Skip to main content
PepStack
Wiki · Profile

GHRP-2

KP-102 · Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2

GH SecretagoguePreclinical
From$2.02/mgCompare prices
MW
818g/mol
Formula
C45H55N9O6

GHRP-2, also known as pralmorelin, is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing peptide classified as a ghrelin agonist, developed through collaborative efforts by researchers at Polygen in Germany and Tulane University in the United States. Researchers primarily study GHRP-2 for its potent ability to stimulate growth hormone secretion and its potential effects on appetite regulation. Key findings from studies indicate that GHRP-2 significantly increases plasma growth hormone levels in healthy individuals and enhances food intake, similar to the natural hormone ghrelin. Current research status includes ongoing investigations into its diagnostic applications for growth hormone deficiency and its potential role in managing conditions related to growth hormone secretion.

Chemical Profile

Chemical Profile

Chemical structure
Chemical Structure
FormulaC45H55N9O6
Molecular Weight818 g/mol
CAS Number158861-67-7
PubChem CID6918245
ChEMBL IDCHEMBL4297297

Half-Life

SCSubcutaneous

~1-2 hours

IMIntramuscular

~1-2 hours

IVIntravenous

~30 minutes

POOral

Poor bioavailability

The half-life can vary based on individual metabolic factors and the specific formulation used.

Mechanism

Mechanism of Action

GHRP-2 acts primarily through the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), which is a G-protein-coupled receptor, leading to increased secretion of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. The exact signaling pathways remain unclear, but it is hypothesized that GHRP-2 may counteract somatostatinergic activity and possibly engage GHRH-mediated mechanisms, influencing biological processes such as appetite stimulation and GH release. Additionally, GHRP-2 has been shown to enhance food intake and may play a role in muscle and bone growth, although the complete mechanism of action is not fully understood.

Research

61 Research Publications

1,952

Total Citations

29

Human/RCT

2.3

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

Anti-inflammatory effect of the ghrelin agonist growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2) in arthritic rats.

AnimalInfluence7.0
180
The study demonstrated that GHRP-2 administration reduced arthritis symptoms and serum IL-6 levels in arthritic rats, indicating an anti-inflammatory effect.
1 microg/kg/hinfusion(human)5 days1 microg/kgi.v.(children)single dose100 microg/kginjection(rats)8 days1 microg/kg/hinfusion(human)21 hours1 microg/kgbolus(human)single dose4.5 mg/kgoral(swine)3 days9 mg/kgoral(swine)3 days
PubMed
#02

GH releasing peptides--structure and kinetics.

In VitroInfluence8.0
173
The study demonstrated that GHRP-2, along with other GHRPs, effectively releases GH in humans via various administration routes, outperforming GHRH in efficacy.
1 microg/kgintravenous(children)1 microg/kg/hintravenous(critically ill patients)21 hours5-20 micrograms/kg per doseintranasal(children)900 microg/kg b.i.d.oral(children)12 months12.5 micrograms/kg BWintravenous(calves)2.0 microg/kgintravenous(humans)12.5 micrograms/kg BWintravenous(calves)1 microgram/kgintravenous(critically ill patients)100 microgintravenous(humans)
PubMed
#03

Chicken ghrelin and growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 inhibit food intake of neonatal chicks.

In VitroInfluence5.0
157
Researchers observed that both chicken ghrelin and GHRP-2 inhibit food intake in neonatal chicks, indicating their role as GHS receptor agonists.
1 microg/kgintravenous(children)1 microg/kg/hintravenous(critically ill patients)21 hours5-20 micrograms/kg per doseintranasal(children)900 microg/kg b.i.d.oral(children)12 months12.5 micrograms/kg BWintravenous(calves)2.0 microg/kgintravenous(humans)12.5 micrograms/kg BWintravenous(calves)1 microgram/kgintravenous(critically ill patients)100 microgintravenous(humans)
PubMed
#04

The somatotropic axis in critical illness: effect of continuous growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone and GH-releasing peptide-2 infusion.

HumanInfluence2.0
155
The study demonstrated that continuous infusion of GHRP-2 significantly increases GH secretion and serum IGF-I levels in critically ill adults without altering cortisol levels.
1 microg/kg/hinfusion(human)5 days1 microg/kgi.v.(children)single dose100 microg/kginjection(rats)8 days1 microg/kg/hinfusion(human)21 hours1 microg/kgbolus(human)single dose4.5 mg/kgoral(swine)3 days9 mg/kgoral(swine)3 days
PubMed
#05

The combined administration of GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), TRH and GnRH to men with prolonged critical illness evokes superior endocrine and metabolic effects compared to treatment with GHRP-2 alone.

HumanInfluence3.0
132
Researchers observed that the combination of GHRP-2, TRH, and GnRH significantly reactivated multiple hormonal axes in critically ill men, leading to improved metabolic outcomes compared to GHRP-2 alone.
1 microg/kg/hinfusion(human)5 days1 microg/kgi.v.(children)single dose100 microg/kginjection(rats)8 days1 microg/kg/hinfusion(human)21 hours1 microg/kgbolus(human)single dose4.5 mg/kgoral(swine)3 days9 mg/kgoral(swine)3 days
PubMed
#06

Effects of GHRP-2 and hexarelin, two synthetic GH-releasing peptides, on GH, prolactin, ACTH and cortisol levels in man. Comparison with the effects of GHRH, TRH and hCRH.

