Sermorelin (Sermorelin acetate)
GHRH Analog | Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone
Community Research
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Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino acid analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone that stimulates natural growth hormone production while preserving physiological pulsatile patterns. Originally FDA-approved in 1997 for pediatric GH deficiency, it was discontinued in 2008 for manufacturing reasons, not safety concerns.
Subcutaneous injection provides optimal bioavailability for binding GHRH receptors, stimulating pulsatile GH release while maintaining hypothalamic-pituitary axis integrity and allowing natural somatostatin negative feedback.
Molecular Data
Research Indications
1.26kg lean mass increase documented in elderly men with improved muscle strength tests.
Endogenous IGF-1 stimulation drives protein synthesis and muscle growth.
Enhanced recovery through physiological GH stimulation.
Doubles 12-hour GH release in elderly subjects over 6 weeks.
Decreased adiposity and improved lean mass distribution.
Improved skin thickness and quality.
Preserves natural axis function without suppression.
Maintains physiological GH release patterns.
Dosing Protocols
Subcutaneous injection is the primary method. Bedtime administration aligns with natural nocturnal GH pulses. Avoid food 2+ hours before injection as carbohydrates blunt GH response.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-aging/Longevity | 200-300mcg | Once at bedtime | SubQ |
| Athletic Performance | 300-500mcg | Once at bedtime | SubQ |
| Body Composition | 200mcg | 5 days weekly | SubQ |
| Combination Therapy | 200mcg + GHRP | Once daily | SubQ co-injection |
Reconstitution Instructions
- Sermorelin acetate lyophilized powder (2-5mg vial)
- Bacteriostatic water for injection (3mL)
- Insulin syringes (28-30 gauge)
- Alcohol swabs
- 1 Allow vial to reach room temperature
- 2 Clean vial top with alcohol swab; allow to dry
- 3 Inject 3mL bacteriostatic water slowly against vial wall (not directly on powder)
- 4 Gently swirl in circular motion - do not shake vigorously
- 5 Allow 2-3 minutes until powder dissolves into clear solution
- 6 Store reconstituted solution at 2-8°C; use within 10-30 days
- 7 Inject subcutaneously at 45-degree angle; rotate sites
Interactions
What to Expect
Side Effects & Safety
Common Side Effects
- Injection site reactions (16.7% of patients - generally mild)
- Nasal irritation (intranasal route)
Stop Signs - Discontinue if:
- Signs of pituitary tumor growth (headaches, vision changes)
- Severe injection site reactions or generalized allergic responses
- Uncontrolled diabetes or significant glucose intolerance
- New onset or worsening malignancy symptoms
Contraindications
- Active malignancy
- Pituitary tumors
- Pregnancy
Quality Checklist
Good Signs
- Completely clear and colorless solution without particles, cloudiness, or precipitation
- Greater than 98% peptide purity per USP standards
- Sterile, nonpyrogenic lyophilized powder
- Maintained at 2-8°C throughout transport
- Produced in FDA-registered facilities following cGMP
Warning Signs
- Brief room temperature exposure acceptable up to 72 hours but should be refrigerated promptly
Bad Signs
- Any cloudiness, particles, color changes, or precipitation indicates degradation
- Molecular weight should be exactly 3,358 daltons (free base) or 3,418 daltons (acetate salt)
References
- The effects of intranasal insufflation of growth hormone releasing factor analogue GRF 1-29 NH2 on growth hormone secretion in children with short statureLaron, Z., et al.Clinical Endocrinology (1988)
Intranasal GRF 1-29 at 100mcg/kg induced prompt GH release in prepubertal children with peak values at 15 minutes. Demonstrated feasibility of nasal delivery with minimal side effects.
- Growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone-(1-29) twice daily reverses the decreased GH and insulin-like growth factor-I levels in old menCorpas, E., et al.Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (1992)
Landmark study in healthy old men (68 +/- 6.2 yr). High-dose GHRH(1-29) twice daily for 14 days reversed age-related decreases in GH and IGF-I to levels not significantly different from young men.
- Once daily subcutaneous growth hormone-releasing hormone therapy accelerates growth in growth hormone-deficient children during the first year of therapyGeref International Study GroupJournal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (1996)
Pivotal multicenter trial with 110 prepubertal GH-deficient children. Sermorelin 30mcg/kg/day at bedtime increased height velocity from 4.1 to 8.0 cm/year at 6 months, with 74% achieving good response.
- Endocrine and metabolic effects of long-term administration of [Nle27]growth hormone-releasing hormone-(1-29)-NH2 in age-advanced men and womenVittone, J., et al.Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (1997)
5-month single-blind RCT in 19 adults (55-71 yr). Nightly GHRH analog for 4 months activated somatotropic axis. Men showed increased lean body mass, insulin sensitivity, and well-being. Skin thickness improved in both genders.
- Sermorelin: a better approach to management of adult-onset growth hormone insufficiency?Walker, R.F.Clinical Interventions in Aging (2006)
Review arguing sermorelin preserves pituitary function and physiological GH pulsatility, offering a safer alternative to exogenous GH for adult-onset GH insufficiency.
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Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.