Somatorelin

Summary

Somatorelin (also known as Geref) is a synthetic 44-amino acid peptide identical to endogenous human growth hormone-releasing hormone (hGHRH 1-44-NH2). It was used diagnostically to evaluate GH secretory capacity and investigationally to stimulate GH release in GH-deficient states. It was approved in some jurisdictions but later withdrawn from markets.

Mechanism of Action

Binds to GHRH receptors on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary, stimulating the synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone (GH).

Routes of Administration

Goals & Uses

• Short stature treatmentPediatric EndocrinologyModerate
• Stimulation of endogenous GH secretionEndocrineModerate
• Treatment of growth hormone deficiency in childrenEndocrine/GrowthModerate
• Diagnosis of GH deficiencyDiagnosticHigh

Contraindications

• Hypothalamic GHRH-secreting tumorOncologicHigh
• Active intracranial neoplasmOncologicHigh
• Hypersensitivity to somatorelin or excipientsAllergy/ImmunologicHigh

Adverse Effects

• Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
• HeadacheNeurologicUncommonPain in the head or upper neck
• Antibody FormationImmunologicalUncommon
• Hypersensitivity/allergic reactionImmunologicalRare
• FlushingVascularCommonWarmth and redness of the skin
• NauseaGastrointestinalUncommonFeeling of sickness or urge to vomit

Drug Interactions

• InsulinLowMay increase risk of low blood sugar
• GlucocorticoidsModerate
• Thyroid hormonesModerate
• Somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide)High

Population Constraints

• PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
• Neonates/InfantsPediatricRelative
• ObesityMetabolicRelative

Regulatory Status

• European UnionWithdrawnNo longer actively marketed in the EU.
• United StatesWithdrawnApproved: Diagnostic evaluation of pituitary GH secretory capacity, Long-term treatment of GH deficiency in children (subcutaneous)Geref was approved by the FDA and later voluntarily withdrawn from the US market by the manufacturer.

Geref (somatorelin) was approved by the FDA but subsequently withdrawn from the US market. It was used for diagnostic testing of GH deficiency and for short stature indications in children.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.