Synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release via the ghrelin receptor. Stronger GH response than GHRP-6 but with moderate appetite effects.
Last Updated: May 2026
GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2, pralmorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist that strongly stimulates pituitary growth hormone release. It produces a larger GH response than GHRP-6 with moderate cortisol and prolactin effects, and significantly less appetite stimulation. GHRP-2 has been approved as a GH-stimulation diagnostic test in Japan (under the name pralmorelin) but is not approved for therapeutic use. It is sold as a research-use-only compound by third-party laboratories.
GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide (D-Ala-D-β-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂) that binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating dose-dependent growth hormone release. It produces stronger GH-release than GHRP-6 and substantially less appetite stimulation (the GHRP-6 hunger effect is dose-related and more pronounced at therapeutic doses than with GHRP-2). Cortisol and prolactin effects are mild but present. Half-life is approximately 60 minutes. Evidence level: Human PK extensive; approved as diagnostic agent in Japan; no therapeutic Phase 3.
GHRP-2 was approved in Japan as pralmorelin (GHRP Kaken 100) for diagnosing adult GH deficiency through a stimulation test. Beyond the diagnostic indication, Phase 2 trials in pediatric growth hormone deficiency and post-orthopedic surgery wound healing have been conducted but have not advanced to Phase 3 approval. Human PK studies confirm reliable dose-dependent GH and IGF-1 elevation with subcutaneous administration. Evidence level: Approved diagnostic (Japan); Phase 2 therapeutic; no Phase 3 therapeutic approval.
GHRP-2 sits between ipamorelin (cleanest, moderate GH-release) and hexarelin (strongest GH-release, most cortisol/prolactin) in the ghrelin-receptor GHS spectrum. It produces strong GH response with manageable side-effect profile.
| GHS peptide | GH-release strength | Cortisol/prolactin effects | Appetite effects | Approved status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin | Moderate | Minimal | Minimal | None |
| GHRP-2 | Strong | Mild | Mild | Diagnostic (Japan, pralmorelin) |
| GHRP-6 | Strong | Mild | Significant (hunger) | None |
| Hexarelin | Strongest | Significant | Mild | None |
The most common GHRP-2 side effects in clinical and diagnostic use are mild — injection-site reactions, transient flushing, mild headache, and modest cortisol/prolactin elevation. Appetite stimulation occurs at higher doses but is substantially less pronounced than with GHRP-6. Long-term safety at sustained research-use dosing is not well-characterized given the absence of completed long-duration trials. Evidence level: Phase 2 human safety; long-term unestablished.
GHRP-2 is approved as pralmorelin in Japan as a diagnostic agent for adult GH deficiency (GHRP Kaken 100). It is not approved for therapeutic use in any indication anywhere in the world. Outside Japan, GHRP-2 is sold strictly as a research-use-only compound by third-party laboratories. Regulatory context in are peptides legal regulatory status by country.
GHRP-2 synthesis is mature and widely distributed in the research-grade market, but identity verification matters because several structurally similar hexapeptide GHS compounds exist — including GHRP-6 and hexarelin — and mislabeling occurs. Independent HPLC purity testing and mass spectrometry identity confirmation (expected MW 817.0 Da) are the meaningful purity signals. Guidance in how-to-test-peptides hub.
Peptigrity purchases GHRP-2 vials anonymously at standard customer pricing, sends them to ISO-accredited third-party labs for HPLC and mass spectrometry analysis, and publishes the unedited certificate of analysis. Methodology in how we calculate trust scores.
GHRP-2 produces stronger GH-release than GHRP-6 with much less appetite stimulation. Both are hexapeptide ghrelin-receptor agonists, but GHRP-6 binds the hypothalamic appetite-related ghrelin receptors more strongly. Buyers seeking GH-release effects without significant hunger generally prefer GHRP-2.
GHRP-2 is legal to purchase as a research chemical for laboratory use in most jurisdictions, but it is not approved for therapeutic human use outside of the Japanese diagnostic indication. Country breakdown in peptide legal status guide.
No active US clinical development program for GHRP-2 exists as of May 2026. Japan has approved pralmorelin (GHRP-2) as a diagnostic agent but no therapeutic FDA approval pathway is currently being pursued.
Yes. GHRP-2 and other GHRPs are on the WADA Prohibited List (Section S2 — Peptide Hormones). Detection methods have improved. For drug-testing context, see do peptides show up on drug tests.
Independent third-party HPLC certificate of analysis from a lab the vendor does not own or pay, with mass spectrometry identity confirmation (expected MW 817.0 Da). Mass spec distinguishes GHRP-2 from related hexapeptide GHS compounds (GHRP-6, hexarelin). COA interpretation in red flags in peptide certificates of analysis.
No. GHRP-2 is not approved for therapeutic human use and Peptigrity is an independent review platform, not a medical authority. Research-use dosing in community protocols varies. Anyone considering use should consult a licensed physician.
This section is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. GHRP-2 is approved as a diagnostic agent in Japan (pralmorelin) but is not approved for therapeutic use anywhere in the world. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide or research compound. Peptigrity is an independent review platform and does not sell, endorse, or recommend specific products or vendors.
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