COMPOUND

Compounds / GH secretagogues

GHRP-2

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 (Pralmorelin)

GH secretagogues SubQ Restricted (FDA Cat. 2)

Synthetic ghrelin-receptor agonist. Japan-approved as pralmorelin (KP-102) for GH stimulation testing. Less hunger-inducing than GHRP-6 but produces a comparable GH pulse.

At a glance

Half-life
~18 min ~15-20 min plasma t½. Peak GH ~15 min post-dose; pulse decays over ~2 hours.
Routes
SubQ
Evidence base
2 studies 1 human · 1 review

Mechanism

Binds the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) on pituitary somatotrophs and the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Suppresses somatostatin tone and directly stimulates GH release. Synergistic with GHRH (CJC-1295 / sermorelin): combined GH pulse is 3-10× greater than either alone. Single SC injection of pralmorelin reliably distinguishes GH deficiency from normal in adults: basis of Japan's regulatory approval as a diagnostic agent.

Dosing

Any amounts shown here are reported from published studies only. 1 of 2 catalogued studies involved human subjects. COMPOUND does not publish its own dosing guidance.

Published evidence

  1. Human RCT 2007

    A simple diagnostic test using GH-releasing peptide-2 in adult GH deficiency

    Chihara K, Shimatsu A, Hizuka N, et al. Eur J Endocrinol

    Single SC injection of pralmorelin reliably distinguishes GHD from normal in adults: basis of Japan's regulatory approval.

  2. Review 1993

    GH releasing peptides: structure and kinetics

    Bowers CY. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab

    Foundational GHS pharmacology: GHRP-2 binds GHS-R1a and synergizes with GHRH for supra-additive GH release.

Reported side effects

Increased appetite
Common Mild · Ghrelin receptor activation drives hunger. Less pronounced than GHRP-6. May be useful or unwanted depending on goal.
Mild cortisol / prolactin rise
Occasional Mild · Transient post-dose elevation. Smaller than GHRP-6; generally modest at therapeutic doses. Chronic supratherapeutic use measurably raises both.
Flushing / warmth
Occasional Mild · Transient, within minutes of injection.
Water retention
Occasional Mild · Mild fluid retention common with GH elevation. Typically resolves within 2-4 weeks.

Reconstitution and storage

Lyophilized. Typical: 2mL BAC water per 5mg vial = 250 mcg per 10 units on insulin syringe. Gentle swirl.

Lyophilized: freezer. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2-8°C, use within 30 days. Protect from light.

Open the reconstitution calculator for GHRP-2