Growth hormone peptides

Which growth hormone peptide is actually FDA-approved?

Tesamorelin, sold as Egrifta WR, is described on its label as a "growth hormone-releasing factor (GHRF) analog" and is indicated for "reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected adult patients with lipodystrophy"; it carries warnings for elevated IGF-1 and glucose intolerance, and the label says long-term cardiovascular safety has not been established [1]. Sermorelin, a 29-amino-acid GHRH analog, had an FDA-approved product for children with growth-hormone deficiency, but its manufacturer requested withdrawal and FDA ended approval effective June 18, 2009, for reasons unrelated to safety or effectiveness [2].

What about CJC-1295, ipamorelin and other GH secretagogues?

CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog, had its compounding nomination withdrawn after FDA "identified serious adverse events ... including increased heart rate and systemic vasodilatory reaction" [3]. Ipamorelin acetate sits in FDA's Category 2 for 503B compounding, where FDA cites a published report of death when it was given intravenously for gastric motility [3]. A 2018 review of GH secretagogues broadly found "few long-term, rigorously controlled studies" of their safety and efficacy, with some concern for effects on blood glucose [4]. None of these is an FDA-approved drug.