GHRP-2
Get a source-linked, educational explanation from this profile.
Complete Research Guide
Open each section for the available evidence. Gaps are stated rather than inferred.
Overview
GHRP-2 is listed as endocrine / ghrp.
- •GH deficiency testing
- •Body composition
- •Anti-aging
Regulatory status: Diagnostic agent approved in Japan; not FDA-approved.
Structure & Properties
Compound: GHRP-2; also known as Pralmorelin, KP102.
Pharmacologic class: Endocrine / GHRP.
Known delivery routes: Subcutaneous.
Sequence, molecular weight, salt form, and excipient details are formulation-specific and are not listed unless verified by a manufacturer or laboratory COA.
How It Works
Ghrelin / GHS-R1a agonist — potent GH release; used in diagnostic GH stimulation tests; raises IGF-1; appetite stimulation.
- •Strong GH pulse
- •Useful diagnostic tool
- •Body composition support (off-label)
Human Research
Evidence grade: Pre-clinical / Observational
Evidence is primarily preclinical or observational; human effectiveness and long-term safety are not established.
Laboratory Research
Phase I/II; approved diagnostically in Japan
Preclinical findings describe biological plausibility, not proven benefit in people. Animal and laboratory doses do not translate directly to human use.
Processing & Interactions
Timing and exposure
2–3× daily fasted (pre-workout, mid-day, pre-bed). Wait 20–30 min before eating. Expect appetite spike ~15 min post-dose.
Potential interactions and combinations to avoid
- •Ipamorelin, GHRP-6, Hexarelin — same class
- •MK-677 — chronic ghrelin overlap
Absorption, half-life, metabolism, and clearance can vary by formulation and route. Use prescribing information when an approved product exists.
Safety & Precautions
Known or reported risks
- •Cortisol and prolactin elevation
- •Strong appetite stimulation
- •Desensitization
Contraindications
- •Active malignancy
- •Pregnancy
- •Active malignancy or history of hormone-sensitive tumor (GH/IGF-1 axis stimulation)
- •Active or untreated diabetic retinopathy
- •Insulin resistance, prediabetes, or poorly controlled type 2 diabetes
- •Untreated hypothyroidism or uncorrected adrenal insufficiency
- •Acromegaly, pituitary adenoma, or intracranial hypertension
- •Carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral edema, or fluid-retentive heart failure
- •Critical illness after acute surgery, trauma, or respiratory failure
- •Severe obstructive sleep apnea (may worsen with soft-tissue growth)
- •Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy without physician guidance (injection-site haematoma)
- •Active skin infection, cellulitis, or lipohypertrophy at intended injection sites
- •Inability to maintain sterile technique or safe sharps disposal
- •Not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use — no verified purity, sterility, or potency standards
- •Immunocompromised or transplant patients (unverified sterility and immunogenicity risk)
- •Concurrent participation in drug-tested sport (WADA prohibited or non-cleared substance)
- •Known hypersensitivity or prior reaction to this compound or any excipient/diluent
- •Pregnancy, attempting conception, or breastfeeding unless prescribed and monitored by a physician
- •Children and adolescents with open growth plates (unless under specialist endocrine care)
- •Active or recently treated malignancy without oncology clearance
- •Use without a confirmed diagnosis, baseline labs, and licensed clinical supervision
Unknown long-term toxicity should be assumed where controlled human data are limited. Seek urgent care for a severe or unexpected reaction.
Administration & Studied Formulations
Reference range: 100–300 mcg/dose
Frequency: 1–3× daily
Cycling: 8–12 weeks on / 4 weeks off.
Subcutaneous (SubQ)
Default route for most research and therapeutic peptides — best absorption for reconstituted powder.
31G × 5/16" insulin syringe (U-100). 100 units = 1 mL. Pinch skin at abdomen (2" from navel), outer thigh, or love handle. Insert at 45–90°. Rotate sites daily to prevent lipohypertrophy. Alcohol-swab site, air-dry, inject slow, hold 5 sec.
Dosing information is educational context, not a personal recommendation. Approved products must follow their label and prescriber instructions.
Applications & Related Therapies
Potentially complementary measures
- •Mod GRF 1-29 or CJC-1295 — GHRH pairing
Clinical use should account for diagnosis, approved alternatives, nutrition, activity, sleep, rehabilitation, current medicines, and appropriate monitoring.
Raises prolactin & cortisol slightly at higher doses.
