Sermorelin

A shortened growth-hormone-releasing hormone analog that prompts the pituitary to release its own GH.

01Overview

Sermorelin is the first 29 amino acids of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) — the minimal sequence needed to trigger GH release. It was historically an approved diagnostic and therapeutic agent.

Because it stimulates endogenous GH in a pulsatile way, it is studied as a more physiological alternative to direct GH administration.

02Mechanism

• Binds GHRH receptors on the anterior pituitary.
• Stimulates natural, pulsatile growth-hormone secretion.
• Preserves feedback regulation, avoiding the flat GH elevation of exogenous GH.

03Research uses

• Growth-hormone-axis research
• Recovery, sleep, and body-composition models
• Age-related GH-decline studies

04Key findings

• Raises GH and downstream IGF-1 while maintaining physiological pulse patterns.
• Often studied alongside a GH-releasing peptide (e.g., Ipamorelin) for additive effect.
• Timing relative to meals and insulin is a recurring experimental variable.

05Handling & reconstitution

• Supplied lyophilized as a white powder.
• Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water; swirl gently.
• Store lyophilized cold; reconstituted solution is short-lived — keep refrigerated.