Also known as: GRF 1-29
A synthetic peptide made of the first 29 amino acids of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), also called GRF 1-29. It was once an FDA-approved drug; most published research dates from the 1980s to 2000s, including small human trials in older adults and rat studies of the GHRH(1-29) fragment.
Sermorelin mimics the active portion of natural GHRH, the hypothalamic hormone that is the main stimulator of growth hormone (GH) synthesis and release from the pituitary; this effect is opposed by somatostatin and by IGF-I feedback [3][4]. Because it acts upstream of GH, the pituitary's own feedback controls stay in place [3]. In aging rats, pituitary responsiveness to GHRH(1-29) declined from about 12 months of age [2].
| Study | Model | Reported result | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GHRH responsiveness in aging rats [2] | Rat Male rats aged 2-20 months; in vivo and perifused pituitary cells, rat GRF(1-29)NH2 | GH response to GRF began declining at 12 months and was blunted at 20 months; pituitary somatostatin roughly doubled at 20 months | Peer-reviewed Neuroendocrinology 1991 |
| Cognition trial in older adults [5] | Human 89 healthy older adults, randomized vs placebo, 6 months | Endpoints: cognitive test performance. Published | Peer-reviewed Neurobiol Aging 2006 |
| GHRH and secretagogues in aging [3] | Review Summary of human GHRH and GH secretagogue trials in older adults | Reviewers judged the data encouraging but not enough to support routine use; trials were small and used intermediate endpoints | Peer-reviewed Endocrine 2003 |
| Fountain of Youth or Pool of Tantalus? [4] | Review Review of GHRH(1-29) and GH secretagogue research in normal aging | Describes the University of Washington GHRH(1-29) trials and concludes the benefit-risk balance remains uncertain | Peer-reviewed Clin Interv Aging 2008 |
| FDA determination on Geref [1] | Other Regulatory review of the discontinued Geref products (NDA 19-863, 20-443) | FDA determined the products were not withdrawn from sale for safety or effectiveness reasons | Company-reported Federal Register 2013 |
Human trials are listed for research context only; outcomes are reported in the linked publications. Animal and lab results do not establish effects in humans.
PureLab does not carry Sermorelin yet. Research demand decides what we add next; leave your email and we’ll tell you when it’s available.
