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GHRP-2

GH Secretagogue
KP-102Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2

Overview

GHRP-2, also known as KP-102 or Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2, is a synthetic hexapeptide that belongs to the category of growth hormone secretagogues. It was developed to stimulate the secretion of growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary gland. The compound is synthesized through solid-phase peptide synthesis, resulting in a peptide with the sequence D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2. GHRP-2 is structurally related to other GH secretagogues and is often studied for its potential therapeutic applications in conditions associated with GH deficiency. Researchers have primarily focused on the effects of GHRP-2 in stimulating growth hormone release, which has implications for growth disorders, aging, and metabolic conditions. Studies have shown that GHRP-2 can increase GH levels in both animal models and humans, leading to potential benefits such as increased muscle mass, improved metabolism, and enhanced recovery. However, the full spectrum of its physiological effects and potential therapeutic applications is still under investigation. The mechanism of action of GHRP-2 involves binding to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), which is a G-protein coupled receptor. This interaction stimulates the release of GH by mimicking the action of ghrelin, a natural ligand for GHSR. The activation of this receptor leads to a cascade of intracellular signaling pathways that result in the secretion of growth hormone. Pharmacokinetically, GHRP-2 has a relatively short half-life, with researchers reporting a range of approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the route of administration. It is known to have moderate stability and bioavailability when administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly, but oral bioavailability is poor due to degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Current research on GHRP-2 is ongoing, with studies exploring its potential in treating GH deficiency and other metabolic disorders. Regulatory status varies by country; in many regions, it is not approved as a medicinal product and is primarily available for research purposes. Its use is subject to regulatory oversight, and it is not classified as a controlled substance in most jurisdictions.

Mechanism of Action

GHRP-2 exerts its effects by binding to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), a G-protein coupled receptor. This binding mimics the action of ghrelin, leading to the activation of intracellular signaling pathways that stimulate the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland.

Molecular Data

FormulaC45H55N9O6
Molecular Weight818 g/mol
CAS Number158861-67-7
PubChem CID6918245

Half-Life

Subcutaneous~1-2 hours
Intramuscular~1-2 hours
Intravenous~30 minutes
OralPoor bioavailability

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

Storage

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

Solubility

GHRP-2 is soluble in water and DMSO.

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.

7 Research Publications

Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide 2 May Be Associated With Decreased M1 Macrophage Production and Increased Histologic and Biomechanical Tendon-Bone Healing Properties in a Rat Rotator Cuff Tear Model.

Animal

Arthroscopy : the journal of arthroscopic & related surgery : official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association · 2025

Researchers studied the effects of growth hormone-releasing peptide 2 (GHRP-2) on healing in a rat model of rotator cuff tears. They found that GHRP-2 reduced certain inflammatory cells and improved the healing properties of the tendon-bone interface over time.

  • GHRP-2 reduced the presence of M1 macrophages, which are associated with inflammation, both in lab tests and in the rat model after surgery.
  • The treatment led to better healing outcomes, with improved histologic scores and increased bone density at the tendon-bone interface after eight weeks.
  • GHRP-2 also enhanced biomechanical properties, making the repaired tendon-bone junction stronger and improving movement patterns in the rats.
PubMed

Clinical Usefulness of the Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide-2 Test for Hypothalamic-Pituitary Disorder.

Human

Journal of the Endocrine Society · 2022

Researchers studied the growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP2) test to evaluate its effectiveness in diagnosing hormone deficiencies in patients with hypothalamic-pituitary disorders. They found that measuring both growth hormone and ACTH during this test can help identify secondary adrenal insufficiency, which often occurs alongside growth hormone deficiency.

  • The GHRP2 test identified severe growth hormone deficiency in 61% of patients studied.
  • Nearly half of the patients with severe growth hormone deficiency also had secondary adrenal insufficiency.
  • Combining ACTH response and peak cortisol levels during the GHRP2 test showed high accuracy for diagnosing pituitary-related adrenal insufficiency.
PubMed

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

Unknown

Drug testing and analysis · 2010

Researchers found that a growth hormone-releasing peptide called GHRP-2 was present in over-the-counter nutritional supplements. This substance is known for its potential to enhance athletic performance and is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The study highlights concerns about the safety and regulation of such supplements in both competitive and non-competitive sports.

  • GHRP-2 was identified and quantified in tablets marketed as nutritional supplements.
  • This peptide is associated with the release of growth hormone and is prohibited in sports.
  • The study provides analytical methods for detecting GHRP-2 in biological samples, aiding future research.
PubMed

Growth hormone releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), like ghrelin, increases food intake in healthy men.

Human

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2005

Researchers found that GHRP-2, a synthetic compound similar to the hormone ghrelin, significantly increases food intake in healthy men. In a study, participants consumed nearly 36% more food when infused with GHRP-2 compared to a saline solution, indicating its potential role in appetite regulation.

  • GHRP-2 infusion led to a 35.9% increase in food intake compared to saline.
  • All participants increased their food consumption, even when adjusted for body weight.
  • Serum growth hormone levels rose significantly during GHRP-2 infusion.
PubMed

Pralmorelin: GHRP 2, GPA 748, growth hormone-releasing peptide 2, KP-102 D, KP-102 LN, KP-102D, KP-102LN.

Review

Drugs in R&D · 2004

Researchers studied pralmorelin, a synthetic peptide that stimulates growth hormone release, developed by teams in Germany and the US. They found that pralmorelin significantly increases growth hormone levels in healthy individuals but has a reduced effect in those with growth hormone deficiency. The compound is being evaluated for its potential use in diagnosing growth hormone deficiency and treating conditions like short stature.

  • Pralmorelin effectively raises growth hormone levels in healthy subjects regardless of age, gender, or obesity.
  • In individuals with growth hormone deficiency, the increase in hormone levels from pralmorelin is notably lower.
  • Pralmorelin is undergoing clinical trials for its potential use in diagnosing and treating growth-related conditions.
PubMed

General pharmacology of KP-102 (GHRP-2), a potent growth hormone-releasing peptide.

Unknown

Arzneimittel-Forschung · 2004

Researchers studied the effects of a peptide called KP-102, which stimulates the release of growth hormone. They found that KP-102 did not significantly affect the central nervous system or other bodily systems at doses that promote growth hormone release, suggesting it may be safe for diagnosing growth hormone deficiencies and addressing short stature.

  • KP-102 effectively promotes the release of growth hormone without major side effects.
  • There were no significant impacts on the central nervous system or other major bodily systems.
  • The study indicates that KP-102 could be useful for diagnosing serious growth hormone deficiencies.
PubMed

Pharmacological characteristics of KP-102 (GHRP-2), a potent growth hormone-releasing peptide.

Animal

Arzneimittel-Forschung · 2004

Researchers studied KP-102, a synthetic peptide that stimulates growth hormone release, and found it to be more effective than traditional growth hormone-releasing hormone in conscious rats. The study also noted that KP-102 can stimulate growth hormone release in dogs, while traditional methods were ineffective. Overall, KP-102 showed stable growth hormone-releasing activity and had some effects on body weight and organ growth in rats.

  • KP-102 was more effective than traditional growth hormone-releasing hormone in stimulating growth hormone release in conscious rats.
  • The peptide also stimulated growth hormone release in conscious dogs, while traditional methods did not.
  • KP-102 demonstrated stable growth hormone-releasing activity and influenced body weight and organ growth in rats.
PubMed

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This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice or replaces consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.