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GHRP-2

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2

Last reviewed October 27, 2026 · 25 sources · Written for general readers · Compare with another compound →

The bottom line

GHRP-2 reliably makes the body release a burst of growth hormone through the ghrelin receptor, and Japan uses it as a test for growth hormone deficiency. In small controlled studies it made people eat about a third more, its effect faded within days of daily shots, and in the largest trial a year of nasal spray did not help short children grow. It is not approved in the United States, FDA has flagged safety concerns, and it is banned in sport.

Where the evidence stands

What it is

GHRP-2, also called pralmorelin, is a small lab made peptide, which means a short chain of amino acids. It belongs to a family called growth hormone releasing peptides, or GHRPs, that push the pituitary gland at the base of the brain to release growth hormone.[1][2] FDA's substance registry lists the free peptide with the formula C45H55N9O6, and a salt form with two added hydrochloride groups.[3]

In Japan, a GHRP-2 test is recommended as a simple and safe way to check adults for growth hormone deficiency, as an option next to the older insulin tolerance test.[4] It has never been approved in the United States, and a U.S. trial program from the early 2000s appears to have been dropped.[1]

Outside medical settings, GHRPs circulate on the black market.[5] FDA notes that GHRP-2 contains an unnatural amino acid, which makes the peptide harder to fully check for quality.[6]

Name
GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2)
Other names
pralmorelin, KP-102, GPA 748
Type
Peptide
Formula
C45H55N9O6
Molecular weight
About 818.0 g/mol

What it does in the body

GHRP-2 is a lab made peptide that the body does not produce. It switches on the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, the same receptor used by ghrelin, the body's hunger hormone, which was discovered later partly because of GHRP research.[2][7] Its main action is to make the pituitary gland release growth hormone, and through the same receptor it also raises hunger.[10]

This is the biology, area by area. A change measured in the body, like a higher blood level, does not always mean a person feels a benefit. The claims check below covers that.

Hormones

Measured in people

One IV dose raised growth hormone within an hour in 77 healthy adults to peaks about 60 times higher than in 58 adults with growth hormone deficiency.[9] In 9 young men given daily shots for 5 days, the growth hormone response shrank by about 40 percent from day 1 to day 5, and IGF-1, the growth factor that carries out much of growth hormone's work, did not rise.[12] In 17 older adults given a steady drip under the skin for 30 days, growth hormone output stayed more than 1.8 times higher than on saline and IGF-1 rose to a stable higher level.[13]

Fat and appetite

Measured in people

In 7 lean healthy men, a GHRP-2 infusion made them eat about 36 percent more at a buffet than saline did.[10] In 19 lean and obese adults, food intake rose about 10 percent with a lower amount and 34 percent with a higher amount, and people felt hungrier before meals.[14]

Stress hormones and prolactin

Measured in people

In healthy young men, each shot caused a small, short rise in prolactin, the milk hormone, that settled within about an hour, and cortisol stayed in the normal range.[12] In long stay intensive care patients, a GHRP-2 drip did not change cortisol.[15] In rats it caused only a slight rise in stress hormones.[8]

Bones

Measured in people

Osteocalcin, a blood marker of bone building, rose after 5 days of daily shots in healthy young men.[12] In 14 long stay intensive care patients, it rose 19 percent during a GHRP-2 plus TRH drip, compared with a 6 percent fall on placebo.[15] No study measured bone density or fractures.

Muscle and protein

Measured in people

In long stay intensive care patients, a GHRP-2 plus TRH drip lowered a blood marker of protein breakdown, but muscle size and strength were not measured.[15] In young rats, three weeks of treatment sped up growth and raised body weight slightly.[8]

Blood sugar

Measured in people

Drugs that act on this receptor can make the body less sensitive to insulin and raise blood sugar.[11] FDA cites reports of higher insulin needs in people who received GHRP-2.[6]

Heart and blood vessels

Seen in animals

In rats with heart failure, three weeks of shots of GHRP-2 or related peptides improved heart pumping and reduced body wasting.[16] This has not been tested in people.

How it works

GHRPs act on their own receptor, separate from the receptor used by the body's main growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH).[2] Scientists later found the natural hormone that uses this receptor, the hunger hormone ghrelin, in 1999, a discovery that grew out of GHRP research.[7]

  • In rats, its effect needed an intact link between the brain and the pituitary, which suggests it works partly through the brain's own growth hormone signals.[8]
  • In healthy people it causes a large rise in growth hormone regardless of sex, weight or age, while people with growth hormone deficiency respond much less. That gap is why it works as a test.[1][9]
  • Because it acts on the ghrelin receptor, it also raises hunger in people.[10]
  • Growth hormone released this way comes in pulses and stays under the body's normal feedback controls, unlike injected growth hormone.[11]

The short term hormone and hunger effects are well established in people. Claims that it leads to muscle gain, fat loss or slower aging are not.

