GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue (D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, MW ~817.97 g/mol) that stimulates potent, dose-dependent GH release via the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R). It is considered more potent than GHRP-6 with less appetite stimulation. Approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent for GH deficiency (pralmorelin), it has been used clinically in GH-deficient children for 8-24 months with maintained efficacy on growth velocity. Clinical studies show a placebo-like safety profile at therapeutic doses.
Category: Growth Hormone Secretagogue. Evidence rating: C (early/mixed human evidence).
Clinical status: Approved in Japan for GH deficiency diagnosis; research-only elsewhere
GHRP-2 (C45H55N9O6) binds to and activates ghrelin (GH secretagogue) receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, triggering robust pulsatile GH release. In healthy adults, 100 mcg SC daily produces acute GH stimulation. Unlike continuous GH, GHRP-2 maintains physiological feedback controls. Once-daily…
Research base: 0 registered clinical trials and 6 indexed publications reference GHRP-2.
Safety considerations: Well tolerated in clinical trials with placebo-like safety profile at therapeutic ranges; May increase appetite (less than GHRP-6); Can elevate cortisol and prolactin levels (less than GHRP-6).
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team. Last reviewed: 2026-07-05.
Related peptides: Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, Sermorelin.
Compare: GHRP-2 vs Ipamorelin, GHRP-2 vs CJC-1295, GHRP-2 vs Sermorelin.
GHRP-2 is generally considered more potent for GH release with less appetite stimulation and less water retention than GHRP-6. However, it still raises cortisol and prolactin more than ipamorelin. GHRP-2 also carries a higher risk of receptor desensitization with frequent dosing.
Yes. GHRP-2 (as pralmorelin) is approved in Japan specifically as a diagnostic agent for growth hormone deficiency, using a GH response cutoff of 15 mcg/L. It is not approved for therapeutic use anywhere.
Clinical studies predominantly use once-daily subcutaneous administration. This balances efficacy with receptor recovery. Frequent dosing (every 2 hours) causes rapid attenuation (tachyphylaxis) and is not recommended.
Yes. When combined with GHRH analogs (e.g., CJC-1295 or Mod GRF 1-29), GHRP-2 can significantly increase IGF-1 levels synergistically. Some protocols alternate GHRP-2 with ipamorelin.
Yes. WADA prohibits all growth hormone secretagogues.