GHRP-2 / Studies

Synthetic analog · 6 amino acids · 818 Da

GHRP-2 studies and research data

PepBank has 202 GHRP-2 studies with results. 150 of them gave GHRP-2, with 632 results, grouped by what the studies measured. In each group, results from studies in people come first. Data as of 2026-10-30.

Searches 632 results and 264 papers. Newer studies from Europe PMC

Results in people

274

43% of 632 results

Results in animals

235

37% of 632 results

Results in lab cells

122

19% of 632 results

From computer models

under 1% of 632 results

The molecule

GHRP-2 identity

Identifiers, parent molecule, targets and development stage, from curated data.

GHRP-2 (pralmorelin, KP-102) is the hexapeptide D-Ala-D-2Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2. A 2004 Adis review says it comes from a series of small growth hormone releasing peptides that Cyril Bowers and colleagues at Tulane University made, with Polygen in Germany, and that Kaken Pharmaceutical acquired the world rights and sublicensed the US and Canadian rights to Wyeth (PMID 15230633). It is an agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, the ghrelin receptor. The Japanese label says it binds this receptor and is thought to release growth hormone from the pituitary mainly through the hypothalamus. Japan approved it on 2004-10-22 as the injection 'GHRP Kaken 100' (Kaken Pharmaceutical, 100 microgram vial) for the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency; sales began in February 2005. The label dose is 100 microgram by slow intravenous injection in a fasting adult, or 2 microgram per kg for ages 4 to under 18 (100 microgram above 50 kg), with blood samples at 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes. Efforts to turn it into a treatment did not produce a product. Adis reports a Japanese phase 2 programme of a nasal spray (KP-102LN) for short stature and a Wyeth phase 2 programme in the US for growth hormone deficiency, and AdisInsight lists short stature as discontinued. A double-blind trial of a nasal spray in 126 short children with growth hormone deficiency found no growth effect after 48 weeks (PMID 25374440). FDA has no approved GHRP-2 product. FDA lists GHRP-2 for injectable and nasal use in 503B category 2 (added 2023-09-29) and says it is aware of reports of serious adverse events in patients who received it, including increased insulin requirement, death of critically ill study subjects, infection and pancreatitis, with causality not established. WADA names GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) in S2.2.4 of the 2026 and 2027 Lists.

Kind: Synthetic analog · 6 residues
Identifiers: ChEMBLCHEMBL106593 (opens in a new tab)CHEMBL2105772 (opens in a new tab)PubChem CID6918245 (opens in a new tab)9940988 (opens in a new tab)UNIIE6S6E1F19M (opens in a new tab)R4AVR27MM8 (opens in a new tab)CAS158861-67-7158827-34-0KEGGD02040 (opens in a new tab)IUPHAR1092 (opens in a new tab)
Parent: Analog of Ghrelin (human), ghrelin-28Pharmacological analogy only. GHRP-2 agonises the same receptor as ghrelin (growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a; the Japanese label names the GHS receptor, KEGG lists GHSR). The sequence is not derived from ghrelin: ghrelin-28 (UniProt Q9UBU3, residues 24-51) contains no tryptophan and no naphthylalanine and shares no segment with AXAWFK. GHRP-2 predates the discovery of ghrelin; Adis and Tanaka et al. 2014 trace it to the Bowers series of growth hormone releasing peptides, which began with a met-enkephalin-derived hexapeptide. Treat this link as a family link, not a sequence relation.
Development: Approved in Japan onlyKaken Pharmaceutical (Japan) holds the product. Adis lists Polygen (Germany) and Tulane University (US) as originators and Wyeth (US and Canada sublicence) as a developer.Approved in Japan on 2004-10-22 as a diagnostic agent only. Adis 2004 (PMID 15230633): nasal spray KP-102LN in phase 2 in Japan for short stature (pituitary dwarfism), launch planned 2009; Wyeth phase 2 in the US for growth hormone deficiency, development appears discontinued. AdisInsight (accessed 2026-10-13): marketed for somatropin deficiency (diagnosis), short stature discontinued, last phase 2 note 2007-09-12. A double-blind trial of the nasal spray in 126 short children with GH deficiency (48 weeks, Kaken-requested; Tanaka 2014, PMID 25374440) found no growth effect; an earlier study in 15 children (Pihoker 1997, PMID 9390009) had reported faster growth. ChEMBL max_phase for CHEMBL106593 is 2.0. ClinicalTrials.gov: 0 studies for 'pralmorelin', 'GHRP-2' and 'KP-102' (API v2, 2026-10-13); the Japanese studies have no NCT number found. Meaning of highest_phase 'approved': Japan approved it only as a one-time diagnostic test, not as a treatment. No approval of any kind exists in the US or EU (no Drugs@FDA record, no EMA record). AdisInsight lists 'Orphan Drug Status: No' while GSRS holds an FDA orphan code for the dihydrochloride (diagnostic agent); the two are not reconciled because the FDA orphan page returned HTTP 503 on 2026-10-13. Source (opens in a new tab)

