Sermorelin
The first 29 amino acids of natural GHRH — once an FDA-approved drug.
Overview
Sermorelin is the active front section of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It tells the pituitary to release its own growth hormone in natural pulses. It was sold as Geref in the US for growth-hormone deficiency in children, then discontinued in 2008 for business reasons, not safety. Today it is mainly prescribed through compounding pharmacies.
How it works
Binds the GHRH receptor on the pituitary, triggering a short pulse of growth hormone and a rise in IGF-1. The body's normal feedback (somatostatin) still applies, so levels stay within a more natural range than injected GH.
Evidence
4/5
Human trials supported its former approval for pediatric GH deficiency. Evidence for adult anti-aging use is small and older.
Half-life
About 10–20 minutes; the GH pulse lasts a few hours
Known as
Geref, GRF 1-29 NH2, Sermorelin acetate
Compound facts
- Type
- GHRH analog (secretagogue)
- CAS Number
- 86168-78-7
- Molecular Formula
- C149H246N44O42S
- Molecular Weight
- 3357.9 g/mol
- Amino Acids
- 29 (amidated)
- 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
Reported benefits
Raises GH and IGF-1
Reliable GH release shown in human studies.
Growth in GH-deficient children
Basis of its former FDA approval.
Sleep and well-being in older adults
Some small trials and many user reports; results modest.
Body composition
Leaner mass reported; controlled adult data is limited.
“Anecdotal” means reported by users, not shown in controlled trials.
Community-reported regimens
Not recommendations. These are commonly cited ranges, shown so you can see what real-world use looks like.
| Plan | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Range 200–500 mcg. Inject on an empty stomach; 5 days on / 2 off is common. | 300 mcg | Once daily at bedtime | 8–12 weeks or longer, with breaks | Subcutaneous |
Reconstitution calculator
Set up for Sermorelin. Switch peptide or vial size any time.
1Mix
Add 2 mL water for 5 mg/mL
2Draw
Draw to 6 units = 0.06 mL = 300 mcg
Drag the plunger to set your dose.
3Inject
Next site
Right belly, upper
Tap a site after you inject to keep a rotation.
Pinch the skin, stay 2 in. from the navel, then into a sharps bin.
- Doses per vial
- 33.3
- Vial lasts
- 47 days
- Good once mixed
- ~21 days
- Syringe
- 30-unit, 0.3 mL
The vial outlasts its ~21-day shelf life once mixed. A smaller vial wastes less.
Math only: concentration (mg/mL) = vial mg ÷ mL of water; units = dose (mg) ÷ concentration × 100. Always double-check against your own vial label and a clinician. This tool does not recommend a dose.
Reconstitution
Diluent: Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) — allows multiple draws from one vial.
- Wipe both vial tops with an alcohol swab and let dry.
- Draw the diluent, then inject it slowly down the inside wall of the vial — never straight onto the powder.
- Swirl gently or let it sit; do not shake. Foam can damage peptides.
- Solution should be clear. Cloudy, stringy or discolored = discard.
- Common mix: 10 mg + 5 mL = 2 mg/mL (300 mcg = 15 units).
Storage
Powder
Freezer / fridge
Keep sealed vial in the freezer (−20 °C) for long-term storage; fridge (2–8 °C) is fine for a few weeks. Keep dry and out of light.
After mixing
~21 days
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Never freeze after mixing. Keep upright, capped, and out of light.
Travel
Keep cool
Short trips at room temperature are generally fine for powder; keep mixed vials cold.
- Short-acting GHRH peptides lose potency in solution — mix only what you will use in a few weeks.
Side effects & cautions
Reported side effects
- Facial flushing right after injection
- Injection-site pain, redness or swelling
- Headache
- Dizziness or nausea
- Trouble swallowing or hives (rare, reported on the original label)
Cautions
- Raises IGF-1 — avoid with active cancer or a history of it.
- Untreated low thyroid function can blunt the response; thyroid issues should be checked by a doctor.
- Not for use in pregnancy.
- Prohibited by WADA.
FDA & international status
Formerly FDA-approved (Geref) — discontinued 2008
Geref was approved for growth-hormone deficiency in children. EMD Serono stopped making it in 2008, and FDA confirmed the withdrawal was not for safety or effectiveness. There is no approved brand on the market now. Compounding pharmacies can prepare it with a prescription; compounding rules change, so check the FDA's current bulk-substance lists. Research vials are not the approved drug.
Regulations change often — verify with the FDA, EMA, MHRA, Health Canada, TGA and WADA before acting.
Often paired with
IpamorelinGHRH (sermorelin) plus a ghrelin mimic (ipamorelin) gives a larger GH pulse than either alone.
Where to buy
| Size | Price | Per mg | Stock | Latest COA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mg | $59.99 | $6.00 | In stock | 99.15% pure, lot SER0001 ILS Labs, tested 2026-08-03 |
Amino Club list prices as of 2026-10-07, before promo codes. Multi-buy: 2+ units 5% off, 3+ units 7.5% off, 10+ units 40% off. Prices change; confirm on the product page. Mixing? Their bacteriostatic water is Amino H2O from $19.99.
Sermorelin at Amino Club
Check sizes, current price and the certificate of analysis (COA) on the product page. Sold for in-vitro research only.
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- Look for a batch-specific COA with HPLC purity (≥98%) and mass-spec identity.
- Typical vial sizes: 2, 5, 10 mg.
FAQ
Was it pulled for safety reasons?
No. The maker stopped selling it in 2008 as recombinant GH took over the market. FDA stated the withdrawal was not due to safety or effectiveness.
Sermorelin or CJC-1295 (no DAC)?
Both are versions of the same 29-amino-acid GHRH fragment. CJC-1295 no-DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) has four swaps that make it last a bit longer. Sermorelin is the unmodified original with the longer human track record.
Why at bedtime?
The body's biggest natural GH pulse happens in early deep sleep. A fasted bedtime dose is meant to boost that pulse.