Sermorelin
5mg
A synthetic peptide made from the first 29 amino acids of GHRH — the shortest fragment that retains the full signal for triggering growth hormone release from the pituitary. Works with the body's own feedback systems intact, producing natural pulsatile GH rather than flooding the system directly. Research has examined its role in GH axis biology, age-related GH decline, body composition, and IGF-1 regulation.
The minimum
viable signal.
A 29-amino acid synthetic peptide representing the shortest fragment of GHRH that retains full biological activity — stimulating pulsatile GH release from the anterior pituitary while preserving every downstream feedback loop intact.
Corpas et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1992 · Vittone et al. Metabolism 1997 · FDA NDA 020604. All data from peer-reviewed literature. For Research Use Only — Not for Human Consumption.
Manufactured in US
US-formulated & filled
Endotoxin Tested
<0.05 EU/mL verified
Independently Tested
Horizon Analytical · 6-panel COA
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Sermorelin is supplied exclusively for qualified in vitro laboratory research. Not for human administration.
This product is a research-grade synthetic peptide supplied under research use only (RUO) designation. Sermorelin is a research-grade synthetic peptide. It is not approved for any therapeutic use. By purchasing, the buyer represents they are a qualified researcher using this compound solely for lawful in vitro laboratory research. Not a drug, dietary supplement, food, or medical device. For Research Use Only — Not for Human Consumption.
29
of 44.
Native human GHRH is 44 amino acids long. Researchers discovered that the biological activity required for GHRH receptor binding and GH stimulation resides entirely within the first 29 — making sermorelin the shortest synthetic fragment of GHRH that retains the full complement of functional GHRH activity.
Full GHRH(1-44) Sequence
Active region — Sermorelin
■ Residues 1–29 — Full GHRH-R binding activity — Sermorelin = H-[1-29]-NH2
Inactive region — not in sermorelin
□ Residues 30–44 — not required for GHRH receptor activity
29
Sermorelin residues
44
Full GHRH residues
CAS 86168-78-7 · C149H246N44O42S · MW 3357.96 Da
A peptide with decades
of clinical research
behind it.
Sermorelin has an unusually deep clinical evidence base for a research peptide. Decades of peer-reviewed studies across endocrinology, aging biology, and GH axis pharmacology make it one of the best-characterized GHRH analogues available for in vitro research.
1982
GHRH Characterized — Human Pancreatic Tumor
Native GHRH first isolated and characterized from a human pancreatic islet tumor. Full 44-AA sequence determined. Sermorelin acetate (GHRH 1-29) subsequently used to characterize GHRH receptor pharmacology in early studies.
Early 1990s
Clinical Development — Somatopause Research
Corpas et al. (1992) and Vittone et al. (1997) demonstrate that GHRH(1-29) significantly increases 24-hour GH secretion and raises IGF-1 toward younger-adult ranges in men aged 60–78. Pulsatile GH pattern preserved throughout.
1997
Regulatory Characterization — Sermorelin Acetate
Sermorelin acetate received regulatory characterization as a diagnostic agent for assessing pituitary GH secretory capacity. First GHRH analogue to complete the full clinical development pipeline, providing a Phase 3-level clinical evidence base rare among research peptides.
2000s — Ongoing
Compounding & Continued Research Use
Sermorelin continued to be widely used in compounded form and research contexts following the withdrawal of the branded product. Its well-characterized pharmacology, GH axis specificity, and intact feedback mechanism have kept it a standard reference compound in GHRH receptor and somatopause research.
Current Regulatory Status
Trident Labs — Sermorelin (Research Grade RUO)
Identical-sequence synthetic peptide supplied exclusively for in vitro laboratory research. Not approved for any therapeutic use. Supplied exclusively for in vitro laboratory research. For Research Use Only.
Research context: Sermorelin's clinical pharmacology is well-characterized by peer-reviewed literature spanning 1992–2006, covering GHRH-R pharmacology, somatopause, IGF-1 dynamics, and body composition endpoints. This depth of evidence is uncommon in the research peptide category.
GH falls
50–70%
by age 60.
This age-related decline in GH and IGF-1 — termed somatopause — is the central research context for sermorelin. The pituitary's capacity to respond to GHRH stimulation is preserved in most aged individuals; it's the upstream GHRH signal that weakens. Sermorelin replaces that signal.
Corpas et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1992 · Vittone et al. Metabolism 1997 · Walker RF, Clin Interv Aging 2006
GH/IGF-1 Axis Across the Lifespan
Schematic based on published somatopause literature. Research context only — not Trident Labs claims.
GHRH-R → cAMP →
pulsatile GH → IGF-1.
Sermorelin activates the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs through the same pathway as endogenous GHRH — without modifying or bypassing any of the feedback controls that regulate GH physiology. The result is a physiologically patterned GH pulse rather than continuous, unregulated secretion.
GHRH-R Binding → Gαs → Adenylate Cyclase
Sermorelin binds the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) on anterior pituitary somatotroph cells. Binding affinity comparable to full-length GHRH. GHRH-R is a Gαs-coupled GPCR — receptor activation recruits Gαs, which activates adenylate cyclase. This is identical to the mechanism of native GHRH.
