Reviewed by Peptide Treatments Medical Advisory Board (Medical Advisory Board)

Sermorelin: Research & Evidence

Established Evidence

Published research, clinical trial data, and evidence grading for Sermorelin across studied indications.

Back to Sermorelin overview

Research Summary

Sermorelin was FDA-approved in 1997 (brand name Geref) for pediatric growth hormone deficiency based on Phase 3 data showing increased GH and height velocity in 164 children. It was discontinued by the manufacturer in 2008 for commercial reasons — not safety concerns — and is now available only as a compounded medication. Approximately 50+ human studies exist, primarily in pediatric GHD. Adult 'anti-aging' use is based on limited observational data showing IGF-1 increases but no RCT evidence for body composition, strength, or longevity outcomes.

Evidence by Indication (3 indications)

Indication Tier Trials Summary
GH stimulation testing Tier A 5 Validated diagnostic tool for GH deficiency assessment
GH deficiency Tier B 12 Well-established GH secretagogue with Phase III data; FDA-approved 1997-2008 for pediatric GHD
Anti-aging Tier C 4 Limited controlled data for anti-aging indications; IGF-1 increases observed but outcomes unproven

Graded using our evidence tier methodology.

Citations (4 sources)

  1. 1. Phase 3 trial of sermorelin for pediatric growth hormone deficiency Clinical Trial

    Various (1997), Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

  2. 2. Sermorelin: a review of its use in the diagnosis and treatment of children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency Review

    (1999), BioDrugs

  3. 3. Once daily subcutaneous growth hormone-releasing hormone therapy accelerates growth in growth hormone-deficient children during the first year of therapy Study

    Geref International Study Group (1996), Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

  4. 4. Macimorelin (AEZS-130)-stimulated growth hormone (GH) test: validation of a novel oral stimulation test for the diagnosis of adult GH deficiency Study

    (2013), Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism