Sermorelin
Synthetic GHRH(1-29) amide
Also known as GRF(1-29)-NH2, GHRH(1-29) amide, Geref (former proprietary name)
The N-terminal 29-amino-acid fragment of human GHRH, which retains full receptor activity. Formerly marketed as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent; now used in research as a reference GHRH agonist.
Technical information
Values are shown with their status. “Verified” means the value has been checked against a primary database such as PubChem.
- Classification
- Synthetic GHRH(1-29) amide
- CAS number
- 86168-78-7 Pending
- Molecular formula
- C149H246N44O42S Pending
- Molecular weight
- 3357.9 g/mol Pending
- Sequence / structure
- GHRH(1-29)-NH2 (YADAIFTNSYRKVLGQLSARKLLQDIMSR-NH2) Pending
Some values are still being checked and should be treated as provisional until marked verified.
How this compound is tested
LC-MS mass consistent with the 29-residue amidated sequence (note the methionine at position 27, susceptible to oxidation; a COA may report oxidised impurities). HPLC purity typical.
Research background
Sermorelin corresponds to the minimal fully active fragment of GHRH. It was licensed in the United States as Geref for diagnosis of GH deficiency and for paediatric GH deficiency, and was later withdrawn from the market for commercial rather than safety reasons. It is widely used as a comparator in GHRH-axis research because of its well-characterised history.
Mechanisms investigated in published research
These are the mechanisms examined in the cited literature. Describing them is not a claim that the compound produces any effect in humans.
- GHRH receptor agonism on somatotrophs.
- Short half-life in vivo because of rapid DPP-4 cleavage of the N-terminus.
Summary of evidence
Laboratory and animal findings are kept separate from human clinical evidence.
Preclinical findings
Characterised extensively in animal pituitary cell assays and in vivo GH-release studies in the 1980s.
Human clinical evidence
Historical clinical use as a licensed diagnostic/therapeutic product in GH deficiency. The product is no longer marketed; a 2006 review (Walker) discusses its clinical history. Historical licensing does not confer any status on research-grade material.
Limitations and open questions
- Short duration of action complicates in-vivo experimental design.
- Limited modern controlled trials.
- Prohibited in sport under the WADA list.
Scientific references
Publications cited on this page. Links open the publisher or PubMed record.
[1]Walker RF. Sermorelin: a better approach to management of adult-onset growth hormone insufficiency?. Clinical Interventions in Aging (2006).
Review Citation pending
Research use only
Sermorelin is described here for laboratory research. It is not approved for human or veterinary use unless a regulator has said otherwise, and nothing on this page is medical advice or guidance on administration. A disclaimer does not by itself make any activity lawful. Full disclaimer.
Contact options
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