↑cAMP → PKA → GH Gene Transcription + Exocytosis
Adenylate cyclase converts ATP to cAMP. Rising cAMP activates protein kinase A (PKA) → phosphorylation of CREB → GH gene transcription upregulation. Simultaneously, PKA activates L-type calcium channels → Ca2+ influx → GH granule exocytosis from somatotrophs. Both GH synthesis and secretion are stimulated.
GH Pulse → Liver → IGF-1 → Peripheral Effects
GH enters circulation in a pulse — the normal pulsatile pattern is preserved because somatostatin feedback from the hypothalamus remains intact. Hepatic GH receptor activation via JAK2/STAT5 → IGF-1 gene transcription. IGF-1 mediates anabolic, lipolytic, and metabolic effects downstream.
Somatostatin + IGF-1 Negative Feedback — Preserved
Unlike exogenous GH, sermorelin operates within the intact hypothalamic-pituitary feedback axis. Somatostatin released between pulses naturally terminates GH secretion. Rising IGF-1 inhibits further GH release. The result: GH levels stay in physiological range, avoiding the supraphysiological profiles seen with exogenous GH. This is the mechanistic basis for the lack of insulin resistance in studies.
Research Endpoint Areas
GH Axis Research — Pituitary Cell Models
GH quantification via RIA or ELISA in conditioned media from primary pituitary somatotrophs or GC cells. cAMP HTRF assay as upstream signaling readout. GHRH-R binding competition assays. Pulsatile GH kinetics vs continuous exogenous GH comparison models.
Somatopause & Age-Related GH Decline
Corpas et al. (1992) and Vittone et al. (1997) provide the foundational human data: GHRH(1-29) significantly increased 24-hour GH secretion and raised IGF-1 toward younger-adult ranges in aged men. IGF-1 ELISA, GH radioimmunoassay, and 24-hour pulsatile GH profiling are the standard assay endpoints.
Body Composition & Metabolic Research
GH/IGF-1 axis activation influences lean mass, adipose tissue (particularly visceral fat), bone mineral density, and metabolic rate. Body composition studies use DEXA, fat biopsy, adipokine panels, and indirect calorimetry as standard endpoints in GH axis research models.
Sleep Architecture & Nocturnal GH Pulsatility
GHRH has direct sleep-promoting effects (Steiger et al. 1992). The largest natural GH pulse occurs during slow-wave sleep. Bedtime sermorelin research models study the interaction between GHRH receptor activation and sleep architecture — polysomnography + GH profiling combination endpoints.
Sermorelin vs
Tesamorelin.
Both sermorelin and tesamorelin activate the GHRH receptor to stimulate pulsatile GH release. The difference is structural engineering: tesamorelin adds a trans-3-hexenoyl modification to the N-terminus that blocks DPP-IV degradation. Sermorelin is the raw GHRH(1-29) fragment — shorter half-life, but same receptor, same axis, same downstream effects.
For research purposes, each offers a different pharmacological profile. Sermorelin's rapid clearance makes it useful for studying the immediate post-receptor cascade. Tesamorelin's DPP-IV resistance provides a longer research window per administration.
Research Note: Tesamorelin is the only GHRH analogue with FDA approval for an adult indication (EGRIFTA® — HIV lipodystrophy). Sermorelin has Phase 3-level clinical evidence going back to 1992. Both are available as research-grade peptides from Trident Labs.
Full specification.
Molecular and analytical data from peer-reviewed literature and Trident Labs batch records.
Long-term
-20°C
Lyophilized sealed. Stable 24+ months. Avoid frost-free freezers.
In solution
4°C
Stable 7 days reconstituted. Single-use aliquots preferred.
Solvent
Sterile H2O
Reconstitute in sterile water. PBS pH 7.0–7.4 also suitable. 0.5–1 mg/mL.
Avoid
Oxidants
Met residue at position 27 is oxidation-sensitive. Use amber vials, avoid UV.
For Research Use Only — Not for Human Consumption. Not an approved drug product. Supplied exclusively for in vitro laboratory research by qualified researchers.
| Common Name | Sermorelin / GHRH(1-29) / GRF 1-29 / Sermorelin Acetate |
| Sequence | H-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 |
| CAS Number | 86168-78-7 |
| Molecular Formula | C149H246N44O42S |
| Molecular Weight | 3,357.96 Da |
| Structure | 29-AA N-terminal fragment of human GHRH · C-terminal amidated · shortest fully active GHRH fragment |
| Primary Target | GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) — pituitary somatotroph Gαs-coupled GPCR |
| Signaling | GHRH-R → Gαs → adenylate cyclase → ↑cAMP → PKA → GH transcription + Ca2+ exocytosis |
| GH Pattern | Pulsatile — somatostatin and IGF-1 feedback fully intact |
| Plasma t½ | ~11–12 min (Ishida J et al., JCSM Rapid Commun 2020) |
| DPP-IV Sensitivity | Moderate — faster clearance than tesamorelin (no hexenoyl modification) |
| Form | Lyophilized powder · sealed glass vial |
| Purity | ≥99% HPLC · Mass Spec verified · 6-panel COA · Horizon Analytical |
| Endotoxin | <0.05 EU/mL · LAL-tested · Horizon Analytical |
| Regulatory | RUOIn Vitro Research Use Only — Not for Human Consumption |
Indexed research on Sermorelin.
