Sermorelin
GHRH 1-29 Analog | Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone
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What is Sermorelin?
Sermorelin is a lab-made copy of a portion of a natural hormone called growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), which normally signals the pituitary gland to release growth hormone in the body's own natural rhythm. It was an FDA-approved medication for a pediatric hormone-deficiency indication until it was discontinued in 2008 for manufacturing reasons, and it remains one of the more thoroughly studied peptides in the growth-hormone research literature. Research-grade sermorelin sold here is intended for laboratory study only, not for human or animal use.
Key terms:
Sermorelin is a synthetic peptide.
Sermorelin acetate is a lab-made peptide of 29 amino acids. It copies part of human GHRH (the body's own signal for releasing growth hormone). The FDA approved it in 1997 for growth hormone deficiency in children. It was discontinued in 2008 for manufacturing reasons. Its reported safety record remains favorable. It prompts the body's own growth hormone release while keeping the natural pulse-like rhythm intact.
Key research areas
- FDA-proven efficacy for growth hormone stimulation
- 6% bioavailability with rapid onset
- Maintains natural GH pulses
- Preserves pituitary function
Researched dosing
This table reflects how researchers have structured sermorelin study designs in the literature — dose ranges and schedules used in published research, presented as methodology reference, not usage instructions.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longevity studies | 200-300 mcg daily | Once at bedtime | Subcutaneous injection |
| Athletic-performance studies | 300-500 mcg daily | Once at bedtime | Subcutaneous injection |
| Pediatric GH-deficiency studies | 30 mcg/kg daily | Once at bedtime | Subcutaneous injection |
| Diagnostic testing | 1 mcg/kg IV | Single dose | Intravenous bolus |
| Body-composition studies | 200 mcg daily | 5 days weekly | Subcutaneous injection |
| Combination studies | 200 mcg + GHRP | Once daily | Subcutaneous co-injection |
Commonly cycled 24 weeks on, 12+ weeks off.
How it works
At the cell level, sermorelin research looks at how the peptide signals the pituitary gland to release growth hormone in short, natural bursts — the terms below (pulsatile release, bioavailability) describe that signaling pattern.
Subcutaneous injection provides optimal bioavailability with rapid onset (5-20 minutes) and physiological pulsatile GH stimulation
Molecular data
These figures — molecular weight, chain length, sequence — are the chemistry ID researchers use to confirm a sermorelin sample's identity; it's built from 29 amino acids, matching the natural GHRH fragment it's modeled on.
- Weight
- 3358 Da
- Length
- 29 amino acids
- Type
- Synthetic Peptide
Pharmacokinetics
This chart shows how quickly a research dose of sermorelin is absorbed and cleared in the studies below — notice the short timescale, which is part of why the original FDA-approved product used frequent dosing.
- Peak
- 0.167 hr
- Half-life
- 0.2 hrs
- Cleared
- ~1 hrs
FDA Geref Label (discontinued)
Research applications
This section summarizes the research areas — growth-hormone stimulation and related pathways — that scientists have studied for sermorelin in the literature, not a list of conditions it treats in people.
Muscle Development
1.26 kg lean mass increase documented in elderly men with improved muscle strength tests. Stimulates endogenous IGF-1 production leading to muscle protein synthesis and growth. Enhanced recovery and muscle development through physiological GH stimulation.
Longevity
Stimulates natural growth hormone production preserving physiological pulsatile patterns associated with longevity benefits including improved body composition, skin quality, and energy levels.
Hormonal
Supports hormonal balance by stimulating the pituitary to release growth hormone in a physiological manner, preserving the hypothalamic-pituitary axis feedback mechanisms.
Dosage reference
- Doses used in research
- 200–300 mcg
- Frequency in studies
- Once at bedtime (align with natural GH pulse)
- Handling
- Reconstituted solution — research use only; not for administration
- Timeline reported in studies
- IGF-1 elevation: 1-2 weeks; Body composition: 4-8 weeks; Full benefits: 3-6 months
- Storage
- Lyophilized: 2-8°C up to 3 years; Reconstituted: 2-8°C for 10-30 days
- Cycle length
- 3-6 months continuous use, then 1-3 month break to prevent desensitization
- Break between cycles
- 1-3 months off between cycles, or use 5 days on/2 days off schedule
Interactions
This list shows which other compounds researchers study alongside sermorelin, and flags pairings that call for extra caution or monitoring in a research setting.
Reconstitution & storage
This is the standard laboratory method for turning freeze-dried sermorelin powder into a liquid research solution using bacteriostatic water.
- Allow sermorelin vial to reach room temperature before reconstitution
- Clean vial top with alcohol swab and allow to dry
- Inject 3mL bacteriostatic water slowly against vial wall (not directly onto powder)
- Gently swirl vial in circular motion - do not shake vigorously to avoid foaming
- Allow to sit for 2-3 minutes until powder completely dissolves into clear solution
- Store the reconstituted solution refrigerated (2–8°C), labeled with the date and concentration, for laboratory research use only.
