GHRP-2 · DOSSIER

GHRP-2

Pralmorelin · Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 · Peptide · 6 AS
LEGAL DE · NOT APPROVEDEVIDENCE · EARLY CLINICAL STUDIES3 STUDIESWADA · S2
FIG.01 — SIGNAL CHAIN
D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂ · ~818 Da
02

Mechanism of action

What GHRP-2 does in the body — step by step.

01

GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide that acts as a potent agonist at the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a).

02

Binding to GHS-R1a in the somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary triggers a strong pulsatile release of growth hormone (GH).

03

At the same time, its hypothalamic action reduces somatostatin inhibition, further amplifying the GH pulse.

03

Research status

How far along is the evidence?

PRECLINICALEARLY CLINICAL STUDIESCLINICALLY ESTABLISHED
GHRP-2 is among the best clinically studied growth hormone secretagogues.
GHRP-2 is among the best clinically studied growth hormone secretagogues.
In Japan, pralmorelin (the INN of GHRP-2) was used in Phase III studies for the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency and showed reliable GH stimulation comparable to the insulin tolerance test.
Studies in healthy subjects document a dose-dependent GH release peaking 15–30 minutes after administration.
For therapeutic applications beyond diagnostics (anti-aging, muscle hypertrophy), no controlled clinical studies exist.
04

Known risks

Without human data, safety statements are limited. What is known:

01
Moderate increase in prolactin and cortisol — clinically relevant with prolonged use
02
Fluid retention possible due to elevated GH/IGF-1 levels
03
Hypoglycaemia potential via IGF-1-mediated insulin sensitisation
04
Tachyphylaxis with continuous administration (receptor desensitisation)
05
No long-term safety data outside clinical studies
05

Cited studies

Chronological — links lead to the source.

1998
Growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide-2 requires endogenous hypothalamic GH-releasing hormone for maximal GH stimulation
PubMed 9614887 →
2003
GHRP-2 as a diagnostic tool for growth hormone deficiency in adults
PubMed 12810825 →
2007
Pralmorelin (growth hormone-releasing peptide-2) for the diagnosis of GH deficiency
PubMed 17507472 →
06

Frequently asked questions

What is GHRP-2?+

GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide that acts as a potent agonist at the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a).

What type of peptide is GHRP-2?+

GHRP-2 belongs to the GHRP class.

What is GHRP-2 used for?+

In research, GHRP-2 has primarily been investigated in the context of: Muscle growth, Anti-aging. These are research findings (evidence: early clinical studies), not proven benefits in humans and not a usage recommendation.

Is GHRP-2 legal in Germany?+

GHRP-2 is not approved as a medicine in Germany. Obtaining it outside clinical studies is legally problematic.

Is GHRP-2 FDA-approved / legal in the US?+

No. GHRP-2 is not FDA-approved as a drug in the US; it is mostly sold as a research chemical and not for human consumption.

Is GHRP-2 legal in Canada?+

No. GHRP-2 is not authorized by Health Canada and not intended for human consumption.

Where can I buy GHRP-2?+

Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. GHRP-2 is "not approved" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.

What is the dosage of GHRP-2?+

Peptica publishes no dosing. There are no approved dosing guidelines for GHRP-2; figures circulating online stem from animal studies or anecdote, not from validated human protocols. This is not medical advice.

Is GHRP-2 banned in sport (WADA)?+

Yes. GHRP-2 is on the WADA Prohibited List and is therefore banned in competitive sport.

What are the known risks of GHRP-2?+

Documented risks include: Moderate increase in prolactin and cortisol — clinically relevant with prolonged use; Fluid retention possible due to elevated GH/IGF-1 levels. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.

How well researched is GHRP-2?+

The evidence is classified as “early clinical studies”. 3 studies are cited on this page.

What is the molecular weight of GHRP-2?+

GHRP-2 has a molar mass of about 818 Da, with a plasma half-life of ~30 minutes.

Which peptides are related to GHRP-2?+

Closely related entries: CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, GHRP-6, Hexarelin. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.

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Dossier

Legal · Structure · Sources.

LEGAL STATUS BY REGION
Germanynot approved

GHRP-2 is not an approved medicine in the EU. As a growth hormone secretagogue, it is listed on the WADA Prohibited List (S2). Importing it as a research chemical may fall under the German Medicines Act (AMG) and is legally problematic.

Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.

STRUCTURE & MOLECULE
H₂ND-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NHCOOH
6
AMINO ACIDS
~818
MOL. WEIGHT (Da)
~30 minutes
HALF-LIFE
SOURCES & EXTERNAL DATABASES

Methodology: Peptica compiles publicly available studies and regulatory information and assigns each statement an evidence level. Not medical advice. No warranty.

RELATED PEPTIDES & FURTHER READING
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Community notes

Note: These posts are user opinions and not medical advice. Posts containing dosages, therapeutic claims or purchase recommendations are removed. All entries are manually reviewed before publication.
This page is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information. No medical advice · no dosage or usage recommendations · no claims of efficacy · no substitute for medical consultation. Peptica sells no substances. Partner links are marked as advertising; Peptica may earn a commission. © 2026 Peptica · Issue 01