Sermorelin (Geref)
Sermorelin acetate (GHRH(1-29)-NH2; GRF(1-29)-NH2)
Previously FDA-approved (Geref, discontinued 2008). No currently marketed FDA-approved product exists. Available through compounding pharmacies.
A synthetic peptide that stimulates the pituitary gland (a small gland in the brain) to release growth hormone naturally by mimicking the body's own growth hormone-releasing signal. It was previously FDA-approved for children with growth hormone deficiency and is now widely used through compounding pharmacies for anti-aging, body composition, and sleep support in adults.
This entry is a cited research summary, not an established treatment reference. Dosing language is included as source context, not as medical instruction.
Sermorelin (Geref) has moderate clinical evidence but is not FDA-approved.
Previously FDA-approved (Geref, discontinued 2008). No currently marketed FDA-approved product exists. Available through compounding pharmacies.
Safety Summary
Overall adverse effect profile is mild. Majority of events are transient and resolve with continued use. SAEs were rare in published trials. The development of anti-sermorelin antibodies is common but has not been associated with reduced efficacy or increased side effects in clinical trials. Related analog tesamorelin showed ~50% anti-drug antibody seropositivity without clear efficacy or safety impact. When combined with GHRPs, additional effects may include increased appetite (GHRP-6), occasional changes in cortisol/prolactin. Long-term chronic GH stimulation carries theoretical cancer risk (via IGF-1 elevation), but no causal link to sermorelin-specific cancer promotion established. No classical dependence/withdrawal syndrome documented.
Clinical check-in
If real-world use or exposure is being considered, review potential interactions, contraindications, and monitoring needs with a licensed clinician rather than relying on summary copy alone.
Cited sources
Every claim on this page links to one of the 5 sources below. Identifiers are PubMed (PMID), ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT), or DOI; click through to the source of record before acting on a claim.
- 1PMID 9141536PubMed
- 2PMID 18031173PubMed
- 3doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.3221DOI
- 4PMID 8329825PubMed
- 5Geref (sermorelin acetate) FDA NDA and Orphan Drug DesignationReference