GHRP-2

Last Updated: August 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.

What is GHRP-2 and how does the ghrelin-receptor agonist mechanism work?

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.

What does the research show for GHRP-2?

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.

How does GHRP-2 compare to ipamorelin and hexarelin?

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.

What are the documented side effects of GHRP-2?

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.

What is the regulatory status of GHRP-2?

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 In the United States, GHRP-2 sits in Category 2 of the FDA's bulk-drug-substances evaluation — the list of substances the FDA has flagged as potentially presenting significant safety risks for compounding — under the 503B outsourcing-facility route, and it was not among the twelve peptides removed from Category 2 in April 2026; it is not on the Category 1 list eligible for compounding, as of August 2026.2 sources In sport, GHRP-2 is prohibited at all times by the World Anti-Doping Agency as a growth-hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) under Section S2.2.4 of the Prohibited List.1 source by third-party laboratories. Regulatory context in are peptides legal regulatory status by country.

Why does GHRP-2 vendor verification matter?

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.

How does Peptigrity verify GHRP-2 vendors?

Peptigrity collects independent third-party Certificates of Analysis for GHRP-2 from shops' official channels and verifies each for authenticity before publishing. Because shops choose which COAs to publish, results reflect the batches shops have made public rather than every production batch — a selection bias we state openly. A community-funded Testing Grant to purchase and test vials anonymously is in development. Tests in the database come from independent labs such as Janoshik Analytical, Freedom Diagnostics, and Chromate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is GHRP-2 different from GHRP-6?

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.

Is GHRP-2 legal to purchase?

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.

Will GHRP-2 be FDA-approved?

No active US clinical development program for GHRP-2 exists as of August 2026. Japan has approved pralmorelin (GHRP-2) as a diagnostic agent but no therapeutic FDA approval pathway is currently being pursued.

Does GHRP-2 show up on a drug test?

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.

How can I verify a GHRP-2 vendor is selling real product?

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.

Does Peptigrity recommend a GHRP-2 dose?

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.