Claimed effect · Sermorelin

Does Sermorelin help with growth hormone / IGF-1 elevation?

A
Grade Aestablished in humansApproval-grade paediatric data · effect size: moderate
Short answerEstablished in humans. Approval-grade paediatric data point the same way: a moderate effect. The basis of the 1990 approval as a diagnostic agent: a reliable, measurable GH response. Open-label adult series report IGF-1 rises over 3–6 months.

What the studies show

The basis of the 1990 approval as a diagnostic agent: a reliable, measurable GH response. Open-label adult series report IGF-1 rises over 3–6 months.

Several well-run randomised trials in people, pointing the same way. You can plan around this. It still says nothing about whether the effect is worth the side effects for you.

  1. 1
    Sermorelin evidence review: Geref approval history, withdrawal, and adult off-label data.Evidence review, 2026Secondary source used for approval and withdrawal history; adult RCT data described as limited.

In context

Sermorelin is the first 29 amino acids of growth-hormone-releasing hormone — the active fragment. It was FDA-approved in 1990 as Geref for diagnosing growth-hormone deficiency in children, and the brand was withdrawn in 2008 for commercial reasons, not safety. It reliably raises growth hormone and IGF-1. The adult anti-ageing and body-composition claims rest on small open-label studies, not randomised trials.

Sermorelin is withdrawn (us brand). Legal status differs by country — see the regulation section or the jurisdiction pages.

Questions

Is Sermorelin proven to help with growth hormone / IGF-1 elevation?
Yes, as far as human trials can show it: Approval-grade paediatric data. LYO grades this outcome A.
What studies are behind the grade?
The basis of the 1990 approval as a diagnostic agent: a reliable, measurable GH response. Open-label adult series report IGF-1 rises over 3–6 months.
Is Sermorelin approved for this?
No. Sermorelin is withdrawn (US brand); it is not an approved medicine for any indication in the jurisdictions LYO covers.

Other outcomes for Sermorelin

Reviewed 2 September 2026. Grades count human evidence only; see how LYO grades. Not medical advice. Correct this page →