Cases, Considerations & Ethics
Decision framework: establish the clinical goal, confirm evidence quality and legal status, screen contraindications and interactions, compare approved alternatives, define monitoring and stopping criteria, and use shared decision-making with a licensed clinician.
Case evidence: individual reports cannot establish safety or effectiveness and should not outweigh controlled trials.
Ethics: informed consent should distinguish established care from experimental use, disclose uncertainty and cost, avoid overstated claims, and never substitute research products for medically necessary care.
What is GHRP-2?
In plain words
GHRP-2 is a lab-made chain of six amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. It mimics a hunger-related hormone, prompting the body to release growth hormone and potentially increasing hunger. It is used in Japan to test for growth hormone deficiency and is studied for effects on body fat and muscle. Evidence for body-composition benefits is limited, and it can also raise other hormone levels.
Technical definition
GHRP-2 (pralmorelin, KP102) is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that activates the ghrelin receptor, GHS-R1a, to stimulate pituitary growth hormone release, with downstream increases in IGF-1 and appetite stimulation. It is approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent for growth hormone stimulation testing but is not FDA-approved; evidence for body-composition applications remains limited. Potential effects include cortisol and prolactin elevation, increased hunger, and reduced responsiveness with repeated exposure.
Function
Dosing
Recommended Time of Day
Fasted — pre-workout, mid-day, and/or 30 min before bed.
See “Timing & Interactions” below for full fasted/fed circumstances, what to avoid combining, and what pairs well.
Administration & Technique
Injection & Application Sites
- Abdomen — 2 in (5 cm) away from the navel, either side. Fastest, most consistent SubQ absorption.
- Flank / love handle — Lateral fat pad above the hip. Good rotation site when the abdomen is tender.
- Outer thigh — Upper outer quadrant, a hand-width below the hip. SubQ pinch at 45°.
Diagram is a general illustration, not a medical instruction. Rotate sites every injection, keep 1 in (2.5 cm) between recent sites, and avoid scars, moles, bruises and the navel area.
Cycling
8–12 weeks on / 4 weeks off.
Timing & Interactions
- ·Ipamorelin, GHRP-6, Hexarelin — same class
- ·MK-677 — chronic ghrelin overlap
- ·Mod GRF 1-29 or CJC-1295 — GHRH pairing
Storage & Reconstitution
Reconstitution Calculator
1 mL = 100 units on a standard U-100 insulin syringe. Draw to the nearest 0.5 unit and confirm dosing with a clinician before injection.
Your Notes
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Benefits
- ·Strong GH pulse
- ·Useful diagnostic tool
- ·Body composition support (off-label)
Risks
- ·Cortisol and prolactin elevation
- ·Strong appetite stimulation
- ·Desensitization
Contraindications
- ·Active malignancy
- ·Pregnancy
- ·Active malignancy or history of hormone-sensitive tumor (GH/IGF-1 axis stimulation)
- ·Active or untreated diabetic retinopathy
- ·Insulin resistance, prediabetes, or poorly controlled type 2 diabetes
- ·Untreated hypothyroidism or uncorrected adrenal insufficiency
- ·Acromegaly, pituitary adenoma, or intracranial hypertension
- ·Carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral edema, or fluid-retentive heart failure
- ·Critical illness after acute surgery, trauma, or respiratory failure
- ·Severe obstructive sleep apnea (may worsen with soft-tissue growth)
- ·Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy without physician guidance (injection-site haematoma)
- ·Active skin infection, cellulitis, or lipohypertrophy at intended injection sites
- ·Inability to maintain sterile technique or safe sharps disposal
- ·Not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use — no verified purity, sterility, or potency standards
- ·Immunocompromised or transplant patients (unverified sterility and immunogenicity risk)
- ·Concurrent participation in drug-tested sport (WADA prohibited or non-cleared substance)
- ·Known hypersensitivity or prior reaction to this compound or any excipient/diluent
- ·Pregnancy, attempting conception, or breastfeeding unless prescribed and monitored by a physician
- ·Children and adolescents with open growth plates (unless under specialist endocrine care)
- ·Active or recently treated malignancy without oncology clearance
- ·Use without a confirmed diagnosis, baseline labs, and licensed clinical supervision
Regulatory
Diagnostic agent approved in Japan; not FDA-approved
Veterinary Use (Pets)
No established veterinary protocol for GHRP-2. Consult a licensed veterinarian before considering off-label use in any species.
Full veterinary reference →Functional Groups
Cited Works
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