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FDA · EMA · TGA · MHRA · WADA · peer-reviewed literature Updated May 2026 Reviewed by Allmeds AI Pharmacist

Growth Hormone Peptides: GHRH Analogues, Secretagogues, and What the Regulators Say

Growth hormone peptides are marketed for anti-aging, body composition, and recovery. They fall into two main mechanistic groups: GHRH analogues (sermorelin, CJC-1295, tesamorelin) and ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R) secretagogues (ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, hexarelin, ibutamoren). Most are not FDA-approved for the marketed uses. This page summarises the mechanisms, regulator status, and labelled risks.

Most growth hormone peptides are not FDA-approved for anti-aging or body composition. Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy only. Sermorelin has limited approved use. CJC-1295, ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, hexarelin, and MK-677 are unapproved; the FDA has flagged several of these for significant safety concerns. WADA prohibits use of these peptides in competitive sport.

Key Takeaways

  • GH peptides act either as GHRH analogues (sermorelin, CJC-1295, tesamorelin) or as ghrelin-receptor agonists (ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, hexarelin, ibutamoren/MK-677).
  • Only tesamorelin (Egrifta) is FDA-approved among the commonly marketed GH peptides, and only for HIV-associated abdominal lipodystrophy.
  • FDA has explicitly identified CJC-1295 and ipamorelin acetate among compounded substances with significant safety concerns.
  • MK-677 (ibutamoren) had a phase-III heart-failure signal in elderly patients, halting its development.
  • All GH peptides on this page are prohibited by WADA in competitive sport.

GHRH analogues

These peptides mimic growth-hormone-releasing hormone and stimulate pulsatile GH release from the pituitary.

PeptideRegulator statusNotes
SermorelinLimited FDA approvalApproved historically as a GH-deficiency diagnostic and for paediatric GH-deficiency under specialist care.
CJC-1295Not FDA-approvedFDA safety-risk listing. Cardiovascular adverse events reported.
Tesamorelin (Egrifta)FDA-approvedOnly for HIV-associated abdominal lipodystrophy.

Ghrelin-receptor secretagogues

These peptides and small molecules activate the ghrelin (GHS-R) receptor to stimulate GH release.

CompoundRegulator statusNotes
IpamorelinNot FDA-approvedFDA safety-risk listing. Selective: limited cortisol and prolactin effects.
GHRP-2 (pralmorelin)Approved in Japan as diagnostic onlyNot FDA-approved as therapeutic.
GHRP-6Not FDA-approvedNotable appetite-stimulating effect.
HexarelinNot FDA-approvedPituitary desensitisation with continued use.
Ibutamoren (MK-677)InvestigationalHeart-failure signal in elderly trial halted development.

What safety concerns are common across GH peptides?

Stimulating the GH/IGF-1 axis carries a recognised set of risks. Published literature, regulator statements, and FDA prescribing information for the one approved drug in this group (tesamorelin) all describe:

  • Fluid retention, peripheral oedema, joint pain.
  • Glucose intolerance and increased insulin resistance.
  • Cardiovascular effects: tachycardia, hypertension, signals around heart failure (MK-677).
  • Theoretical concern with active malignancy (IGF-1 elevation): tesamorelin label contraindicates active malignancy.
  • Immunogenicity and impurities in compounded product.

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Common Questions

Are growth hormone peptides FDA approved?

Most are not. Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy only. Sermorelin has limited approved use. CJC-1295, ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, hexarelin, and MK-677 are not FDA-approved for anti-aging or body composition.

Are GH peptides safer than growth hormone itself?

Marketing often frames GH peptides as safer than recombinant human GH, but the FDA position and published literature do not support a blanket safety claim. Stimulating the GH/IGF-1 axis with unapproved peptides carries the same labelled risks of fluid retention, glucose intolerance, and cardiovascular effects, plus the additional risks of unapproved compounded product.

Are GH peptides banned in sport?

Yes. WADA prohibits GHRH analogues, ghrelin-receptor agonists, and GH-secretagogues in competitive sport under sections S2 and S0 of the prohibited list.

What is the FDA position on compounded GH peptides?

The FDA has identified CJC-1295 and ipamorelin acetate among compounded substances that may present significant safety risks. The position cites immunogenicity, peptide impurity, and limited safety data.

References

  1. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding That May Present Significant Safety Risks. Source.
  2. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Egrifta (tesamorelin) prescribing information. Source.
  3. World Anti-Doping Agency. WADA Prohibited List. Source.
  4. Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW. The safety and efficacy of growth hormone secretagogues. Sex Med Rev. 2018;6(1):45-53. Source.
Not medical advice. This page summarises regulator statements and peer-reviewed literature for general information. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medicine.