From the Guidelines
Oral sermorelin is not recommended as an effective treatment option due to its rapid degradation by digestive enzymes, resulting in extremely poor bioavailability. Sermorelin, a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, must be administered via injection, typically subcutaneously, at doses ranging from 100-500 mcg daily, usually before bedtime to align with the body's natural growth hormone pulse 1. The injectable form is available as a lyophilized powder that must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and refrigerated after mixing. Sermorelin works by stimulating the pituitary gland to produce and release natural growth hormone, potentially helping with issues like decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, and reduced energy levels associated with aging.
Some key points to consider when evaluating sermorelin therapy include:
- The importance of proper administration techniques to ensure the peptide is delivered intact to the bloodstream
- The potential benefits of sermorelin in stimulating natural growth hormone production, which can help address issues related to aging and muscle mass
- The need for patients to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate injectable form and dosage of sermorelin
It's also worth noting that other studies have explored the use of growth hormone and growth hormone-releasing factors in various clinical contexts, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 1. However, these studies do not provide evidence to support the use of oral sermorelin as an effective treatment option. The most effective and recommended form of sermorelin administration remains injectable, and patients should consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this therapy.
From the Research
Oral Sermorelin Administration
- There is limited information available on oral sermorelin administration in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily focus on the subcutaneous or intravenous administration of sermorelin or growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogues.
- No direct evidence is available on the efficacy and safety of oral sermorelin administration.
Alternative Administration Routes
- Subcutaneous administration of sermorelin has been shown to be effective in promoting growth in prepubertal children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency 2, 3, 5.
- Intravenous administration of sermorelin has been used as a diagnostic test for growth hormone deficiency 2.
- GHRH analogues, such as sermorelin, have also been administered via subcutaneous injections to treat growth hormone deficiency in children and adults 3, 5.
Efficacy and Safety of Sermorelin
- Sermorelin has been shown to be well-tolerated and effective in promoting growth in children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency 2, 3, 5.
- The efficacy and safety of sermorelin in adults with growth hormone deficiency have also been reported, with increases in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels observed in response to treatment 6.
- However, the optimal dosage and administration route for sermorelin remain to be determined, and further studies are needed to fully evaluate its efficacy and safety in different populations.