GHRP-2
GHRP-2 is a growth hormone secretagogue. Japan approves it as a single-dose diagnostic agent.
Checked by the PU Research editorial team — evidence-graded against primary sources. Last check: 23 July 2026. Sources: 3. Who checks this
Sport prohibition notice. WADA prohibits GHRH analogs and growth hormone secretagogues under section S2.2.4. Seven of the eight compounds in this category fall under that section. IGF-1 LR3 falls under S2, and its insulin cross-activity also relates to S4. Check the live WADA list before any decision that involves competition.
01Identity & Classification
GHRP-2 is also called pralmorelin. It is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue.
02Mechanism: How It Works
GHRP-2 acts as an agonist at the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on somatotrophs. It releases growth hormone and suppresses somatostatin.
It raises cortisol and prolactin by a moderate amount. It also stimulates appetite.
03Research Findings
Evidence tier: clinical.
GHRP-2 increases food intake in healthy men (Laferrère et al., 2005).
It is a validated diagnostic agent for growth hormone deficiency.
04Reported Dosing & Delivery
Japan approves a single-dose diagnostic use.
Any other dosing is non-clinical. No clinical source supports it.
05Pharmacokinetics & Timing
The half-life is short.
06Interactions & Combinations
GHRP-2 acts on the growth hormone axis. Community combinations are anecdotal.
Compare with GHRP-6 and Ipamorelin.
07Safety & Contraindications
GHRP-2 causes a transient increase in cortisol and prolactin. It increases appetite.
Single diagnostic doses were generally well tolerated. Repeated-dose safety data are limited.
08Monitoring & Biomarkers
- IGF-1.
- Glucose.
- Cortisol.
09Regulatory Status
Japan approves pralmorelin as a single-dose diagnostic. The FDA does not approve it.
WADA prohibits it under S2.2.4. See the WADA prohibited list status.
10Works Cited
- 01Laferrère B, et al. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2005. PMID 15699539. View source →
- 02Drugs in R&D, 2004. PMID 15230633. View source →
- 03WADA 2025 Prohibited List, section S2.2.4. View source →
More in Growth Hormone Axis
Open the Growth Hormone category →Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a growth hormone-releasing factor analog. The FDA approves it for one indication only.
Sermorelin
Sermorelin is a GHRH 1-29 analog. It held FDA approval as a diagnostic agent until 2008.
CJC-1295
CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog. Two different forms exist. Only Phase 1 human data support it.
Research use only. This is not medical advice.
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