GHRP-2
Pralmorelin / Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 / KP-102
GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2, also known as Pralmorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release through the ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptor with higher potency and selectivity than its predecessor GHRP-6. It produces robust growth hormone pulses comparable to GHRP-6 but with significantly less appetite stimulation and ghrelin-like hunger effects, making it preferred for applications where appetite increase is undesirable. Research applications include GH deficiency diagnostics, anti-aging protocols, muscle wasting, and body composition optimization.
Mechanism of Action
Synthetic hexapeptide GHSR agonist. Stimulates GH release via ghrelin receptor activation on pituitary somatotrophs. Also increases appetite (ghrelin mimetic), cortisol, and prolactin at higher doses. Produces stronger GH pulses than ipamorelin but less selective.
Research Protocols
For research purposes only. Not medical advice.
Research protocols use 100-300mcg 2-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection on an empty stomach. Often combined with a GHRH analog. Higher doses (>300mcg) increase cortisol and prolactin without proportional GH increase.
Research Notes
Clinical Research Status
GHRP-2 (Pralmorelin) has been approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent for growth hormone deficiency under the trade name GHRP Kaken, making it one of the few GHRPs with any regulatory approval globally. It has been studied in numerous clinical trials for applications including GH deficiency assessment, short stature in children, and catabolic states. The compound continues to be widely used in research and clinical settings, with ongoing interest in its potential therapeutic applications for sarcopenia and age-related GH decline.
Key Published Findings
Clinical studies demonstrate that GHRP-2 produces GH release of similar magnitude to GHRP-6 (10-20 fold above baseline) but with approximately 50% less ghrelin receptor-mediated appetite stimulation. Research in elderly subjects confirms maintained GHRP-2 responsiveness even when natural GHRH sensitivity has declined with age, and synergistic effects with GHRH co-administration can produce GH peaks exceeding 50 ng/mL. Studies have shown that GHRP-2 increases IGF-1 levels, improves nitrogen balance, and promotes lean body mass accretion during repeated administration protocols of 4-12 weeks duration.
Safety Profile
GHRP-2 demonstrates excellent tolerability in clinical studies with side effects generally limited to transient facial flushing and mild water retention. Cortisol and prolactin elevations are modest and clinically insignificant at standard research doses. The reduced appetite stimulation compared to GHRP-6 makes it better tolerated by users managing caloric intake, and no serious adverse events have been attributed to the compound in published research.
Drug Interactions & Contraindications
As with other GH secretagogues, GHRP-2 may transiently affect insulin sensitivity during acute GH release phases, warranting glucose monitoring in diabetic patients. Synergistic interaction with GHRH analogs is well-documented and intentionally exploited in clinical protocols but requires appropriate dose adjustment. Glucocorticoid use may blunt GHRP-2 response, and somatostatin analogs (octreotide) will directly antagonize its GH-releasing effects.
Comparison to Related Compounds
GHRP-2 is considered the best balance of GH-releasing potency and side effect profile among the GHRP family, producing strong GH output without the extreme hunger of GHRP-6 or the desensitization issues of Hexarelin. Ipamorelin is more selective with even fewer side effects but produces approximately 30-40% less GH release per dose compared to GHRP-2. MK-677 (Ibutamoren) offers oral convenience with 24-hour GH elevation but produces more sustained appetite increase and water retention than pulsatile GHRP-2 injections.
Community Observations
Users typically administer GHRP-2 at 100-300mcg subcutaneously 2-3 times daily, commonly paired with Mod GRF 1-29 for synergistic GH release, with most reporting it as the gold standard balance of efficacy and tolerability. Mild appetite increase is reported by some users but is notably less disruptive than GHRP-6, making GHRP-2 compatible with caloric restriction phases. The community consensus positions GHRP-2 as the preferred injectable GH secretagogue for long-term use due to sustained efficacy without the tolerance development seen with Hexarelin.
Half-Life
~1-2 hours
Reconstitution
Bacteriostatic water (BAC)
Storage
Lyophilized
Refrigerate 2-8C up to 18 months.
Reconstituted
Refrigerate 2-8C. Use within 14 days.
US Legal Status
Also Known As
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