Growth hormone-releasing hormone analogue
Sermorelin
A GHRH fragment with historical approvals and real hormone-release pharmacology, but no current approved product and no established anti-aging outcome evidence.
Also known as Geref · GRF 1-29 · GHRH(1-29)
01 · Evidence profile
One molecule, four evidence questions
Older pediatric data exist, but evidence for current anti-aging or body-composition claims is not established.
Growth-hormone release after GHRH stimulation is biologically and clinically documented.
Historical product data do not fully characterize modern compounded products or long-term wellness use.
Historical FDA records are clear; identity and quality of current compounded material are product-specific.
02 · Identity
What it is
Sermorelin is the 1-29 amino-acid fragment of GHRH. Geref products were once approved and later discontinued. In a 2013 Federal Register determination, FDA concluded that the products were not withdrawn for reasons of safety or effectiveness.
03 · Product identity
The molecule is not the finished product.
Historical Geref approvals do not mean a currently marketed compounded sermorelin product is FDA-approved or clinically interchangeable with the former product.
None identified in the United States.
- Historical diagnostic and pediatric growth-hormone-deficiency uses
04 · Evidence snapshot
What the evidence can and cannot say
Sermorelin can stimulate growth-hormone release, and older clinical literature reports limited pediatric growth data. That is a pharmacology and historical-product record, not proof of modern wellness claims.
Reliable trials do not establish broad anti-aging, fat-loss, muscle-gain, sleep, or longevity benefits from currently compounded sermorelin products.
05 · Claim check
Three claims under the lens
“Sermorelin was once FDA-approved.”
Geref approvals are documented. FDA later determined that the discontinued products were not withdrawn for reasons of safety or effectiveness.
- Evidence basis
- Regulatory or product record
- Scope
- Historical Geref products, not current compounded sermorelin.
“Sermorelin raises growth hormone, so it is proven to slow aging.”
A hormone response is not a patient-centered aging or longevity outcome.
- Evidence basis
- Human pharmacology
- Scope
- Hormone-response evidence cannot establish longer life or slower biological aging.
“Compounded sermorelin is an FDA-approved Geref generic.”
The historical product record does not make current compounded products approved or equivalent.
- Evidence basis
- Regulatory or product record
- Scope
- Current products marketed after Geref withdrawal.
06 · Safety boundary
Before this becomes personal
Historical approval is not a dosing template or a quality certificate for modern products. This guide provides no regimen, injection, or compounding advice.
Sermorelin is named as a prohibited growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogue on the 2026 WADA Prohibited List.
Reviewed 2026-07-23. This status is not personal clearance to compete.Check the governing record ↗07 · Sources
Check the primary record
08 · Provenance
Review history
Updated with FDA's 2013 determination that the discontinued Geref products were not withdrawn for safety or effectiveness.
Responsible editor: Anthony Treviso. Editorial source review completed. This page has not been independently medically reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.