HomePeptides › Somatropin

Somatropin

Recombinant human growth hormone, rhGH

Tier 1 · FDA ApprovedNot a peptide
Class
Recombinant human growth hormone
Molecular target
GH receptor
Sequence / structure
191-aa recombinant protein, identical to pituitary hGH
Evidence tier
Tier 1 — FDA Approved
Category
Growth Hormone Axis
This is not a peptideA 191-amino-acid protein, not a peptide. Included because it is the reference point every GH-axis peptide is implicitly measured against.

Biology & mechanism

The actual hormone, made recombinantly. Binds the GH receptor directly, dimerising it and triggering JAK2/STAT5 signalling, with most anabolic effects mediated indirectly through hepatic IGF-1 production. Note the contrast with everything else in this category: somatropin replaces GH and overrides pituitary feedback entirely, whereas GHRH analogs and secretagogues ask the pituitary to make its own and leave feedback intact.

What the research actually shows

Decades of trial data across paediatric and adult GH deficiency, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi, chronic kidney disease and other indications. The best-characterised molecule in this category by an enormous margin.

Regulatory status

FDA-approved for multiple specific indications. Prescription-only, and notably subject to federal criminal restrictions: distribution for non-approved uses such as athletic performance or anti-ageing is a felony under 21 U.S.C. § 333(e), a restriction unique to hGH among these compounds.

Safety signals

Well characterised: insulin resistance and frank diabetes, oedema, arthralgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, intracranial hypertension, and slipped capital femoral epiphysis in children. Acromegalic changes with chronic excess. Contraindicated in active malignancy. Prohibited in sport (WADA S2).

No usage guidance is published here

Forge Bioenergy does not publish dosing, reconstitution, or administration protocols for any peptide. See our editorial policy for why. If you are considering any substance on this page, that conversation belongs with a licensed physician.

References & further reading

Regulatory status changes. This page reflects our reading of public sources as of July 2026 and should be independently verified before it is relied upon.

Important notice Forge Bioenergy publishes scientific reference information only. Nothing on this site is medical advice, a therapeutic claim, or a recommendation to use any substance in humans. Many peptides described here are not approved by the FDA for any use, and several are approved only for narrow indications under prescription. We do not publish dosing, administration, or usage protocols. Consult a licensed physician before making any medical decision.