Growth Hormone · Endocrine
GHRP-2
Also known as: Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2, Pralmorelin, KP-102, GPA-748
A synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent for growth hormone deficiency, with broader development largely discontinued.
Sign in to add to watchlistEvidence strength
Strength of human clinical evidence — A (strongest) to D (mostly preclinical). This reflects research maturity, not safety or suitability.
Vial Theory provides educational research summaries only. Content is not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, dosing guidance, or individualized suitability screening. Regulatory status can change over time and varies by jurisdiction.
Key Takeaways
- ›GHRP-2 is a growth hormone secretagogue approved in Japan only as a diagnostic agent.
- ›It reliably causes a short-term growth-hormone pulse, which is the basis for its diagnostic use.
- ›It modestly raises cortisol and prolactin, unlike the more selective ipamorelin.
- ›Long-term, repeated-use safety is not established, and it is on the WADA prohibited list.
- ›It is not FDA-approved. Speak with a licensed healthcare professional before any health decisions.
What It Is
GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide developed in the late 1980s and 1990s as part of the broader growth hormone releasing peptide medicinal chemistry program. It acts at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a) to trigger pulsatile GH release.
GHRP-2 was developed in part by Polish pharmaceutical research and licensed for clinical use as a diagnostic agent in Japan, where it is administered to evaluate pituitary somatotroph reserve in suspected growth hormone deficiency. It is more potent than GHRP-6 for acute GH release at equivalent doses and has somewhat different effects on appetite and cortisol relative to other members of the GHRP class.
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Disclaimer: This content is for educational and research purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.