Sermorelin
Also known as: Geref, GRF 1-29
At a glance
PeptiGuide dataset · reviewed Aug 2026
What it is
GHRH 1-29 peptide studied for pituitary GH signaling
Status
FDA Approved
Typical dose
200–500mcg
Researched for
Anti-aging, hormone optimization, sleep quality
Trial progress
- PrePreclinical
- IPhase I
- IIPhase II
- IIIPhase III
- IVPhase IV
- FDAFDA approved
FDA approved - FDA-approved for specific uses with established human evidence
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In plain language
- 29-amino-acid GHRH fragment also known as Geref or GRF 1-29.
- Reported to stimulate pituitary growth hormone release rather than supplying recombinant GH.
- Current source status: not FDA approved; historically approved then discontinued, with off-label use continuing.
- Source-reported typical dose: 200-500 mcg before bed by injection.
- Researched for anti-aging, hormone optimization, and sleep quality, with limited adult anti-aging evidence noted.
How it's thought to work
Sermorelin is identified as the 1-29 fragment of human growth hormone-releasing hormone. The source reports that it engages GHRH receptors in the anterior pituitary, prompting endogenous growth hormone production and pulsatile release while remaining within normal somatostatin-mediated feedback control.
What the research shows
Where the research stands
The source describes Sermorelin as having historical clinical use rather than only informal -market interest. It reports FDA approval in 1990 for diagnosing GH deficiency and a 1997 approval for pediatric idiopathic GH deficiency with growth failure, with studies described as showing increased GH release and growth velocity after about six months of daily injections. It also cites work in which intravenous Sermorelin was used as a relatively specific GH-deficiency test with few false positives, and once-daily use supported growth in some GH-deficient prepubertal children. For adult anti-aging use, the source characterizes the evidence as much thinner, noting a 2006 editorial that favored Sermorelin conceptually over recombinant GH for age-related GH decline while acknowledging limited long-term clinical data. Commercial discontinuation in 2008 is attributed to business reasons rather than safety in the source, leaving current adult use tied to compounded, off-label contexts and limited modern trial evidence.
What it shows
✓ Human clinical evidence
FDA-approved for specific uses with established human evidence
△ Limitations
Use only according to approved labeling and qualified medical guidance.
Bottom line: Previously FDA approved and discontinued; off-label use continues Not currently FDA approved; previously approved and discontinued
Typical dosing
CommunityCommunity dataset200–500 mcg
before bed
Community-reported dosing only; source also notes fasted use at least 2 hours after the last meal and bedtime alignment with natural GH pulses. · Subcutaneous injection at bedtime
Research dosing
Indication-specificApproved for specific uses - study doses are indication-specific
Timing & administration
Best time to take
Before bed (fasted)
Once daily before bed
Food recommendation
Take on an empty stomach
Why this timing?
The source links bedtime use to Sermorelin's GHRH-like signaling and the normal nighttime growth hormone pulse during sleep.
Possible side effects
Not everyone experiences these. Individual responses vary with dose, duration, and personal factors.
- Facial flushing
- Injection site reactions
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Joint pain
- Water retention
- Elevated IGF-1 levels
- Allergic reactions
Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity can vary by context, purity, route, and individual health factors.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Sequence
H-YADAIFTNSYRKVLGQLSARKLLQDIMSR-NH2
One open dataset
Every fact on this page - doses, side effects, references - comes from the same PeptiGuide dataset that powers the Tracker, Compare, and the Lab.
Browse the datasetEducational resource, not medical advice. Talk to your clinician before acting on anything here.
Community discussion
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