Treatment effects of intranasal growth hormone releasing peptide-2 in children with short stature

This pioneering study evaluated the therapeutic effects of intranasal administration of GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2) in 15 children with idiopathic short stature or partial growth hormone deficiency. The protocol used intranasal GHRP-2 at daily doses, with prolonged follow-up of up to 24 months.

The results were clinically significant: growth velocity increased from a baseline average of 3.7 cm/year to 6.1 cm/year in the first 6 months of treatment. This effect was sustained, remaining at 6.0 cm/year after 18-24 months of continuous treatment, with no evidence of tachyphylaxis (loss of effect over time).

The intranasal route proved to be a practical and non-invasive alternative to subcutaneous injections of recombinant GH, which is particularly relevant in pediatric patients. GHRP-2 stimulated endogenous GH secretion in a pulsatile manner, mimicking the physiological release pattern, which theoretically preserves the feedback mechanisms of the somatotropic axis.

The safety profile was favorable, with no significant adverse effects reported during the follow-up period. IGF-1 levels increased proportionally to the growth response. The authors concluded that intranasal GHRP-2 represents a promising alternative for treating children with short stature, especially those with partial GH deficiency who could benefit from stimulation of endogenous secretion.