Sermorelin

Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) that binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotropes, stimulating endogenous pulsatile GH secretion. Unlike exogenous GH administration, sermorelin preserves physiologic feedback loops—GH release is subject to normal negative feedback via somatostatin and IGF‑1, reducing the risk of excessive GH or IGF‑1 levels. This pulsatile GH output then promotes hepatic and peripheral IGF‑1 production, supporting anabolic processes such as protein synthesis, lipolysis, and tissue repair. Pediatric studies in idiopathic GH deficiency demonstrated significant improvements in height velocity over 6–12 months of nightly subcutaneous therapy at 30 µg/kg. In adults, off‑label use aims to restore age‑related declines in GH output, though robust adult trial data are limited and dosing is extrapolated from pediatric and physiologic studies. Sermorelin requires a functional pituitary to be effective and will not work in cases of pituitary damage or primary GH gene defects.