Description

Sermorelin is a synthetic peptide that acts as a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue, stimulating the pituitary gland to release growth hormone (GH) and subsequently increase insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels. It is primarily used to treat growth hormone deficiencies in both children and adults. For children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency, sermorelin can be administered subcutaneously to promote growth and enhance height velocity, serving as an alternative to recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) as it mimics natural GHRH. (1)

Although less commonly used in adults, sermorelin has shown potential benefits such as improving bone density, reducing scarring, and addressing some effects of aging. Research suggests it might benefit cognitive function by enhancing sleep quality and has shown promise for patients with recurrent glioma, a type of brain tumor. Additionally, sermorelin is being studied for its potential impact on nerve health and other conditions, though these applications are less established than its primary uses in growth hormone-related treatments. (2,3,4)

Sermorelin has shown potential benefits for patients with recurrent glioma, a type of brain tumor that returns after initial treatment. It appears to work by inhibiting the proliferation of glioma cells, which may help slow down or control the growth of the tumor. Additionally, sermorelin seems to enhance the immune response, potentially improving the body’s ability to combat the tumor and augmenting the effectiveness of other treatments. These effects suggest that sermorelin could be a valuable therapeutic option in managing recurrent glioma. (2)

(1)Walker R. F. (2006). Sermorelin: a better approach to management of adult-onset growth hormone insufficiency?. Clinical interventions in aging, 1(4), 307–308. https://doi.org/10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.307

(2)Chang, Y., Huang, R., Zhai, Y., Huang, L., Feng, Y., Wang, D., Chai, R., Zhang, W., & Hu, H. (2021). A potentially effective drug for patients with recurrent glioma: sermorelin. Annals of translational medicine, 9(5), 406. https://doi.org/10.21037/atm-20-6561

(3) Benedict, C., Chapman, C. D., & Schiöth, H. B. (2013). Growth hormone–releasing hormone improves cognitive function in older adults: Sleep on it. JAMA neurology, 70(4), 529-530.

(4) Merriam, G. R., Barsness, S., Buchner, D., Kletke, M., Larsen, L. H., Moe, K. E., … & Vitiello, M. V. (2001). Growth hormone releasing hormone treatment in normal aging. Journal of Anti-Aging Medicine, 4(4), 331-343.

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