Active fragment of natural GHRH. It was approved in the US for growth hormone deficiency in children and as a diagnostic test, but manufacturing stopped in 2008.
Regulatory status
Approved (FDA / EMA)
Family
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog
Scientific evidence
Moderate
Number of findings
1
Where it acts
Hormones and metabolism
Also known as
sermorelin, Geref, GHRH (1-29), GRF 1-29
Regulatory status
FDA (US): Approved (1990, Geref) as a diagnostic test of pituitary GH secretion and (1997, Geref) for idiopathic GH deficiency in children. Withdrawn from the market by the manufacturer in 2008 (approval rescinded in 2009); the FDA determined that this was not for safety or efficacy reasons.
EMA (EU): No centralized EMA authorization
Dose
30 µg/kg a day subcutaneously at bedtime, in children with GH deficiency (Thorner 1996; Geref regimen).
Safety
In children it was well tolerated, with no changes in glucose and no excess IGF-1. Its current "anti-aging" use in adults is not supported by trials; it requires medical supervision.
Effect by goal · level of evidence
Growth in children with GH deficiency
improvesModerateclinical trial (A)in people
4.1→7.2 cm/year
110 prepubertal children, 1 year, open-label: growth velocity went from 4.1 to 7.2 cm/year, without excessively accelerating bone age. 74% responded well at 6 months.
Binds to the GHRH receptor in the pituitary gland and stimulates the natural release of growth hormone, which in turn raises IGF-1. It respects the body's feedback control, unlike injected growth hormone.
What the evidence says
In people
Growth in children with GH deficiency. 110 prepubertal children, 1 year, open-label: growth velocity went from 4.1 to 7.2 cm/year, without excessively accelerating bone age. 74% responded well at 6 months. PubMed 8772599