HGH vs Sermorelin
Compare direct recombinant Human Growth Hormone (HGH) with Sermorelin, a GHRH analog that stimulates natural GH production. Understand the difference between direct supplementation and secretagogue approaches.
HGH
Growth Hormone / GH Secretagogues
Sermorelin Acetate
Growth Hormone / GH Secretagogues
Side-by-Side Comparison
Direct recombinant 191-amino acid growth hormone protein that binds GH receptors (GHR), triggering JAK2/STAT5 signaling; directly stimulates hepatic IGF-1 production, lipolysis, and protein synthesis
Synthetic GHRH(1-29) analog that binds GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, activating adenylyl cyclase to stimulate natural GH gene transcription, synthesis, and pulsatile release
Growth hormone receptors (GHR) directly on target tissues
GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs (stimulates endogenous GH release)
~2-3 hours (IV); 3-4 hours (subcutaneous)
~10-20 minutes
Typically studied 1-2x daily
Typically studied 1x daily (often before sleep)
Growth hormone deficiency (pediatric and adult), body composition and muscle mass, bone density and fracture healing, anti-aging and longevity, metabolic syndrome and fat redistribution
GH deficiency treatment (FDA-approved diagnostic), anti-aging and GH optimization, sleep quality improvement, pituitary function assessment, pediatric GH stimulation testing
22,124 Da (191 amino acids)
3,357.90 Da (29 amino acids)
$16.95/vial (6iu)
$12.95/vial (2mg)
Direct recombinant 191-amino acid growth hormone protein that binds GH receptors (GHR), triggering JAK2/STAT5 signaling; directly stimulates hepatic IGF-1 production, lipolysis, and protein synthesis
Synthetic GHRH(1-29) analog that binds GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, activating adenylyl cyclase to stimulate natural GH gene transcription, synthesis, and pulsatile release
Growth hormone receptors (GHR) directly on target tissues
GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs (stimulates endogenous GH release)
~2-3 hours (IV); 3-4 hours (subcutaneous)
~10-20 minutes
Typically studied 1-2x daily
Typically studied 1x daily (often before sleep)
Growth hormone deficiency (pediatric and adult), body composition and muscle mass, bone density and fracture healing, anti-aging and longevity, metabolic syndrome and fat redistribution
GH deficiency treatment (FDA-approved diagnostic), anti-aging and GH optimization, sleep quality improvement, pituitary function assessment, pediatric GH stimulation testing
22,124 Da (191 amino acids)
3,357.90 Da (29 amino acids)
$16.95/vial (6iu)
$12.95/vial (2mg)
Detailed Breakdown
Mechanism
Direct recombinant 191-amino acid growth hormone protein that binds GH receptors (GHR), triggering JAK2/STAT5 signaling; directly stimulates hepatic IGF-1 production, lipolysis, and protein synthesis
Synthetic GHRH(1-29) analog that binds GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, activating adenylyl cyclase to stimulate natural GH gene transcription, synthesis, and pulsatile release
Receptor Targets
Growth hormone receptors (GHR) directly on target tissues
GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs (stimulates endogenous GH release)
Half-Life
~2-3 hours (IV); 3-4 hours (subcutaneous)
~10-20 minutes
Dosing Frequency
Typically studied 1-2x daily
Typically studied 1x daily (often before sleep)
Research Applications
Growth hormone deficiency (pediatric and adult), body composition and muscle mass, bone density and fracture healing, anti-aging and longevity, metabolic syndrome and fat redistribution
GH deficiency treatment (FDA-approved diagnostic), anti-aging and GH optimization, sleep quality improvement, pituitary function assessment, pediatric GH stimulation testing
Molecular Weight
22,124 Da (191 amino acids)
3,357.90 Da (29 amino acids)
Starting Price
$16.95/vial (6iu)
$12.95/vial (2mg)
Which Is Right for Your Research?
Choose HGH for direct growth hormone supplementation research with precise dosing control. Choose Sermorelin for research that preserves the natural GH pulsatile axis and feedback mechanisms, at a lower cost per protocol.