What the research shows

We keep animal and human evidence apart. A result in animals is a reason to study something in people, not proof that it works in people.

Animal and lab studies

Clear hormone effects in rats and dogs

  • In awake rats, GHRP-2 raised growth hormone more strongly than GHRH given as a drug. In dogs it raised growth hormone when GHRH did not.[8]
  • Three weeks of treatment sped up growth in rats and slightly increased body weight and the weight of some organs.[8]
  • It caused only a slight rise in the stress hormones ACTH and corticosterone in rats and did not change prolactin, another pituitary hormone.[8]
  • In rats with heart failure, three weeks of shots of GHRP-2 or related peptides improved heart pumping and reduced body wasting.[16]

Limit: Faster growth in young animals does not show that GHRP-2 is safe or useful for healthy adults.

Human studies

Strong hormone effect, more hunger, no proven lasting benefit

  • In 77 healthy adults and 58 adults with growth hormone deficiency, one IV dose separated the two groups clearly, and repeat tests gave similar results. This study supported its use as a diagnostic test in Japan.[9][4]
  • In a crossover study of 40 critically ill adults, a single GHRP-2 injection raised growth hormone more than four times as much as GHRH, and the two together worked better than either alone.[17]
  • In 26 critically ill adults, a day long GHRP-2 drip raised growth hormone output and IGF-1 (a growth factor the body makes in response to growth hormone) without changing cortisol.[20]
  • In an open study of 9 healthy men aged 20 to 25, one shot under the skin each day for 5 days caused a shrinking response: the growth hormone peak fell about 39 percent and total release about 47 percent by day 5. IGF-1 and its binding protein did not change, while a bone building marker rose. Three of the 9 felt a brief warm, prickly feeling at the injection site, and blood pressure and pulse did not change.[12]
  • In healthy older men and women, a steady GHRP-2 drip under the skin for 30 days in 17 people kept growth hormone output more than 1.8 times higher than on saline at days 14 and 30, and IGF-1 rose to a stable plateau. The authors said routine safety tests stayed normal.[13]
  • In 14 adults in intensive care for about 40 days on average, five days of a GHRP-2 plus TRH drip compared with five days of placebo brought IGF-1 near normal, raised a bone building marker by 19 percent versus a 6 percent drop, and lowered a protein breakdown marker. Cortisol did not change.[15]
  • In 7 lean healthy men, a GHRP-2 infusion under the skin raised food intake at a buffet by about 36 percent compared with saline.[10]
  • In a double blind randomized study of 10 lean and 9 obese adults, food intake rose about 10 percent with a lower amount and 34 percent with a higher amount, and people felt hungrier before meals. Obese and lean people responded alike.[14]
  • In an open study of 15 short children, a nasal spray used for 6 to 24 months raised growth speed from 3.7 to about 6 centimeters per year. IGF-1 did not change, and the authors said it was well tolerated.[18]
  • In a double blind randomized trial of 126 short children with growth hormone deficiency, 48 weeks of a nasal spray did not change height gain or IGF-1 compared with placebo.[19]
  • A 2018 review of growth hormone secretagogues (drugs that trigger growth hormone release) found few long term, well controlled studies of their benefits or safety.[11]
  • A 2026 review of growth hormone boosting peptides used without a prescription, including GHRP-2, found no trials of performance or body shaping benefits and listed raised prolactin and cortisol, appetite changes, blood sugar problems and fluid retention among reported side effects.[21]

Limit: Most studies were small and short, many were in seriously ill patients, and none show safe long term use in healthy adults.

Claims check

The most common claims about this compound, and what studies actually found. Verdicts rate the evidence, not whether you should use it.

Raises growth hormone

Shown in people

In a Japanese study of 77 healthy adults, one IV dose raised growth hormone to a peak within an hour that was about 60 times higher than in 58 people with growth hormone deficiency.[9] In 40 critically ill adults, it raised growth hormone more than four times as much as GHRH.[17]

Keeps raising growth hormone with regular use

Mixed results

In 9 healthy young men, daily shots for 5 days lowered the growth hormone response by about 40 percent and did not raise IGF-1.[12] In contrast, in 17 older adults given a continuous drip under the skin, growth hormone output stayed more than 1.8 times higher than on saline at days 14 and 30, and IGF-1 rose.[13] How it is given seems to matter, and no long term studies exist.

Increases appetite

Shown in people

In 7 lean healthy men, a GHRP-2 infusion under the skin made them eat about 36 percent more at a buffet than a saline infusion.[10] In a double blind randomized study of 19 lean and obese adults, food intake rose about 10 percent with a lower amount and 34 percent with a higher amount, and hunger ratings rose before meals.[14] Both studies were small and lasted one day each.

