GHRP-2
Also known as: Pralmorelin
Molecular Identifiers
Overview
Second-generation GH-releasing peptide with moderate ghrelin activity. Strong GH release with moderate appetite increase. Potent when combined with GHRH analogs.
The main clinical effect of interest for GHRP-2 is a strong pulse of endogenous GH release via GHS-R1a receptor agonism, with a moderate appetite increase from ghrelinergic activity. It is commonly combined with GHRH analogs (CJC-1295, sermorelin) for synergy, aimed at mass gain, body composition, and recovery support. Higher doses tend to raise cortisol and prolactin, which limits dose escalation.
GHRP-2 has no broad regulatory approval — it was evaluated clinically as pralmorelin for GH deficiency diagnostic testing in some jurisdictions, but without consolidated FDA, EMA, or ANVISA approval. It is generally dispensed by compounding pharmacies as off-label use in 8–12 week protocols, in up to three subcutaneous administrations per day (morning, post-workout, bedtime). GH secretagogues are banned by WADA at all times.
Within the GHRP family, GHRP-2 sits between hexarelin (more potent but more desensitizing, with greater cortisol/prolactin elevation), GHRP-6 (similar potency but with marked appetite stimulation), and ipamorelin (cleaner profile, lower potency, no significant cortisol or prolactin rise). Unlike GHRH analogs (sermorelin, CJC-1295, tesamorelin) it acts on GHS-R1a rather than the GHRH receptor, which is why it is typically stacked with one of them rather than substituting; the oral MK-677 acts on the same receptor with much longer duration.
D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂ Contains D-amino acids and non-natural amino acid (D-Ala, D-2-Nal, D-Phe)
Half-life
~25-30 minutes
Administration Route
Subcutaneous
Category
GH Secretagogues
Mechanism of Action
- GHS-R1a receptor agonist
- Potent dose-dependent GH release
- Moderate ghrelin activity (appetite increase)
- Synergism with exogenous GHRH
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | 100-300 mcg per injection |
| Frequency | 2-3 times per day |
| Timing | Morning, post-workout and before bedtime |
| Duration | 8-12 weeks |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Increased appetite
- Water retention
- Tingling
- Elevated cortisol/prolactin
Product Properties
| Purity | >99% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water |
| Source | Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 4 weeks. Protect from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of GHRP-2 found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
- Volume: 2 ml per 5 mg vial
- Inject the diluent slowly against the vial wall
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved
- Never shake
Storage
- Lyophilized: Room temperature or refrigerated
- Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 30 days)
- Protect from direct light
- Do not freeze after reconstitution
Scientific Studies
Published studies on GHRP-2.
Growth hormone releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), like ghrelin, increases food intake in healthy men
Laferrere B, Abraham C, Russell CD, Bowers CY
Sustained elevation of pulsatile growth hormone (GH) secretion and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and IGFBP-5 concentrations during 30-day continuous subcutaneous infusion of GH-releasing peptide-2 in older men and women
Bowers CY, Granda R, Mohan S, Kuipers J, Baylink D, Veldhuis JD
Treatment effects of intranasal growth hormone releasing peptide-2 in children with short stature
Pihoker C, Badger TM, Reynolds GA, Bowers CY
Related Peptides
CJC-1295 with DAC
1-2 mg per week · Once per week
CJC-1295 sem DAC
100-200 mcg per injection · 2-3 times daily
GHRP-6
100-300 mcg per injection · 2-3 times per day
Hexarelin
200-300 mcg per injection · 2-3 times per day
Ipamorelin
200-300 mcg per injection · 2-3 times daily
MK-677
10-25 mg per dose · Once daily