§ 01 Overview
Overview
29-amino-acid minimum biologically active GHRH fragment; FDA-approved as Geref in 1990 but marketing was discontinued in 2008.
FDA-approved 1990 (NDA 019863/020443). Marketing discontinued 2008; available via compounding.
§ 02 Mechanism
Mechanism of action
Sermorelin is GHRH(1-29)NH₂, the shortest fragment of GHRH that retains full activity. It stimulates pituitary somatotrophs via the GHRH receptor to release endogenous GH.
- 01Stimulates physiological GH pulses
- 02Historical FDA approval
- 03Widely compounded off-label
§ 03 Dosing
Dosing protocol
Standard Protocol
- Vial
- 3 mg
- BAC Water
- 2 ml BAC water
- Dose Range
- 100 – 500 mcg per dose
- Route
- SubQ
- Timing
- Before bed
- Frequency
- Daily
- Cycle
- 3–6 months
§ 04 Evidence
Evidence & research
FDA-approved 1990 (NDA 019863/020443). Marketing discontinued 2008; available via compounding.
FDA Status
FDA-approved but marketing discontinued (2008). Available via compounding.
§ 06 News
In the news
8 articles from the last 12 months · updates hourly
Sermorelin in Scientific Research: HGH Alternatives and Biological Pathways - OCNJ Daily
Sermorelin in Scientific Research: HGH Alternatives and Biological Pathways OCNJ Daily
Sermorelin and GHRP-2 Synergy: The Research Landscape in Peptide Signaling - The Independent Singapore News
Sermorelin and GHRP-2 Synergy: The Research Landscape in Peptide Signaling The Independent Singapore News
The murky science behind human growth hormone peptides - Scientific American
The murky science behind human growth hormone peptides Scientific American
Activation Clinic highlights role of Sermorelin in hormone health - KHON2
Activation Clinic highlights role of Sermorelin in hormone health KHON2
Activation Clinic explores peptide therapy for recovery - KHON2
Activation Clinic explores peptide therapy for recovery KHON2
Activation Clinic highlights role of Sermorelin in hormone health - Yahoo
Activation Clinic highlights role of Sermorelin in hormone health Yahoo
CoreAgeRx Launches Advanced Preventive Longevity Protocols Featuring Microdosing Semaglutide, Microdosing Tirzepatide, and Sermorelin Therapies - Media Decision
CoreAgeRx Launches Advanced Preventive Longevity Protocols Featuring Microdosing Semaglutide, Microdosing Tirzepatide, and Sermorelin Therapies Media Decision
The Peptide People Are Using to Fix Their Sleep - GQ
The Peptide People Are Using to Fix Their Sleep GQ
§ 07 Sourcing
Sourcing & supply
Regulatory status
FDA-approved
This compound has an FDA approval for at least one indication. Brand pharmacy channels exist. Compounding may or may not be available depending on shortage status.
503B pharmacies · 8
Empower Pharmacy
Rx requiredOne of the largest US compounders by volume; dual 503A + 503B. Repeat FDA enforcement history and ongoing Lilly litigation.
Olympia Pharmaceuticals
Rx required35+ year family-owned dual 503A/503B licensed in 48–49 states. Among the cleanest mid-sized 503Bs operating today.
Belmar Pharma Solutions
Rx requiredWebster Equity portfolio. Triple-credentialed (PCAB + NABP + LegitScript), licensed in all 50 states. Among the most credentialed operators.
Strive Pharmacy
Rx required503A, licensed in all 50 states. Triple-credentialed (PCAB + NABP + LegitScript). Partner of Lavender Sky.
Hallandale Pharmacy (Pharmcore)
Rx required503A with historic warning letter (2020, closed out 2022). Major telehealth fulfillment partner.
ReviveRX
Rx required503A mail-order. High-risk: Class I recall April 2024 for mislabeled tirzepatide vials containing testosterone cypionate.
Fagron Sterile Services
Rx requiredEstablished 503B outsourcing facility in FDA's registered list.
Wedgewood Connect
Rx requiredFDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility.
Telehealth (Rx) · 7
Defy Medical
Rx requiredBroadest peptide formulary in legitimate US telehealth. 13-year history, concierge cash-pay, no known lawsuits.
Ro
Rx requiredOnly major telehealth that avoided lawsuits by signing direct partnerships with LillyDirect and NovoCare.
Marek Health
Rx requiredPremium hormone optimization. All 50 states. 4.8 Trustpilot. Partners include Hallandale.
Ivim Health
Rx required~100 providers. Filed amicus brief supporting OFA's tirzepatide appeal. Joined Outsourcing Facilities Association.
Maximus Tribe
Rx requiredPerformance medicine platform. Flagship 'Oral TRT+' (enclomiphene + pregnenolone). Claims LegitScript-certified pharmacy partners.
Blokes / Joi Women's Wellness
Rx requiredMen's + women's optimization platform. TRT in 34 states. 4.6–4.8 Trustpilot.
Superpower
Rx requiredLongevity-biomarker subscription ($199/yr, 100+ biomarkers) with narrow prescription formulary.
Research-use-only · 3
Swiss Chems
Established SARMs/peptide vendor. FDA warning letter Dec 2024 for GLP-1s. Weaker peptide QC than SARMs QC.
Limitless Life Nootropics
'Only BBB-accredited peptide company' (since 2020). Claims three-lab third-party testing. Broad catalog.
Core Peptides
Broad catalog, widest payment range. Mid-credibility: Knoji 2.5/5 and one scam-impersonation report.
Listings are informational, not endorsement. Verify credentials and flags against FDA and PCAB databases before purchasing. Full directory & how to verify →
§ 09 Safety
Safety & side effects
Side effects
- 01Injection site reactions
- 02Headache
- 03Flushing
Contraindications
None specified.
§ 10 Questions
Sermorelin FAQ
- What is Sermorelin?
- 29-amino-acid minimum biologically active GHRH fragment; FDA-approved as Geref in 1990 but marketing was discontinued in 2008. Sermorelin is GHRH(1-29)NH₂, the shortest fragment of GHRH that retains full activity. It stimulates pituitary somatotrophs via the GHRH receptor to release endogenous GH.
- What is Sermorelin used for?
- Reported uses include stimulates physiological gh pulses, historical fda approval, and widely compounded off-label. Evidence strength is rated Established — see the evidence section for detail.
- How is Sermorelin dosed?
- Commonly referenced dosing is 100 – 500 mcg per dose, typically daily, administered SubQ. This is educational reference only; consult a licensed clinician before use.
- How do you reconstitute Sermorelin?
- For Sermorelin, vials commonly come in 3 mg and a common reconstitution is 2 ml BAC water. Use the reconstitution calculator to convert any vial size and water volume into exact insulin-syringe units.
- What are the side effects of Sermorelin?
- Commonly reported side effects include injection site reactions, headache, and flushing. This list is not exhaustive.
- Is Sermorelin legal?
- This compound has an FDA approval for at least one indication. Brand pharmacy channels exist. Compounding may or may not be available depending on shortage status. FDA status: FDA-approved but marketing discontinued (2008). Available via compounding..
§ 11 References
Selected references
- 01
Thorner — long-term GH deficiency treatment
PMID: 8772599
- 02
Prakash & Goa BioDrugs review
PMID: 18031173