Peptide · Research Monograph · Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog; N-terminal 29-amino-acid fragment of human GHRH

Sermorelin

GH Secretion Studies

Sermorelin is a 29 amino acid fragment of GHRH, the hormone that signals growth hormone release. It is the shortest piece of that hormone that still works. Studies have measured the response in pituitary cells and the growth hormone release that follows. Because it clears quickly, researchers use it when the timing of a signal matters more than its duration.

For laboratory research use only - not for human or animal use

Available in the Eon catalog - Sermorelin from $85.00

Molecular data

Molecular formulaC149H246N44O42S
Molecular weight3357.93 Da
SequenceTyr-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
Sequence length29 residues
CAS / identifier86168-78-7
Physical formLyophilized powder
Available sizes10mg

How it works

GHRH-R

GHRH Receptor Agonism

Sermorelin binds growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors on anterior-pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating the synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone rather than supplying it exogenously.

  • Activates pituitary somatotrophs
  • Pulsatile GH release
  • Endogenous secretion
GH → IGF-1

Downstream IGF-1 Signaling

Raised growth hormone is followed by hepatic production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), the principal mediator of GH signalling in muscle, bone, connective tissue and lipid metabolism.

  • Hepatic IGF-1 synthesis
  • Protein anabolism
  • Lipolytic signaling
Feedback

Preserved Physiologic Rhythm

Because the action is upstream at the pituitary, GH output remains subject to somatostatin and IGF-1 negative feedback, preserving the endogenous secretory rhythm rather than a fixed exogenous level.

  • Somatostatin-regulated
  • Negative feedback intact
  • Natural pulsatility
Upstream

Upstream, Not Exogenous

Unlike recombinant HGH, which supplies growth hormone directly, Sermorelin acts on the pituitary to release endogenous GH — preserving the hypothalamic–pituitary axis and its regulatory checkpoints.

  • Works upstream of GH
  • HP axis preserved
  • Self-limiting response
Half-Life

Short Plasma Half-Life

Sermorelin has a brief plasma half-life on the order of minutes, producing transient GH pulses that more closely resemble natural secretory bursts than the sustained elevation seen with exogenous GH.

  • ~10–20 min half-life
  • Transient GH pulses
  • Mimics physiology
Sequence

GHRH(1–29) Active Fragment

Sermorelin corresponds to the first 29 amino acids of human GHRH — the shortest fully active N-terminal sequence — making it a well-characterized research probe of the somatotropic axis.

  • 29-residue peptide
  • Fully active fragment
  • Well-characterized

What the research shows

Endocrine

Growth Hormone Axis

Used as a research probe of pituitary GH secretory reserve; the GHRH stimulation test has historically been employed to assess somatotroph function.

Body Composition

Body Composition Models

GH secretagogues are studied for their influence on lean body mass, fat mass, and metabolic rate in models of age- or disease-related GH decline.

Sleep Architecture

Slow-Wave Sleep

Endogenous GH release is tightly coupled to slow-wave sleep, so GHRH analogs are studied to explore the link between the somatotropic axis and sleep architecture.

Aging Research

Somatopause

Age-related decline in GH and IGF-1 — termed somatopause — is modelled with GHRH analogs to study changes in secretory patterns.

Specification

Compound ClassGrowth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog
Research NameSermorelin (GHRH 1–29)
SequenceN-terminal 29-amino-acid fragment of human GHRH
TargetGHRH receptor (pituitary somatotrophs)
FormLyophilized powder
Molecular Weight3,357.93 g/mol
Purity≥99% (HPLC verified)
TestingThird-party HPLC, Mass Spec, Endotoxin
Half-Life~10–20 minutes (plasma)
Storage-20°C for long-term stability
SolubilityWater-soluble
COAIncluded with every order
Molecular FormulaAvailable on request
AppearanceWhite to off-white powder
Quantity5mg
Stability24 months from manufacture date when stored properly

Frequently asked questions

What is Sermorelin?

Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of the first 29 amino acids of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) - the shortest fully active fragment. It is studied for pituitary stimulation of endogenous growth hormone secretion in a pulsatile pattern.

How is Sermorelin different from HGH?

Recombinant HGH supplies growth hormone directly, whereas Sermorelin stimulates endogenous GH release by acting upstream at the pituitary. This preserves the hypothalamic–pituitary feedback loop and a more physiologic secretory rhythm.

What is the molecular weight and purity?

Sermorelin has a molecular weight of 3,357.93 g/mol. Every vial is supplied at ≥99% purity, verified by HPLC, with a Certificate of Analysis included.

How should it be stored?

Keep lyophilized vials at -20°C for long-term stability, protected from light and moisture.

Is this product for human use?

No. Sermorelin is sold strictly as a research compound for laboratory and in-vitro use only. It is not intended for human or animal consumption, diagnosis, or treatment.

For laboratory research use only. Not a drug, supplement, or medical product; not for human or animal use. All findings referenced are from published preclinical/laboratory research.