Sermorelin – 5MG

What Is Sermorelin?

Sermorelin is a 29 amino acid peptide, the shortest synthetically developed peptide that may potentially induce biological activity at the receptors for the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH).⁽²⁾ Sermorelin polypeptide is an analog of the GHRH factor consisting of GHRH (1-29 acid)-amide. Due to this structural and functional mimicry, Sermorelin has been studied across multiple branches of scientific research involving growth hormone deficiency models.⁽³⁾

It was in the early 1980s that the action of Sermorelin, classified as a growth hormone-releasing fragment GHRF (1-29) amide, was first explored. Several research studies were conducted on rats where exogenous GHRF (1-29) amide was introduced in conscious and anesthetized rats. It was observed that the presence of GHRF appeared to stimulate the pituitary gland and promote growth. Following this theory, Sermorelin and similar compounds have become the subject of further research in growth hormone deficiency models.⁽⁴⁾

 

How Is Sermorelin Thought to Work?

Sermorelin is suggested to be a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog constituting the first 29 amino acids out of the usual 44 amino acids found in growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Researchers posit that Sermorelin binds with the GHRH receptors found on the pituitary gland and suggest further that the synthetic peptide may stimulate secretion of growth hormone (hGH). Thus, Sermorelin is believed to maintain the fundamental function of GHRH, possibly stimulating the GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland and leading to sporadic release of growth hormone despite its reduced amino acid sequence. This mechanism is thought to result in increased levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), primarily recognized for its role in the anabolic actions of growth hormone. The estimated half-life of Sermorelin is around 11 to 12 minutes.

A major potential advantage of the peptide is that due to its apparent GHRH receptor specificity, it may not induce any significant change in the levels of other endocrine markers such as prolactin, insulin, cortisol, glucose, or thyroid hormones.⁽⁶⁾

 

Sermorelin Specifications

Name	Sermorelin
Other known names	GRF 1-29, GHRF (1-29) amide
Sequence	Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-NH2 (29 amino acids)
Molecular formula	C149H246N44O42S
Molecular weight	3357.93 g/mol
CAS number	86168-78-7
Synthesis	Solid-phase peptide synthesis, US
Form	Lyophilized powder
Amount per vial	5 mg
Purity	98.69% (HPLC)
Storage	−20 °C, dry, protected from light
SKU	P-SERMORELIN-5

 

What Does Research Show About Sermorelin?

How May Sermorelin Interact With GHRH Receptors?

Key finding: Cryo-electron microscopy of the GHRH receptor showed GHRH binding across all of its extracellular loops, all transmembrane helices except TM4, and its extracellular domain.⁽¹²⁾

Sermorelin is thought to interact with GHRH receptors through complex molecular mechanisms, possibly triggering various cellular signaling pathways. It is hypothesized that upon binding to the GHRH receptor, Sermorelin may alter the receptor's structure, potentially initiating a series of intracellular signaling events.⁽¹²⁾ Some researchers propose that Sermorelin might enhance the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in specific cells. This enhancement may occur through the activation of adenylate cyclase, which is suggested to convert ATP into cAMP. Higher levels of cAMP might lead to the activation of protein kinase A (PKA), a key enzyme in cellular signaling processes. PKA might phosphorylate various target proteins, thereby initiating further cellular responses. The potential activation of the GHRH receptor by Sermorelin, along with the ensuing cAMP-PKA signaling cascade, is thought to possibly promote the secretion and distribution of growth hormone (hGH) from somatotroph cells in the pituitary gland. The secreted hGH is also believed to contribute to the synthesis of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).⁽¹²⁾

What Does Research Show About Sermorelin and Growth Velocity?

Key finding: A review of Sermorelin research in idiopathic growth hormone deficiency reported significant increases in height velocity sustained over 12 months, with limited data suggesting the effect was maintained for 36 months.⁽⁷⁾

Researchers reported positive results in the idiopathic GH deficiency when Sermorelin was presented to unmatured research models. Increased growth and height velocity rate was observed within 12 months of consistent, continuous peptide presence. These elevated levels were reported to be sustained for an average of 36 months after continuous presence.⁽⁷⁾

What Anabolic Outcomes Has Sermorelin Research Reported?