Helps children grow taller

Mixed results

In an open study of 15 short children, a nasal spray raised growth speed from 3.7 to 6.1 centimeters per year over 6 months.[18] But in a double blind randomized trial of 126 short children with growth hormone deficiency, 48 weeks of nasal spray did not improve height compared with placebo, and IGF-1 did not change.[19] The larger, better designed trial found no benefit.

Builds muscle

Only in animals

Three weeks of treatment sped up growth and slightly raised body weight in young rats.[8] In 14 long term intensive care patients, five days of a GHRP-2 and TRH drip lowered a blood marker of protein breakdown, but muscle size and strength were not measured.[15] No study has measured muscle gain in healthy people.

Burns fat

Not tested

We found no study that measured fat loss in people given GHRP-2. Reviews of this drug class note few long term, well controlled studies of any benefit.[11] Because it raises hunger, it may work against fat loss.[14]

Speeds recovery from serious illness

Mixed results

In 14 adults who had been in intensive care for weeks, five days of a GHRP-2 plus TRH drip, compared with five days of placebo, brought IGF-1 near normal by day 2, raised a bone building marker by 19 percent and lowered a protein breakdown marker.[15] In 26 critically ill adults, a day long drip raised growth hormone output and IGF-1.[20] None of these studies showed faster recovery or better survival.

Known risks and side effects

  • Higher blood sugar. Drugs in this class can raise blood sugar by making the body respond less to insulin.[11] FDA also cites reports of increased insulin needs in people who received GHRP-2.[6] A 2026 review also lists blood sugar problems and fluid retention among side effects of this drug group.[21]
  • Strong hunger. In two small controlled studies, GHRP-2 made people eat about a third more food at a meal.[10][14]
  • Serious events in sick patients. FDA cites reports of deaths among critically ill study subjects, infections and pancreatitis (an inflamed pancreas), though it says a direct cause has not been proven.[6]
  • Impure and unregulated products. FDA warns that compounded GHRP-2 may trigger immune reactions because the peptide can clump and carry impurities.[6] Testers have also found unknown look alike peptides in seized black market vials.[5] Anti doping scientists have also found GHRP-2 hidden in tablets sold as an over the counter nutritional supplement.[22]
  • Banned in sport. WADA lists GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) as a prohibited growth hormone releasing peptide in 2026 and again in its 2027 list.[23][24]

Regulatory status

Today: GHRP-2 is not approved by FDA. FDA places it in Category 2 for 503B outsourcing facilities, meaning significant safety concerns, and in Category 3 for 503A pharmacies, meaning it was nominated without enough supporting data.[6][25] WADA bans it at all times, and its 2027 list, in force January 1, 2027, still names it.[23][24]

  1. A drug review reported pralmorelin was awaiting approval in Japan as a diagnostic agent.[1]
  2. A Japanese review described the GHRP-2 test as recommended in Japan for adult growth hormone deficiency.[4]
  3. FDA placed GHRP-2 for injection and nasal use in Category 2 for 503B outsourcing facilities.[6]
  4. The 2026 WADA Prohibited List took effect and names GHRP-2 (pralmorelin).[23]
  5. FDA's updated 503A nomination list still shows GHRP-2 in Category 3.[25]
  6. WADA published its 2027 Prohibited List, which again names GHRP-2 (pralmorelin).[24]
  7. The 2027 WADA Prohibited List takes effect.[24]

