Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) found naturally in the human body. While GHRH consists of 44 amino acids, sermorelin is composed of the first 29 amino acids, with a molecular mass of 3357.9 g/mol. Despite its smaller size, sermorelin binds efficiently to the GHRH receptor, exhibiting a binding affinity approximately 50 times greater than that of GHRH itself.1 This peptide activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-somatotropic axis, differentiating it from the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) receptor pathway.2 Consequently, sermorelin serves as a valuable tool for in vitro and in vivo studies. Endogenously, GHRH stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release human growth hormone (HGH), and sermorelin not only increases HGH levels but also prolongs the duration of HGH release.3
Half-Life and HGH Stimulation
Sermorelin has a half-life of approximately 12 minutes but can stimulate HGH release for about 2 hours.4 In a study involving rats, intravenous administration of sermorelin resulted in a 17% increase in HGH release over 15 minutes compared to control groups.5 Additionally, sermorelin has been shown to elevate insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and increase lean muscle mass.2 Another study indicated that this peptide inhibits the growth of glioma cells in patients with recurrent glioma, preventing these cells from progressing through the cell cycle and dividing.6
Research Use Only Notice
It is crucial to emphasize that while numerous studies suggest potential therapeutic applications for sermorelin in treating growth hormone deficiency and other conditions, this formulation is not approved for such uses. Sermorelin is synthesized and commercially distributed exclusively for laboratory research purposes.
Sermorelin is available as a lyophilized white powder at a concentration of 5 mg per vial.
References:
1. Lance VA, Murphy WA, Sueiras-Diaz J, Coy DH. Super-active analogs of growth hormone-releasing factor (1-29) amide. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1984; 119(1):265-272.
2. Sinha DK, Balasubramanian A, Tatem AJ, et al. Beyond the androgen receptor: the role of growth hormone secretagogues in the modern management of body composition in hypogonadal males. Transl Androl Urol. 2020 Mar; 9(Suppl 2):S149-159.
3. Grossman A, et al. Responses to analogues of growth hormone-releasing hormone in normal subjects and in growth-hormone deficient children and young adults. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 1984; 21(3):321-330.
4. Esposito P, Barbero L, Caccia P, et al. PEGylation of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GRF) analogues. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2003 Sep; 55(10):1279-91.
5. Bańkowski K, Witkowska E, Michalak OM, et al. Synthesis, biological activity, and resistance to proteolytic digestion of new cyclic dermorphin/deltorphin analogues. Eur J Med Chem. 2013;63:457-67.
6. Chang Y, Huang R, Zhai Y, et al. A potentially effective drug for patients with recurrent glioma: sermorelin. Ann Transl Med. 2021 Mar; 9(5):406.
