GHRH(1-29) analog. Stimulates anterior pituitary GH release via GHRH receptor. Preserves physiological somatostatin feedback, preventing supraphysiological GH levels. Pulsatile GH release pattern maintained.
GH deficiency (pediatric — historical FDA approval), adult GH deficiency (off-label), anti-aging/body composition (compounding).
Active malignancy. Intracranial lesions. Known hypersensitivity.
FDA-approved for pediatric GHD. Discontinued by EMD Serono 2008 due to manufacturing supply (not safety). Two completed cognition RCTs with positive results.
- 1.Prakash & Goa, BioDrugs 1999 — FDA-approved pediatric GHD. Height velocity 3.7 to 6.1 cm/year at 6 months. 74% response rate sustained at 36 months
- 2.Khorram et al., JCEM 1997 — nightly SC GHRH 10 mcg/kg: GH and IGF-1 increased, lean mass up in men. n=19, single-blind RCT
- 3.Baker et al., Arch Neurol 2012 — GHRH improved fluid intelligence in healthy older adults and MCI patients. Two double-blind Phase II RCTs
Adult aging RCT had only n=19. No Phase III data in adults. No head-to-head vs tesamorelin or CJC-1295.
University of Washington cognition RCTs showed improved fluid intelligence in older adults and MCI patients.