How it works
Like tesamorelin and CJC-1295, it works “upstream” — prompting the pituitary to release the body's own growth hormone rather than supplying GH directly.
The evidence
It has documented pharmacology and a diagnostic/therapeutic history, but robust modern outcome trials for anti-aging or body-composition uses are limited. Compounded use is a clinician-supervised, off-label space.
Safety
Effects track growth-hormone stimulation — injection-site reactions, flushing, and effects on glucose worth monitoring. Because it raises GH/IGF-1, the usual GH-axis cautions apply.
FAQ
The original product was approved and later discontinued; today it's mainly compounded, which is a different regulatory situation.
Both are GHRH-related, but tesamorelin has a current approved indication (HIV lipodystrophy); sermorelin's marketed product was discontinued.
Sources
This profile summarizes the following. Follow the links to read the originals — and remember that summaries age, so check for newer information.
- Growth hormone-releasing peptides: historical evidence review (PMC)
- Growth hormone peptides guide: CJC-1295, ipamorelin, tesamorelin (Meto)
Inclusion here is not endorsement of any source's claims; several are cited so you can compare how different outlets characterize the same evidence.
Reviewed by Frank — part of the PepConnection crew.