Educational reference only. Not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any protocol.
GHRP-2
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 (Pralmorelin)
What it is
A synthetic hexapeptide (D-Ala-D-β-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that acts as a ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist. GHRP-2, also known by its INN pralmorelin, was the first growth hormone secretagogue introduced clinically and is approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent for growth hormone deficiency assessment. It has been studied in clinical trials for its effects on GH secretion in healthy adults and in children with short stature. In community biohacking contexts, it is discussed for its observed GH-stimulating properties with moderate appetite stimulation relative to GHRP-6. GHRP-2 is not approved for therapeutic use in the United States or Canada.
Community-reported ranges
Ranges sourced from published clinical trial protocols, FDA 503B evaluation reports, and community forums. Not dosing guidance.
Reported dose range
100–300 mcg
Estimated half-life
~15-60 minutes
Source: clinical pharmacokinetic data (Imbimbo et al., 1994; Bowers, 1998)
Reported cycle length
4–12 weeks on
2-4 weeks off
Route
subcutaneous, intravenous, intranasal
Common vial sizes
5mg, 10mg
Reported timing
On empty stomach, 30 min before meals or before bed
Reported frequency
2-3x daily
Frequently discussed alongside
Based on community forum discussions. Not a recommendation to combine compounds.
CJC-1295
Frequently discussed together as a GHRP + GHRH analog stack for synergistic GH release
GHRP-6
Compared as alternative GHRP with different appetite stimulation profiles
Ipamorelin
Discussed as a milder GHRP alternative with fewer side effects
Hexarelin
Compared as a more potent GHRP with greater cortisol and prolactin elevation
Published research
GHRP-2 has been studied in multiple human clinical trials, primarily as a diagnostic tool for GH deficiency and as a research tool for investigating ghrelin receptor physiology. A study by Laferrère et al. (2005) demonstrated that subcutaneous GHRP-2 infusion in healthy men increased food intake by approximately 36% compared to saline, alongside significant GH elevation. Clinical data in children with short stature (Pihoker et al., 1997) examined intranasal administration. It is approved in Japan under the brand name GHRP Kaken 100 for GH deficiency diagnosis. Community-reported dosing ranges are derived from clinical study protocols and are not validated for long-term self-administration.
Laferrère B, Abraham C, Russell CD, Bowers CY. Growth hormone releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), like ghrelin, increases food intake in healthy men.
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ghigo E, Arvat E, Muccioli G, Camanni F. Growth hormone-releasing peptides.
European Journal of Endocrinology
Pihoker C, Badger TM, Reynolds GA, Bowers CY. Treatment effects of intranasal growth hormone releasing peptide-2 in children with short stature.
Journal of Endocrinology
Reported side effects
From community self-reports. Not from controlled studies.
Community users have reported increased appetite (though less intense than GHRP-6), water retention, mild numbness or tingling, transient flushing, and occasional fatigue. At higher doses, elevated cortisol and prolactin levels have been observed in clinical studies. From community self-reports, not controlled long-term safety studies.
Regulatory status
FDA (United States)
Not approved for therapeutic use. GHRP-2 remains Category 3 on the interim 503A bulks list. Moved to Category 1 on the interim 503B bulks list specifically for non-injectable, non-nasal routes of administration only.
Health Canada
Not authorized as a therapeutic product. No DIN assigned. Not listed in the Health Canada Drug Product Database for human therapeutic use.
WADA (Competitive Athletes)
Prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition) under S2.2 GH-Releasing Peptides on the 2026 WADA Prohibited List.