sermorelin

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

• Stimulation of Growth Hormone Release: sermorelin works by specific receptors binding in the pituitary gland, stimulating the growth hormone release into the bloodstream. This is particularly important in children and adolescents for average growth and development. 
• Growth and Development: In children and adolescents with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), sermorelin therapy can help promote growth and development, increasing the rate of linear growth and potentially improving final adult height. 
• Metabolism: Growth hormone plays a role in regulating metabolism, including the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. By increasing GH levels, sermorelin may influence metabolism, potentially improving body composition. 
• Bone Health: Growth hormone is essential for developing and maintaining healthy bones. In individuals with GHD, sermorelin therapy can contribute to bone growth and mineralization. 
• Muscle Mass: Growth hormone promotes muscle growth and repair. sermorelin may help increase muscle mass and strength, particularly in individuals with GHD. 
• Immune Function: Growth hormone also affects immune system function. sermorelin therapy may support immune function, although its use is less common. 
• Aging and Anti-Aging: Some adults seek sermorelin therapy as part of anti-aging or age management programs. It is believed that increased GH levels may have cosmetic and health-related benefits, including improved skin quality, reduced body fat, and increased vitality.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Chest tightness 

Itching 

Trouble in swallowing 

Pain  

Redness 

Urticaria 

Facial flushing 

Headache 

Vomiting 

Nausea 

Dysgeusia 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Active cancer 
• Closed epiphyses 

Caution: 

• Medical conditions 
• Blood sugar 
• Dosage & quality 
• Drug interactions 
• Pregnancy 
• Breastfeeding 
• Anti-ageing use 
• Dosage & monitoring 
• Children & growth factors 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Pregnancy Category: C 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

It is unknown whether the drug is excreted in the breastmilk. 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: Well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the initial or later trimester. 

<b>Category B: There was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: There was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence, these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

• sermorelin binds to the GHRH receptor on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland. 
• Upon binding, it stimulates the release and synthesis of growth hormone. 
• This results in an increase in growth hormone levels, which can lead to various physiological effects, including growth, protein synthesis, and metabolic regulation. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Stimulation of Growth Hormone Release: 

• The primary pharmacological effect of sermorelin is to stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. 
• GH is essential for growth, tissue repair, metabolism, and various physiological processes. 
• sermorelin mimics the action of endogenous GHRH, leading to pulsatile GH release, which closely resembles the natural pattern of GH secretion. 

Dose-Response Relationship: 

• The magnitude of GH release in response to sermorelin is dose dependent. Higher doses generally lead to more excellent GH release. 
• Clinicians adjust the dosage of sermorelin based on individual patient needs and desired therapeutic outcomes. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

• sermorelin is administered as a subcutaneous injection, usually into the fatty tissue under the skin. 
• Subcutaneous administration allows for relatively rapid absorption into the bloodstream. 

Distribution 

• After absorption, sermorelin enters the bloodstream and gets distributed into the body via the circulatory system. 
• sermorelin’s distribution is expected to be uniform throughout the body since its primary target is the anterior pituitary gland, which stimulates growth hormone release. 

Metabolism 

• sermorelin undergoes enzymatic metabolism in the body, primarily in the liver. 
• The metabolism of sermorelin may involve the cleavage of the peptide bonds or other modifications to the molecule. 

Elimination and Excretion 

• The primary route of elimination for sermorelin and its metabolites is through the kidneys into the urine. 
• The elimination half-life of sermorelin is relatively short, typically around 10-20 minutes. This means that sermorelin is rapidly cleared from the bloodstream. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

• sermorelin is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection. 
• The healthcare provider determines the dosage and frequency of administration based on the individual patient’s needs. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: sermorelin 

Pronounced as: ser-moe-rel-in 

Why do we use sermorelin? 

• Treatment of Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD): sermorelin is prescribed to individuals, both children and adults, diagnosed with GHD to stimulate the release of growth hormone and promote average growth, development, and overall health. 
• Diagnosis of GHD: It is used in diagnostic testing to confirm the presence of GHD by assessing growth hormone secretion. 
• Benefits in Adults with GHD: In adults with GHD, sermorelin therapy can offer potential benefits, including increased muscle strength, improved bone density, better metabolism, enhanced cognitive function, and improved quality of life. 
• Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinics: In some clinics, sermorelin is used for potential anti-aging and wellness purposes, but this use is controversial and not widely accepted in mainstream medicine.