HumanInfluence2.0
87
The study demonstrated that GHRP-2 and Hexarelin induce similar and potent GH responses in young adults, surpassing those elicited by GHRH, while also affecting PRL, ACTH, and cortisol levels.
1 microg/kg/hinfusion(human)5 days1 microg/kgi.v.(children)single dose100 microg/kginjection(rats)8 days1 microg/kg/hinfusion(human)21 hours1 microg/kgbolus(human)single dose4.5 mg/kgoral(swine)3 days9 mg/kgoral(swine)3 days
PubMed
#07

Pituitary responsiveness to GH-releasing hormone, GH-releasing peptide-2 and thyrotrophin-releasing hormone in critical illness.

HumanInfluence1.0
69
Researchers observed that GHRP-2 elicited a significant growth hormone response in critically ill patients, more pronounced than that induced by GHRH alone.
1 microg/kg/hinfusion(human)5 days1 microg/kgi.v.(children)single dose100 microg/kginjection(rats)8 days1 microg/kg/hinfusion(human)21 hours1 microg/kgbolus(human)single dose4.5 mg/kgoral(swine)3 days9 mg/kgoral(swine)3 days
PubMed
#08

The effect of GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2 or KP 102) on GH secretion from primary cultured ovine pituitary cells can be abolished by a specific GH-releasing factor (GRF) receptor antagonist.

In VitroInfluence5.0
61
The study demonstrated that GHRP-2 significantly increases GH secretion from primary cultured ovine pituitary cells and its action can be blocked by a specific GRF receptor antagonist.
1 microg/kg/hinfusion(human)5 days1 microg/kgi.v.(children)single dose100 microg/kginjection(rats)8 days1 microg/kg/hinfusion(human)21 hours1 microg/kgbolus(human)single dose4.5 mg/kgoral(swine)3 days9 mg/kgoral(swine)3 days
PubMed
#09

Ghrelin receptor agonist GHRP-2 prevents arthritis-induced increase in E3 ubiquitin-ligating enzymes MuRF1 and MAFbx gene expression in skeletal muscle.

AnimalInfluence3.0
60
Researchers observed that GHRP-2 administration prevented arthritis-induced increases in muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases MuRF1 and MAFbx gene expression in rats.
1 microg/kg/hinfusion(human)5 days1 microg/kgi.v.(children)single dose100 microg/kginjection(rats)8 days1 microg/kg/hinfusion(human)21 hours1 microg/kgbolus(human)single dose4.5 mg/kgoral(swine)3 days9 mg/kgoral(swine)3 days
PubMed
#10

Identification of the growth-hormone-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2) in a nutritional supplement.

Thomas Andreas, et al. · Drug testing and analysis · 2010

Case ReportInfluence2.0
59
Researchers identified GHRP-2 in an over-the-counter nutritional supplement, raising concerns about its illicit use for performance enhancement in sports.

Key findings

  1. 01GHRP-2 was identified and quantified in tablets marketed as nutritional supplements.
  2. 02This peptide is associated with the release of growth hormone and is prohibited in sports.
  3. 03The study provides analytical methods for detecting GHRP-2 in biological samples, aiding future research.
1 microg/kg/hinfusion(human)5 days1 microg/kgi.v.(children)single dose100 microg/kginjection(rats)8 days1 microg/kg/hinfusion(human)21 hours1 microg/kgbolus(human)single dose4.5 mg/kgoral(swine)3 days9 mg/kgoral(swine)3 days
PubMed
Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

The acute effects of GHRP-2 on appetite stimulation in humans are not fully understood, as existing studies primarily focus on its GH-releasing properties without addressing long-term effects on eating behavior or potential desensitization over time. Additionally, the exact mechanisms by which GHRP-2 counteracts somatostatinergic activity and its interaction with unknown hypothalamic factors remain unclear, indicating a need for further investigation into these pathways.

Solubility

GHRP-2 is soluble in water and DMSO.

Storage & Handling

Lyophilized

Stable for 2+ years at -20°C, 12 months at 4°C

Reconstituted

Use within 14 days when refrigerated at 4°C

Avoid

Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, direct light

Solvent

Bacteriostatic water or sterile saline recommended

Safety information is derived from published research and may not reflect all known risks. This is not medical advice.

Legal Status

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Not approved as a medicinal product. Not a controlled substance. Sale as research chemical is a legal grey area.

🇺🇸US

Not approved by the FDA as a medicinal product. Not scheduled by the DEA.

🇦🇺AU

Not approved by the TGA as a therapeutic good.

🇬🇧UK

Not approved by the MHRA as a medicinal product.

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

Community Insights

Community Insights

Publications per Year

48 total
1
94
2
95
3
96
5
97
3
98
2
99
2
00
1
01
1
02
3
04
4
05
1
07
1
08
5
09
4
10
1
13
2
14
2
15
1
16
1
18
1
19
1
20
1
24
Pricing

Price Comparison

  • BESTResearch Peptides UKUK
    5mg
    $10.10
    Price/mg
    $2.02/mg
  • Research Peptides UKUK
    10mg
    $24.13
    Price/mg
    $2.41/mg
  • Ruo BioUS
    5mg
    $16.00
    Price/mg
    $3.20/mg
  • MoglabsUS
    5mg
    $16.00
    Price/mg
    $3.20/mg
  • RCpeptidesEU
    10mg
    $37.80
    Price/mg
    $3.78/mg

Top 5 of 29 offers from 23 vendors. Prices updated daily.

See all GHRP-2 prices
Mechanism

Tools

Mechanism

Related Peptides

Track GHRP-2 in PepStack

Log your research cycles, set reminders and visualize serum levels.

Legal Disclaimer

This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Many substances listed may not be approved for human use and may be subject to drug regulation laws (e.g., AMG in Germany, FDA in the US). PepStack does not encourage the use of any substance on humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk. PepStack assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. Full disclaimer