Key finding: In one study, 16 weeks of nightly exposure to the GHRH(1-29) analog [Nle27]GHRH(1-29)-NH₂ increased skin thickness in both sexes and lean body mass in male models only, with no change in body weight.⁽¹⁴⁾

Preliminary findings from one study conducted over 16 weeks hypothesizes that a Sermorelin analog [Nle27]GHRH(1-29)-NH₂ might elevate growth hormone levels by as much as 107%, and increase IGF-1 levels by about 28%.⁽¹⁴⁾ The research further suggests a possible increase in lean body mass of approximately 2.78 lbs (1.26 kg), with no significant change in fat mass. These actions are tentatively attributed to the peptide's capacity to boost growth hormone levels, and in turn, IGF-1, which is considered a potential anabolic agent influencing growth hormone activity. The most noteworthy outcomes identified by the researchers include observations that there was “a gain of 1.26 ± 0.52 kg (P < 0.05) in LBM” and that “skin thickness increased significantly.”

What Does Research Show About Sermorelin and Lipodystrophy?

Key finding: In a study of 31 HIV models of lipodystrophy, GHRH exposure increased IGF-1 and lean body mass and reduced trunk fat, while glucose, insulin and lipid levels did not change significantly.⁽⁸⁾

Scientists carried out a controlled clinical study involving 31 HIV-positive subjects with lipodystrophy, to investigate the potential impact of Sermorelin.⁽⁸⁾ All 31 subjects were divided into two groups, where one was presented with Sermorelin, and the other group with a placebo for 12 weeks. Following the study, it was suggested by the research team that growth hormone levels appeared significantly increased in Sermorelin subjects as compared to the ones given a placebo. Levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) had apparently increased – resulting in increased lean body mass in the peptide group. Abdominal visceral fat drop was not statistically significant, however the ratio of trunk to lower extremity fat were reported by the researchers to be significantly reduced. There was no other reported change in the glucose or insulin levels.⁽⁸⁾

Could Sermorelin Affect Cognition in Research?

Key finding: Daily GHRH exposure improved performance on WAIS-R performance IQ, picture arrangement, verbal sets and other cognitive tests compared with placebo.⁽⁹⁾

In the early 2000s, clinical research studies were conducted with models at an average age of 68.0 ± 0.7 years to explore the correlation (if any) between tapering growth hormone release and impaired cognition. Scientists consider that with increasing age, levels of growth hormone naturally decline, which may result in reduced physiological functions, including cognition (i.e. ability to collect, process, and recollect information). Following the introduction of GHRH, of which Sermorelin is an analog, it was observed that there was an apparent improved performance in the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) – i.e. improved IQ levels, picture arrangement tests, and verbal tests - amongst the test subjects.⁽⁹⁾

What Does Research Suggest About Sermorelin and Tumor Cells?

Key finding: In a computational screen of transcriptome data from 1,018 glioma models, recurrent glioma samples appeared most sensitive to Sermorelin among 4,865 compounds; pathway analyses suggested it may inhibit tumor cell proliferation by blocking the cell cycle.⁽¹⁰⁾

A computer analysis of existing data on 1,018 glioma models and the respective action of 4,000 compounds, a DRS was determined for all compounds, for each subject. Following the results of the study, it appeared that the Sermorelin compound reportedly induced the most sensitivity in the test subjects. Upon analysis, it was suggested by the researchers that this may be due to the potential of Sermorelin to block the tumor cell cycles, thereby possibly preventing tumor cell proliferation.⁽¹⁰⁾

What Does Research Show About Sermorelin and Hypogonadism?

Key finding: A 2020 review of growth hormone secretagogues in hypogonadal male subjects described Sermorelin as a potent stimulator of growth hormone and IGF-1 that may improve body composition, while noting that clinical data are limited.⁽¹¹⁾

Initial research into the peptide suggested that Sermorelin might be impactful in increasing lean mass. One study sought to explore if Sermorelin had potential in hypogonadism (which is considered to stem from additional fat mass). Test models were divided into two groups where one group was presented with Sermorelin followed by GHRH 1-40, with a one week interval between the two compounds, whereas the other group was given the same combination in reverse order. Following the study, it was reported by the researchers that for both groups, the Sermorelin appeared to stimulate the release of FSH and LH, which might stimulate testosterone production.

This initial research spawned additional studies, including one clinical study that included 19 male subjects, 9 of whom were aged between 22 and 33 years of age, and 10 were aged between 60 and 78 years of age. The more elderly subjects were presented with one of two concentrations of Sermorelin for a period of 28 days, with an interval of 14 days in between the two instances. Testosterone levels in the elderly subjects reportedly increased after the presentation of Sermorelin; however, it should be noted that the levels were not statistically significant. Furthermore, researchers suggested that elevated levels of growth hormones, possibly induced by Sermorelin presence, appeared to be at peak during the night time, for all test subjects, as compared during the day.⁽¹¹⁾

 

Sermorelin Certificate of Analysis

Batch / lot	C74175
Test date	7/22/2026
Testing laboratory	Vanguard Laboratory
Method	HPLC-UV/VIS (identity and purity)
Purity result	98.69%
Full report	Download the Sermorelin COA (PDF)

Sermorelin peptide is available for research and laboratory purposes only. We offer free shipping in the US for orders over $200. Please review our Terms and Conditions before ordering.

