# Sermorelin

> Evidence tier S — Approved · GH & Growth · reviewed 2026-11-08
> Source page: https://peptidemeta.com/p/sermorelin/

Also known as: Geref, GRF(1-29)NH2, Sermorelin acetate

## Quick answers

**What is Sermorelin?**

A bioidentical GHRH analog containing the first 29 amino acids of endogenous GHRH.

**How strong is the evidence for Sermorelin?**

Tier S (approved) on the peptidemeta evidence scale. Previously FDA-approved (Geref) for diagnosis and treatment of GH deficiency in children; withdrawn from the market in 2008 for commercial reasons.

**Is Sermorelin FDA-approved?**

It was FDA-approved (Geref) in 1997, but the product was later discontinued. Approved for pediatric GH deficiency; discontinued 2008, not for safety reasons.

**Is Sermorelin banned in sport?**

Yes. Sermorelin is prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency under S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics).

**How does Sermorelin work?**

Sermorelin (GHRH 1-29) is the biologically active N-terminal fragment of endogenous GHRH. It binds the GHRH receptor on anterior pituitary somatotrophs and activates cAMP/PKA signaling to promote GH gene transcription and pulsatile GH release.

**What is known about the safety of Sermorelin?**

Previously FDA-approved (Geref) with a well-established safety record. Common side effects: injection site pain, flushing, headache, dizziness.

## Key facts

- **Evidence tier:** S (Approved)
- **FDA:** approved, later discontinued
- **WADA:** prohibited (S2)
- **Peptide:** yes
- **Routes studied:** Subcutaneous, Intramuscular

## Overview

A bioidentical GHRH analog containing the first 29 amino acids of endogenous GHRH. It was one of the first peptides prescribed for GH deficiency in both children and adults.

## Mechanism

Sermorelin (GHRH 1-29) is the biologically active N-terminal fragment of endogenous GHRH. It binds the GHRH receptor on anterior pituitary somatotrophs and activates cAMP/PKA signaling to promote GH gene transcription and pulsatile GH release. It preserves the natural feedback loop, preventing supraphysiological GH levels.

## Effects reported in research

_Reported outcomes, not promises; see the evidence tier._

- Stimulated natural GH secretion
- Improved sleep quality and REM duration
- Enhanced lean body mass
- Reduced visceral adiposity

## Safety & unknowns

Previously FDA-approved (Geref) with a well-established safety record. Common side effects: injection site pain, flushing, headache, dizziness. Preserves the hypothalamic-pituitary feedback axis. Manufacturing discontinued in 2008 for commercial reasons, not safety.

## Status sources

- [Drugs@FDA: Geref (sermorelin)](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=BasicSearch.process)
- [Federal Register: Geref not withdrawn for safety reasons](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/03/04/2013-04851)
- [WADA 2026 Prohibited List](https://www.wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list)

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Educational reference only — not medical advice. No dosing information is published. Tiers rate the strength of published evidence, not effectiveness or safety.