Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analog
Sermorelin Research Peptide
Sermorelin (GHRH(1-29)-NH2, CAS 86168-78-7) is a synthetic 29-amino-acid peptide analog of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). As the biologically active N-terminal fragment of GHRH, sermorelin activates the GHRH receptor (GHRHR) on pituitary somatotrophs and has been studied extensively in clinical and preclinical research for its effects on growth hormone secretion.
Compound identity
- Name
- Sermorelin
- Class
- Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analog
- CAS number
- 86168-78-7
- Molecular formula
- C149H246N44O42S
- Also known as
- GHRH(1-29), GRF 1-29 NH2, Geref, Sermorelin Acetate
- Sequence
- Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-NH2
Research context
Sermorelin has the sequence Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-NH2 (CAS 86168-78-7, molecular formula C149H246N44O42S, MW approximately 3358 Da). It represents the first 29 amino acids of the 44-amino-acid endogenous human GHRH(1-44) and retains full biological activity for GHRHR binding and activation. Sermorelin is mechanistically distinct from the growth hormone secretagogue (GHS-R1a) agonists such as GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and hexarelin — those compounds activate the ghrelin receptor, whereas sermorelin activates the GHRH receptor — making their effects additive in some research paradigms. Sermorelin received FDA approval under the trade name Geref (Serono) for pediatric growth hormone deficiency diagnostics before being withdrawn from the US market in 2008 (voluntary withdrawal unrelated to safety; compounded sermorelin acetate continues to be available through compounding pharmacies in the US).
Clinical research on sermorelin spans diagnostic and therapeutic applications. As a GH stimulation test agent, a single IV dose (1 μg/kg) produces a peak GH rise within 15-30 minutes in individuals with intact pituitary function, and an attenuated response in those with GH deficiency — this has been studied as an alternative or complement to insulin tolerance testing. Therapeutic research examined sermorelin's effects on GH secretory dynamics in adult GH deficiency; unlike recombinant GH (which suppresses endogenous GHRH release via GH feedback), sermorelin acts upstream to stimulate the natural pulsatile GH secretory axis, preserving the physiological feedback mechanisms. Studies by Walker, Thorner, and colleagues documented sermorelin's pharmacokinetics, dose-response characteristics, and pulsatile GH augmentation in multiple patient populations.
As a research reagent, sermorelin is used in studies of the GHRH-GHRHR signaling axis, hypothalamic-pituitary regulation of GH secretion, and in combination paradigms with GHS-R1a agonists (where additive GH stimulation has been documented, reflecting the convergent but mechanistically distinct stimulation of somatotrophs via two different receptors). DMV Research supplies sermorelin as a lyophilized powder with per-batch third-party Certificate of Analysis confirming identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC to 99%+.
Frequently asked questions
What is sermorelin?+
Sermorelin (GHRH(1-29)-NH2, CAS 86168-78-7) is a synthetic 29-amino-acid peptide that is the biologically active N-terminal fragment of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It activates the GHRH receptor (GHRHR) on pituitary somatotrophs to stimulate growth hormone release. It was marketed as Geref (Serono) for GH deficiency diagnostics before voluntary market withdrawal in 2008.
What is the difference between sermorelin and GHRP-2 or GHRP-6?+
Sermorelin and the GHRP compounds work through completely different receptors. Sermorelin activates the GHRH receptor (GHRHR), mimicking endogenous GHRH. GHRP-2 (CAS 158861-67-7) and GHRP-6 (CAS 87616-84-0) activate the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). Because these two pathways are mechanistically distinct and converge at different points on the somatotroph signaling cascade, research literature has documented additive GH-stimulating effects when both receptor types are activated simultaneously.
What is the difference between sermorelin and CJC-1295?+
CJC-1295 is a longer-acting synthetic GHRH analog that incorporates a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) modification for extended half-life in plasma. Sermorelin (GHRH(1-29)) has a short plasma half-life of approximately 10-20 minutes; CJC-1295 DAC has a significantly extended half-life measured in days. Both activate the GHRHR; they differ primarily in pharmacokinetic profile, making them useful for different research paradigms.
Is sermorelin approved for human use?+
Sermorelin (Geref) received FDA approval for pediatric GH deficiency diagnostics and was voluntarily withdrawn by Serono in 2008 (not a safety withdrawal). As supplied by DMV Research, it is for in-vitro and pre-clinical laboratory research purposes only, not for human administration.
Research use only
All products are intended for laboratory and research use only (RUO) and are not for human consumption, ingestion, or any in-vivo use.
The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. Sermorelin is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Content is provided for laboratory research reference only.