Growth Hormone and GHRH Analogues
14 compounds in this family, each with its recorded mechanism, routes of administration, safety notes and references to published literature.
- Albusomatropin
- AOD9604AOD9604 is a synthetic fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 176‑191) investigated primarily as an anti‑obesity peptide. Classified among growth‑hormone‑derived lipolytic peptides, it is being studied for its ability to modulate fat metabolism and, in preclinical models, to support musculoskeletal repair. The compound remains investigational, with early‑phase clinical trials reported but no regulatory approval for any indication.
- Eftansomatropin alfaEftansomatropin alfa (MOD‑4023, Ngenla) is a recombinant human growth hormone (hGH) fused to the carboxy‑terminal peptide (CTP) of human chorionic gonadotropin. It is approved for prescription use as a long‑acting growth‑hormone replacement, administered subcutaneously once weekly to patients with growth‑hormone deficiency (GHD) in both adults and children.
- ExamorelinExamorelin (also known as EP‑001, EP‑23905, hexarelin) is an investigational synthetic peptide that acts as a growth‑hormone‑releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue. It is being explored for its ability to stimulate endogenous growth‑hormone secretion via the growth‑hormone‑secretagogue receptor and has also been highlighted in computational screens as a potential binder of the SARS‑CoV‑2 RNA‑dependent RNA polymerase.
- LonapegsomatropinLonapegsomatropin (SKYTROFA®) is a once‑weekly, pegylated prodrug of recombinant human growth hormone approved for treating growth hormone deficiency in children aged ≥1 year. By providing sustained release of somatropin, it aims to improve linear growth while reducing the injection burden compared with daily growth hormone therapy.
- Mod-GRF 1-29Modified growth hormone-releasing factor (1-29) with enhanced stability and bioactivity; truncated GHRH analog used in research settings for growth hormone stimulation
- PegvisomantPegvisomant is a pegylated growth‑hormone (GH) analogue that acts as a GH‑receptor antagonist. It is approved for subcutaneous use in patients with acromegaly, typically when surgery does not achieve remission or when other medical therapies are insufficient. Guidelines and consensus updates place pegvisomant among the key pharmacologic options for controlling excess GH and IGF‑1 in this disorder.
- SermorelinSermorelin is a synthetic 29‑amino‑acid analogue of the natural growth‑hormone‑releasing hormone (GHRH). It is approved as a prescription diagnostic agent that stimulates the pituitary to release endogenous growth hormone (GH), thereby raising circulating insulin‑like growth factor‑1 (IGF‑1). Research is exploring its potential to aid musculoskeletal repair, improve body‑composition in hypogonadal men, and serve as a performance‑enhancing adjunct, although clinical evidence remains limited.
- SomapacitanSomapacitan is a long‑acting growth‑hormone (GH) analogue approved for subcutaneous injection once a week. It is indicated for replacement therapy in adults and children with growth‑hormone deficiency (GHD), providing an alternative to the conventional daily GH injections.
- SomatorelinSomatorelin (also called Geref, GRF 1‑44, or somatocrinin) is a synthetic analogue of human growth‑hormone‑releasing hormone. It was once marketed as a prescription drug but has been withdrawn and is now used mainly in research, diagnostic testing, and anti‑doping laboratories. The peptide is administered by injection (intravenous or subcutaneous) to provoke a rapid release of growth hormone from the pituitary.
- SomatremSomatrem is a recombinant form of human growth hormone (methionyl‑hGH) that was developed as a biosynthetic alternative to pituitary‑derived GH. It was prescribed for children with growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and idiopathic short stature, but the product has since been withdrawn from the market. The drug was administered by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection to stimulate linear growth in pediatric patients.
- SomatrogonSomatrogon (brand name NGENLA®) is a long‑acting recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) approved in Canada for treating pediatric growth hormone deficiency. Delivered as a once‑weekly subcutaneous injection, it aims to provide growth‑promoting effects comparable to daily rhGH while reducing injection burden.
- Somatropin pegolSomatropin pegol (trade name Lonapegsomatropin, brand SKYTROFA) is a long-acting PEGylated recombinant human growth hormone designed for once-weekly subcutaneous administration. It was developed to replace the daily injections required by conventional somatropin. The PEG moiety is cleaved in vivo to release the active somatropin molecule.
- TesamorelinTesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of growth‑hormone‑releasing hormone (GHRH) that is approved as a prescription drug for the treatment of abdominal fat accumulation in people living with HIV. It is administered by subcutaneous injection and works by stimulating endogenous growth‑hormone release, which in turn raises circulating insulin‑like growth factor‑1 (IGF‑1). While it has demonstrated metabolic benefits in HIV‑related lipodystrophy, current orthopaedic and sports‑medicine literature reports no clinical evidence supporting its use for musculoskeletal injury or performance enhancement.