Growth hormone secretagogue

What compounds count as growth hormone secretagogues?

A 2018 review describes GH secretagogues as a class that includes GH-releasing peptides and the oral small-molecule drug ibutamoren mesylate, all of which promote pulsatile release of growth hormone subject to the body's own negative feedback [1]. GHRH analogs act one step upstream by mimicking growth hormone-releasing hormone itself; CJC-1295 is a long-acting GHRH analog [4], and sermorelin is the original one (see its entry). Both families and ibutamoren are grouped under this umbrella.

How safe and effective are growth hormone secretagogues?

A 2018 review found few long-term, rigorously controlled studies of GH secretagogues' efficacy and safety; available studies show them generally well tolerated, with some concern for higher blood glucose from reduced insulin sensitivity, and the authors say long-term safety, including cancer incidence and mortality, still needs evaluation [1]. FDA's Category 2 page separately reports serious adverse events including death when ipamorelin was given intravenously to improve gastric motility [2].

What is the FDA status of individual secretagogues?

Status varies by member. FDA's May 14, 2026 list places ibutamoren mesylate in Category 2 and GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 in Category 3 [3]; ipamorelin acetate remains an active Category 2 substance under 503B [2]; CJC-1295 was placed in Category 2 and then had its nomination withdrawn after FDA identified serious adverse events [2]; sermorelin does not appear in Category 1, 2 or 3 at all [3]. None of these categorizations amounts to FDA approval.