Sermorelin

Growth hormone axis Research compound (not approved for human use)

Growth hormone releasing hormone analog · also known as GRF 1-29, GHRH (1-29), Geref

For reference only — not medical advice. Figures are commonly reported values compiled from published sources and may be wrong or out of date. Many compounds listed are not approved for human use. Talk to a licensed clinician before using any compound.

Sermorelin (GHRH 1-29) was marketed in the US as Geref for diagnosing growth hormone deficiency and for children with idiopathic GH deficiency, until the manufacturer discontinued it for commercial reasons in 2008. Its shorter-acting, pulse-like effect is one reason it is still discussed in age-related GH research.

Commonly reported dosing (5 mg vial)

Reconstituted with 3 mL → 1.667 mg/mL.

Also sold in 10 mg vials.

Phase	Dose	Volume	U-100 units
Starting	200 mcg	0.12 mL	12
Standard	300 mcg	0.18 mL	18
Higher	500 mcg	0.3 mL	30

Frequency: Once daily at bedtime · Half-life: About 10-20 minutes in plasma

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Commonly reported dose escalation

Weeks	Dose	Volume	U-100 units
Weeks 1-2	200 mcg	0.12 mL	12
Weeks 3-4	300 mcg	0.18 mL	18
Weeks 5-6	400 mcg	0.24 mL	24
Week 7+	500 mcg	0.3 mL	30

Higher steps may need a larger vial or more than one draw. Escalation schedules vary; dosing decisions belong to a licensed clinician.

Commonly reported reconstitution steps

Vials are usually brought to room temperature (about 15-20 minutes) first.
3 mL of bacteriostatic water is added slowly down the inside wall of the 5 mg vial.
The vial is swirled gently until clear, not shaken.
This gives 1.67 mg/mL. Mixed vials are typically labeled with the date and refrigerated.

Storage

Before mixing: Sealed vials are commonly stored refrigerated (2-8 °C) and protected from light, or frozen for long-term storage.

After mixing: Reconstituted solution is commonly kept refrigerated (2-8 °C), protected from light, and not frozen.

Commonly used within 28 days of mixing.

How it works

Sermorelin binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs and stimulates GH synthesis and release. Because the response is still governed by somatostatin feedback, GH output is more physiologic than with direct GH administration, and IGF-1 rises as a downstream effect.

Researched for

Studied as a diagnostic test for GH deficiency (about 1 mcg/kg intravenously in children).
Studied in children with idiopathic GH deficiency, where once-daily bedtime dosing of about 30 mcg/kg raised height velocity over 12 months.
Discussed in reviews as a possible alternative to GH for age-related decline, though evidence in healthy adults is limited.

Notes

The prior US approval has been withdrawn (not for safety reasons); products available today are typically compounded.
In pediatric trials height gains were smaller than with somatropin.
Transient facial flushing and injection-site reactions were the most commonly reported effects.
Reference charts list 5 mg and 10 mg vials with the same 3 mL reconstitution.