Sources

  1. Pralmorelin: GHRP 2, GPA 748, growth hormone-releasing peptide 2, KP-102 D, KP-102 LN, KP-102D, KP-102LN. Drugs R D. 2004;5(4):236-239. PMID 15230633
  2. Ghigo E, Arvat E, Muccioli G, Camanni F. Growth hormone-releasing peptides. Eur J Endocrinol. 1997;136(5):445-460. PMID 9186261
  3. U.S. FDA and NCATS Global Substance Registration System (GSRS). Pralmorelin, UNII E6S6E1F19M (free base, C45H55N9O6) and pralmorelin dihydrochloride, UNII R4AVR27MM8. FDA GSRS
  4. Fukuda I, Hizuka N, Muraoka T, Ichihara A. Adult growth hormone deficiency: current concepts. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 2014;54(8):599-605. PMID 25070016
  5. Poplawska M, Blazewicz A. Identification of a novel growth hormone releasing peptide (a glycine analogue of GHRP-2) in a seized injection vial. Drug Test Anal. 2019;11(1):162-167. PMID 30051972
  6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks. Content current as of April 22, 2026. FDA
  7. Bowers CY. History to the discovery of ghrelin. Methods Enzymol. 2012;514:3-32. PMID 22975043
  8. Doi N, Hirotani C, Ukai K, et al. Pharmacological characteristics of KP-102 (GHRP-2), a potent growth hormone-releasing peptide. Arzneimittelforschung. 2004;54(12):857-867. PMID 15646370
  9. Chihara K, Shimatsu A, Hizuka N, Tanaka T, Seino Y, Katofuji Y; KP-102 Study Group. A simple diagnostic test using GH-releasing peptide-2 in adult GH deficiency. Eur J Endocrinol. 2007;157(1):19-27. PMID 17609397
  10. Laferrère B, Abraham C, Russell CD, Bowers CY. Growth hormone releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), like ghrelin, increases food intake in healthy men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005;90(2):611-614. PMID 15699539
  11. Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW. The Safety and Efficacy of Growth Hormone Secretagogues. Sex Med Rev. 2018;6(1):45-53. PMID 28400207
  12. Nijland EA, Strasburger CJ, Popp-Snijders C, van der Wal PS, van der Veen EA. A five day treatment with daily subcutaneous injections of growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 causes response attenuation and does not stimulate insulin-like growth factor-I secretion in healthy young men. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(4):395-401. PMID 9820615
  13. Bowers CY, Granda R, Mohan S, Kuipers J, Baylink D, Veldhuis JD. Sustained elevation of pulsatile growth hormone (GH) secretion and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and IGFBP-5 concentrations during 30-day continuous subcutaneous infusion of GH-releasing peptide-2 in older men and women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89(5):2290-2300. PMID 15126555
  14. Laferrère B, Hart AB, Bowers CY. Obese subjects respond to the stimulatory effect of the ghrelin agonist growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 on food intake. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2006;14(6):1056-1063. PMID 16861611
  15. Van den Berghe G, Wouters P, Weekers F, Mohan S, Baxter RC, Veldhuis JD, Bowers CY, Bouillon R. Reactivation of pituitary hormone release and metabolic improvement by infusion of growth hormone-releasing peptide and thyrotropin-releasing hormone in patients with protracted critical illness. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1999;84(4):1311-1323. PMID 10199772
  16. Xu XB, Pang JJ, Cao JM, Ni C, Xu RK, Peng XZ, et al. GH-releasing peptides improve cardiac dysfunction and cachexia and suppress stress-related hormones and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats with heart failure. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2005;289(4):H1643-H1651. PMID 15951341
  17. Van den Berghe G, de Zegher F, Bowers CY, et al. Pituitary responsiveness to GH-releasing hormone, GH-releasing peptide-2 and thyrotrophin-releasing hormone in critical illness. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 1996;45(3):341-351. PMID 8949573
  18. Pihoker C, Badger TM, Reynolds GA, Bowers CY. Treatment effects of intranasal growth hormone releasing peptide-2 in children with short stature. J Endocrinol. 1997;155(1):79-86. PMID 9390009
  19. Tanaka T, Hasegawa Y, Yokoya S, Nishi Y. Increased Secretion of Endogenous GH after Treatment with an Intranasal GH-releasing Peptide-2 Spray Does Not Promote Growth in Short Children with GH Deficiency. Clin Pediatr Endocrinol. 2014;23(4):107-114. PMID 25374440
  20. Van den Berghe G, de Zegher F, Veldhuis JD, et al. The somatotropic axis in critical illness: effect of continuous growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone and GH-releasing peptide-2 infusion. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997;82(2):590-599. PMID 9024260
  21. Dominikowski A, Rękoś Z, Olejarz M, Szczepanek-Parulska E, Domin R, Ruchała M. The emerging landscape of performance-enhancing peptides modulating GH-IGF1 axis: bridging the gap between clinical evidence and patient self-administration. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2026;17:1822475. PMID 42395176
  22. Thomas A, Kohler M, Mester J, Geyer H, Schänzer W, Petrou M, Thevis M. Identification of the growth-hormone-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2) in a nutritional supplement. Drug Test Anal. 2010;2(3):144-148. PMID 20878896
  23. World Anti-Doping Agency. World Anti-Doping Code: 2026 Prohibited List, section S2.2.4 (growth hormone releasing peptides). In force January 1, 2026. WADA 2026
  24. World Anti-Doping Agency. World Anti-Doping Code International Standard: Prohibited List 2027, sections S2 and S4.3. Published September 2026; in force January 1, 2027. WADA 2027
  25. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Bulk Drug Substances Nominated for Use in Compounding Under Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Updated May 14, 2026. FDA 503A categories
Medical disclaimer

This page is educational information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace care from a licensed medical provider. Do not use this page to decide whether to take any substance. Talk to a licensed medical provider first.

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