Sermorelin CAS NO.86168-78-7

The human GHRH (also known as GHRF) gene (Gene ID 2691) encodes the 108 aa Somatoliberin preproprotein (UniProt P01286; also known as GHRH, GRF, Growth hormone-releasing factor, Growth hormone-releasing hormone, INN: Sermorelin, Sermorelin, Somatocrinin, Somatorelin). Post-translatioinal removal of the signal peptide (aa 1-20) and the two propeptide sequences (aa 21-31 and aa 76-108) releases the 44 aa mature Somatoliberin (aa 32-75) that functions as a ligand to stimulate growth hormone (GH) release from the pituitary. Variant GHRH receptors are found in several types of tumors. Antagonists against such receptors are reported to inhibit tumors growth. Defects in GHRH gene cause dwarfism and hypersecretion of somatoliberin is linked to gigantism.

Immunohistochemistry Analysis: A 1:250 dilution from a representative lot detected Somatoliberin/GHRH in human cerebral cortex tissue.

Research Category
Apoptosis & Cancer

Research Sub Category
Apoptosis - Additional

This Anti-Somatoliberin Antibody, clone 1B4.2 is validated for use in Western Blotting and Immunohistochemistry (Paraffin) for the detection of GHRH .

Sermorelin acetate (INNTooltip International Nonproprietary Name; brand names Geref, Gerel), also known as GHRH (1-29), is a peptide analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) which is used as a diagnostic agent to assess growth hormone (GH) secretion for the purpose of diagnosing growth hormone deficiency.^[2][3][4] It is a 29-amino acid polypeptide representing the 1–29 fragment from endogenous human GHRH, thought to be the shortest fully functional fragment of GHRH.^[2]

Sermorelin was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 for use as a treatment for children with growth hormone deficiency or growth failure.^[5] However, as of 2008, the manufacturer discontinued the production of Sermorelin for commercial reasons, and it is no longer available as an FDA-approved drug.^[1][6] Despite this, it may still be used in some off-label contexts or obtained through compounding pharmacies.^[7]

Medical uses

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Sermorelin was used to treat children with growth hormone deficiency or growth failure by stimulating the pituitary gland to release growth hormone (GH), thereby increasing plasma GH levels.^[2]

Mechanism of action

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Sermorelin binds to the growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRH), mimicking the effects of the full-length GHRH in promoting growth hormone secretion.^[8]

Sermorelin's effects are regulated by negative feedback through the inhibitory hormone somatostatin, making it difficult to overdose, unlike exogenous rhGH. This interaction with somatostatin prompts the pituitary to release hGH in bursts, which mirrors natural hormone rhythms rather than the constant levels produced by rhGH injections. As a result, sermorelin avoids tachyphylaxis by promoting a more physiological pattern of hGH release. Additionally, sermorelin stimulates the pituitary to enhance hGH gene transcription, thereby maintaining the growth hormone neuroendocrine system axis, which is the first to deteriorate with age. By supporting pituitary function, sermorelin helps slow the decline of pituitary hormones during aging, thereby preserving both youthful anatomy and physiology.^[3]

Research

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Sermorelin is a synthetic form (GHRH) that naturally declines with age. Potential benefits of sermorelin in adults lie in its ability to enhance pituitary function and mimic youthful growth hormone secretion patterns. Other options include orally active growth hormone-releasing peptides currently under development. Sermorelin, however, offers a more immediate and potentially better alternative to RHGH for GHRT in aging adults. It was originally marketed as a growth-promoting agent for children with growth deficiencies.^[2]

Sermorelin can be prescribed for off-label use without the legal restrictions that apply to rhGH. To support evidence-based GHRT in clinical age management, the Society for Applied Research in Aging is offering sermorelin free of charge to practitioners willing to study its effects under protocol conditions and publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals. This effort aims to develop a more evidence-based approach to GHRT.