Sermorelin

Key points

• Sermorelin is a 29 amino acid peptide that mimics the front section of natural growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH).
• It was previously sold as a licensed medicine (Geref) for growth hormone deficiency in children, later withdrawn for commercial reasons rather than safety.
• It is now marketed privately to raise the body's own growth hormone, though the adult evidence is thin.
• It has no UK marketing authorisation, and growth hormone releasing peptides are prohibited in sport.

Quick facts

What it is

GHRH analogue, 29 amino acids

Studied for

Growth hormone deficiency; marketed for anti ageing

UK status

Not a licensed medicine; previously licensed, now withdrawn

Human evidence

Mostly historical paediatric use; thin adult data

In sport

On the WADA Prohibited List

How it works

Sermorelin binds to GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland and prompts it to release growth hormone in natural pulses, which in turn raises IGF-1. Because it works through the gland's own feedback system, the body's normal controls, such as sleep and blood sugar, still apply. Its effect is short lived, and the human data on exactly how it behaves is limited.

What the evidence shows

The firmest evidence comes from its historical use in children with growth hormone deficiency. In adults the picture is thinner: mostly observational reports and expert opinion rather than large controlled trials. There is no trial that sets an adult dose, and no head to head comparison with growth hormone itself. The anti ageing, sleep and body composition claims are reported rather than proven.

What it does not settle

• There are no large adult trials for anti ageing or body composition.
• Long term safety in adults is not well established.
• Benefits for sleep, mood and wellbeing are anecdotal rather than trial proven.

Side effects

Common

• Redness, swelling or itching at the injection site, flushing, headache and drowsiness.
• Mild fluid retention, and possible changes in blood sugar, especially if injected while fasting.

Less common but serious

• Raising the growth hormone axis is generally avoided in people with an active cancer or a pituitary tumour, and in pregnancy.
• Because there is no UK licensed product, the dose, purity and contents of material bought online cannot be verified.

Report any suspected side effect through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

UK legal status and access

Sermorelin has no UK marketing authorisation, so it is not a licensed medicine here and is not offered by registered clinics or pharmacies. Genuine growth hormone deficiency is diagnosed with blood tests and treated with licensed medicines under specialist care.

Common questions