Independent peer-reviewed studies. Not Trident Labs claims. For Research Use Only.
Twice-Daily GHRH(1-29) Increases 24-Hour GH Secretion and IGF-1 in Healthy Elderly Men
Corpas E, Harman SM, Pineyro MA, et al.
Foundational somatopause study. Twice-daily subcutaneous GHRH(1-29) (sermorelin) for 14 days in healthy men aged 60–78. 24-hour GH secretion significantly increased. IGF-1 levels raised toward younger adult ranges. Pulsatile GH pattern preserved throughout treatment. Established that the aged pituitary retains GHRH-R responsiveness — the deficit is in upstream GHRH signal strength, not pituitary capacity. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1992;75(2):530–535. PMID: 1639952.
Effects of Single Nightly Injections of GHRH(1-29) in Healthy Elderly Men
Vittone J, Blackman MR, Busby-Whitehead J, et al.
Randomized controlled study of single nightly GHRH(1-29) injections in 10 healthy elderly men. Bedtime timing exploits the natural nocturnal GH peak during slow-wave sleep. Significantly increased GH secretion and IGF-1. Important methodological study establishing the optimal administration timing rationale for sermorelin in research models — bedtime dosing aligns with and amplifies the natural GH pulse architecture. Metabolism 1997;46(1):89–96. PMID: 9005978.
Sermorelin: A Better Approach to Management of Adult-Onset Growth Hormone Insufficiency?
Walker RF.
Clinical review arguing that sermorelin's GHRH receptor-mediated mechanism represents a physiologically superior approach to managing adult-onset GH insufficiency vs exogenous GH replacement. The preserved somatostatin and IGF-1 feedback loops mean GH levels remain in physiological range, reducing risks of supraphysiological GH exposure. Reviews the complete somatopause clinical literature and compares sermorelin vs direct GH on mechanism, safety profile, and research utility. Clin Interv Aging 2006;1(4):307–308.
Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone and GH-Releasing Peptides in Clinical Practice
Thorner MO, Vance ML, Laws ER, et al.
Comprehensive review of GHRH and GHRP pharmacology by leading clinical endocrinologists. Covers GHRH receptor pharmacology, the Gαs/cAMP/PKA signaling cascade, pulsatile GH release mechanisms, downstream IGF-1 and metabolic effects, and clinical applications. Includes detailed discussion of sermorelin (GHRH 1-29) as the minimal active fragment — its binding affinity, functional potency, and role as a research tool for GH axis studies. Endocr Rev 1998;19(6):717–797. PMID: 9861545.
Short-Acting GHRH Analogue for 4 Months Increases GH/IGF-1 and Skin Thickness in Aged Adults
Khorram O, Laughlin GA, Yen SSC.
4-month administration of GHRH(1-29) in age-advanced adults. Sustained increases in GH and IGF-1 maintained over the full treatment period without tachyphylaxis. Additionally documented increased skin thickness as a measurable structural endpoint. Important study showing that sermorelin efficacy is maintained chronically — pituitary responsiveness does not diminish with ongoing GHRH-R stimulation. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1997;82(5):1472–1479. PMID: 9141533.
Sermorelin: The Complete Guide — GHRH(1-29) Pharmacology, Clinical Evidence, Research Applications
GLPbase Research Team.
2026 comprehensive review covering sermorelin's clinical development, regulatory filing, clinical trial evidence base (NDA 020604), GHRH-R pharmacology, somatopause context, and research applications. Reviews all major published studies: Corpas 1992, Vittone 1997, Khorram 1997, and Walker 2006. Compares sermorelin vs tesamorelin on DPP-IV resistance, half-life, and research utility. Covers bedtime dosing rationale, optimal research endpoints, and the IGF-1/sleep interaction. April 2026.
Independent peer-reviewed research — not Trident Labs claims. Sermorelin is supplied for in vitro research use only. Not for human consumption.
References
Corpas E, Harman SM, Pineyro MA, et al.
Human growth hormone and human growth hormone releasing hormone in a neurodegenerative disease
Vittone J, Blackman MR, Busby-Whitehead J, et al.
Effects of single nightly injections of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-29) in healthy elderly men
Walker RF.
Sermorelin: a better approach to management of adult-onset growth hormone insufficiency?
Thorner MO, Vance ML, Laws ER, et al.
Growth hormone-releasing hormone and growth hormone-releasing peptide in clinical practice
Khorram O, Laughlin GA, Yen SSC.
Endocrine and metabolic effects of long-term administration of GHRH(1-29) in age-advanced men and women
GLPbase Research Team.
Sermorelin: The Complete Guide
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