Lyophilized: 2-8°C, use within Up to 3 years
Reconstituted: 2-6°C, use within 10-30 days depending on formulation
Open the Sermorelin reconstitution calculatorQuality indicators
These are the checks — appearance, purity testing, cold-chain handling — researchers and buyers use to confirm a sermorelin sample is correctly identified and hasn't degraded, alongside the Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Clear reconstituted solution - Should be completely clear and colorless without particles, cloudiness, or precipitation
Pharmaceutical grade purity - Greater than 98% peptide purity per USP standards with sterile, nonpyrogenic lyophilized powder
Proper cold chain storage - Maintained at 2-8°C throughout transport with protection from light and temperature extremes
FDA-registered manufacturing - Produced in FDA-registered facilities following current Good Manufacturing Practices with third-party verification
Cloudy or discolored solution - Any cloudiness, particles, color changes, or precipitation indicates degradation or contamination
Incorrect molecular weight - Should be exactly 3,358 daltons (free base) or 3,418 daltons (acetate salt) - verify with COA
Room temperature exposure - Brief room temperature exposure acceptable up to 72 hours but should be refrigerated promptly
What to expect
This timeline summarizes what the research literature reports at each study stage — research context for comparing studies, not a personal-results promise.
IGF-1 levels begin to rise, possible improved sleep quality and recovery
Enhanced body composition changes begin, increased energy and well-being
Visible muscle tone improvements, fat reduction, skin quality enhancement
Sustained body composition improvements, optimal IGF-1 elevation achieved
Maximum benefits including muscle development, fat reduction, and longevity effects
Safety notes
This section covers sermorelin's regulatory history and handling notes — it's no longer FDA-approved, and this is research-use-only scope, not medical guidance.
- Contraindicated in active malignancy, pituitary tumors, and pregnancy
- Monitor thyroid function - 6.5% develop hypothyroidism requiring hormone replacement
- Check IGF-1 levels monthly initially, then every 3-6 months long-term
- Originally FDA-approved in 1997 for pediatric growth hormone deficiency; discontinued in 2008 for manufacturing reasons
- No longer FDA-approved; available as compounded preparation
Regulatory status
- Not approved by the FDA for any indication.
- Supplied and described for laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
Community data
Community Insights
Based on data the community reported. Not clinical proof.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sermorelin?
Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino-acid analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). In the research literature it is described as signaling the pituitary to release growth hormone in the body's own pulsatile rhythm. It was FDA-approved in 1997 for a pediatric indication before being discontinued in 2008. Research-grade sermorelin sold here is intended for laboratory study only, not human or animal use.
What class of compound is Sermorelin?
Sermorelin is a synthetic peptide classified as a GHRH (1-29) analog — it reproduces the first 29 amino acids of natural growth hormone-releasing hormone. Its molecular weight is about 3,358 daltons as the free base. Researchers use these figures, and the acetate-salt weight near 3,418 daltons, to confirm a sample's identity against its Certificate of Analysis. It is sold for research use only.
How is Sermorelin typically reconstituted for research use?
In the laboratory, the sermorelin vial is first allowed to reach room temperature and its top wiped with an alcohol swab. Bacteriostatic water is injected slowly against the vial wall rather than onto the powder, then the vial is gently swirled — not shaken — and left to sit until the powder dissolves into a clear solution. This is standard peptide-handling methodology.
How should reconstituted Sermorelin be stored in the lab?
Lyophilized sermorelin is kept refrigerated at 2–8°C, where it stays stable for up to three years, while a reconstituted solution is held at roughly 2–6°C and used within about 10 to 30 days depending on formulation. Cold-chain handling matters: researchers confirm a good sample by a completely clear, colorless, particle-free solution checked against the Certificate of Analysis.
Is Sermorelin legal to purchase for research in Canada?
Lux BioPure sells sermorelin in Canada strictly as a research-use-only chemical for laboratory study — it is not for human or veterinary use and is not offered as a drug or supplement. Although sermorelin was FDA-approved in 1997 for a pediatric indication, it was discontinued in 2008 and is no longer FDA-approved, now available only as a compounded preparation.
References
Clinical study demonstrating effective nasal delivery with 69% patient preference over injection and direct absorption via nasal capillaries (1990s Nasal Administration Study)
View StudyStudy demonstrating significant synergistic effects when combining GHRH analogs with growth hormone releasing peptides: 54-fold vs 20-fold GH increase
Pivotal Geref International Study Group trial with 110 prepubertal GH-deficient children demonstrating sustained efficacy; height velocity increased from 4.1 to 8.0 cm/year (FDA Approval Study, 1996)