorelin, GHRP-2. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.

Related entries

Legal status

Germany

not approved

Austria

not approved

Switzerland

not approved

EU

not approved

USA

unclassified

Canada

unclassified
WADA-listed · S2

Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.

Sources & methodology

  • 3 peer-reviewed studies cited, linked to PubMed where available.
  • Molecular data verified against PubChem and primary literature. PubChem CID 16132413
  • Editorial standard: no dosage guidance, no sources, evidence level stated explicitly.

Last editorially reviewed: 28 May 2026

Legal assessment

Sermorelin is not approved as a medicine in the EU. The US approval was voluntarily withdrawn in 2002 for commercial reasons, not safety reasons. As a GHRH analog, sermorelin is listed on the WADA Prohibited List (S2). Importing it without a medical prescription in Germany is legally problematic (AMG).

Important notice

This site is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information about peptides. It does not constitute medical advice, does not replace a consultation with a doctor and contains no recommendations for use in humans.

This site does not sell any substances and names no sources for unapproved substances. For medical questions, please consult qualified medical professionals.

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Community notes

Note: These posts are user opinions and not medical advice. Posts containing dosages, therapeutic claims or purchase recommendations are removed. All entries are manually reviewed before publication.