 

Sermorelin Frequently Asked Questions

 

References:

1. Garcia, J. M., Merriam, G. R., & Kargi, A. Y. (2019). Growth hormone in aging. In K. R. Feingold, B. Anawalt, A. Boyce, et al. (Eds.), Endotext. MDText.com, Inc. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279163/
2. Prakash, A., & Goa, K. L. (1999). Sermorelin: a review of its use in the diagnosis and treatment of children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency. BioDrugs, 12(2), 139–157. https://doi.org/10.2165/00063030-199912020-00007
3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 16129620, Sermorelin. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sermorelin
4. Clark, R. G., & Robinson, I. C. (1985). Growth induced by pulsatile infusion of an amidated fragment of human growth hormone releasing factor in normal and GHRF-deficient rats. Nature, 314(6008), 281–283. https://doi.org/10.1038/314281a0
5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Drugs@FDA: FDA-approved drugs, application 020443. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=020443
6. Ishida, J., Saitoh, M., Ebner, N., Springer, J., Anker, S. D., & von Haehling, S. (2020). Growth hormone secretagogues: history, mechanism of action, and clinical development. JCSM Rapid Communications, 3(1), 25–37. https://doi.org/10.1002/rco2.9
7. Prakash, A., & Goa, K. L. (1999). Sermorelin: a review of its use in the diagnosis and treatment of children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency. BioDrugs, 12(2), 139–157. https://doi.org/10.2165/00063030-199912020-00007
8. Koutkia, P., Canavan, B., Breu, J., Torriani, M., Kissko, J., & Grinspoon, S. (2004). Growth hormone-releasing hormone in HIV-infected men with lipodystrophy: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 292(2), 210–218. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.292.2.210
9. Vitiello, M. V., Moe, K. E., Merriam, G. R., Mazzoni, G., Buchner, D. H., & Schwartz, R. S. (2006). Growth hormone releasing hormone improves the cognition of healthy older adults. Neurobiology of aging, 27(2), 318–323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2005.01.010
10. Chang, Y., Huang, R., Zhai, Y., Huang, L., Feng, Y., Wang, D., Chai, R., Zhang, W., & Hu, H. (2021). A potentially effective drug for patients with recurrent glioma: sermorelin. Annals of translational medicine, 9(5), 406. https://doi.org/10.21037/atm-20-6561
11. Sinha, D. K., Balasubramanian, A., Tatem, A. J., Rivera-Mirabal, J., Yu, J., Kovac, J., Pastuszak, A. W., & Lipshultz, L. I. (2020). Beyond the androgen receptor: the role of growth hormone secretagogues in the modern management of body composition in hypogonadal males. Translational andrology and urology, 9(Suppl 2), S149–S159. https://doi.org/10.21037/tau.2019.11.30
12. Zhou, F., Zhang, H., Cong, Z., Zhao, L. H., Zhou, Q., Mao, C., Cheng, X., Shen, D. D., Cai, X., Ma, C., Wang, Y., Dai, A., Zhou, Y., Sun, W., Zhao, F., Zhao, S., Jiang, H., Jiang, Y., Yang, D., Eric Xu, H., ... Wang, M. W. (2020). Structural basis for activation of the growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor. Nature communications, 11(1), 5205. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-18945-0
13. Vittone, J., Blackman, M. R., Busby-Whitehead, J., Tsiao, C., Stewart, K. J., Tobin, J., Stevens, T., Bellantoni, M. F., Rogers, M. A., Baumann, G., Roth, J., Harman, S. M., & Spencer, R. G. (1997). Effects of single nightly injections of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-29) in healthy elderly men. Metabolism: clinical and experimental, 46(1), 89–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0026-0495(97)90174-8
14. Khorram, O., Laughlin, G. A., & Yen, S. S. (1997). Endocrine and metabolic effects of long-term administration of [Nle27]growth hormone-releasing hormone-(1-29)-NH2 in age-advanced men and women. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 82(5), 1472–1479. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem.82.5.3943

Related reading: Sermorelin research in hormone-producing cells and Sermorelin & Ipamorelin blend research in growth hormone modulation.

Last updated Oct 9, 2026 · Scientific review: Dr. Dimitar Marinov, MD, PhD