Sermorelin

Introduction

Sermorelin (GRF 1-29) is a 29-amino-acid synthetic analogue corresponding to the biologically active N-terminus of human growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It was marketed in the United States as Geref and approved for pediatric growth-hormone deficiency, but the branded product was discontinued in 2008. Sermorelin remains widely used today as a compounded peptide in adult anti-aging and metabolic protocols.

Mechanism of Action

Sermorelin binds the GHRH receptor on anterior-pituitary somatotrophs, driving physiologic, pulsatile growth-hormone release. Unlike exogenous recombinant HGH, the endogenous-release pathway preserves pituitary feedback regulation. Effects include modest IGF-1 elevation and improved sleep-architecture markers (slow-wave sleep) in published studies.

Research Indications

Historical approved: pediatric GH deficiency (diagnostic + therapeutic). Compounded / off-label: adult somatopause protocols, sleep quality, body composition, post-injury recovery. Often paired with a GHRP (e.g., ipamorelin, GHRP-2) for additive GH release.

Reconstitution

Typical 5 mg or 9 mg lyophilized vial: a 5 mg vial reconstituted with 2.5 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 2000 mcg/mL (2 mg/mL) — each 0.05 mL (5 units on a U-100 insulin syringe) delivers 100 mcg.

Dosing Protocol (research literature)

Adult protocols typically dose 100–500 mcg subcutaneously once daily, pre-sleep on empty stomach to align with the largest endogenous GH pulse. Common pairing with ipamorelin or GHRP-2 at 100 mcg each pre-sleep. Cycle length 3–6 months with reassessment.

Administration

Subcutaneous injection into abdominal fat, rotating sites. Dose on empty stomach; pre-sleep dose 60–90 minutes after last food/drink other than water.

Storage & Handling

Lyophilized: refrigerate (2–8°C). Reconstituted: refrigerate; stable approximately 30 days. Protect from light.

Side Effects

Most frequent: flushing, mild injection-site reaction. Transient cortisol or prolactin elevation is less pronounced than with GHRPs. Headache and unusual taste/smell reported infrequently.

Contraindications

Active malignancy, untreated proliferative diabetic retinopathy, pregnancy, lactation, hypothyroidism (until corrected).

Monitoring

Baseline IGF-1, fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid panel. Re-measure IGF-1 at 6–8 weeks; trough IGF-1 above the age-adjusted reference range warrants dose reduction.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and research-reference purposes only. Nothing in this document constitutes medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation from a physician. The reconstitution, dosing, and protocol information above reflects ranges commonly cited in published research and clinician-directed protocols — it is provided as reference material only, not as instructions, an endorsement of off-label use, or a substitute for individualized medical evaluation.

Customers should do their own research and consult their own physician before considering any peptide protocol. Whether a given compound is appropriate for an individual — and at what dose, for what duration, and alongside what monitoring — is a decision that only a licensed clinician with knowledge of that individual's medical history, current medications, and conditions can make.

The platform and the author make no claim that any compound described here is safe, effective, or appropriate for any particular person or purpose, and accept no responsibility for outcomes arising from self-directed use of the information.