Targets

Molecular targets with action and evidence source
Target	Action	Evidence
Growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1 (ghrelin receptor)GHSRQ92847 (opens in a new tab)	Agonist	approved-drug labelSource (opens in a new tab)

Sequence and structure

Residues, differences from the parent, calculated properties and 3D structure. Source values and calculated values are shown separately.

Sequence

6 amino acids · 5 modifications

H-

AWK

Alignment to Ghrelin (human), ghrelin-28

Calculated from the two sequences. Curated notes are shown as given.

1 of 6 aligned residues identical (17%) · 2 substitutions · 3 non-canonical residues · 1 modified residue · Ghrelin (human), ghrelin-28 11–16

Top row: Ghrelin (human), ghrelin-28 (parent)
Bottom row: GHRP-2

Same as parent
Substituted
Non-canonical or D-form
Added
Gap
Modified side chain or end
Parent context

Differences from the parent

1Parent 11 · analog 1Arg → D-Ala · D-amino acidD-alanine at the N terminus.
2Parent 12 · analog 2Val → D-2Nal · D-amino acidD configuration of 3-(2-naphthyl)alanine. 3-(2-naphthyl)-D-alanine (D-2-naphthylalanine, also written D-beta-Nal). One-letter code X is used for it here. ChEMBL writes it [dNal] in the HELM.
3Parent 13 · analog 3Gln → Ala · Substitution
4Parent 14 · analog 4Gln → Trp · Substitution
5Parent 15 · analog 5Arg → D-Phe · D-amino acidD-phenylalanine.
6Parent 16 · analog 6Lys, modified · C-terminal amideC-terminal lysinamide.

Basis: Pharmacological analogy only. GHRP-2 agonises the same receptor as ghrelin (growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a; the Japanese label names the GHS receptor, KEGG lists GHSR). The sequence is not derived from ghrelin: ghrelin-28 (UniProt Q9UBU3, residues 24-51) contains no tryptophan and no naphthylalanine and shares no segment with AXAWFK. GHRP-2 predates the discovery of ghrelin; Adis and Tanaka et al. 2014 trace it to the Bowers series of growth hormone releasing peptides, which began with a met-enkephalin-derived hexapeptide. Treat this link as a family link, not a sequence relation.

Calculated from the two sequences with @pepdb/chem alignToParent (ungapped unless a gap scores higher). The record’s curated notes are shown as given.

Properties

From identity sources

Formula: C₄₅H₅₅N₉O₆
Molecular weight: 818 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass: 817.4275 Da

GSRS UNII E6S6E1F19M(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-13
PubChem CID 6918245(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-13
ChEMBL CHEMBL106593(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-13
GSRS UNII R4AVR27MM8(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-13

Calculated from the sequence

pKa set

Some values cannot be calculated. The sequence has a non-canonical residue (X). Residue tables cover only the 20 standard amino acids.

Average mass: Not calculated
Monoisotopic mass: Not calculated
Isoelectric point (pI): Not calculated
Net charge at pH 7.4: Not calculated
GRAVY (hydropathy): Not calculated
Extinction coefficient, 280 nm (Cys reduced): 5,500 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹; 5500 x Trp + 1490 x Tyr · Pace et al. 1995 (ExPASy ProtParam)
Instability index: Not calculated
Aliphatic index: Not calculated
Boman index: Not calculated
Hydrophobic moment (μH): Not calculated

1 non-canonical residue (X) is not included in calculated values.
D-amino acids have the same mass and charge as L forms. Hydrophobicity scales were measured on L forms.
Defined and validated for proteins; use with care for short peptides.
Assumes an ideal alpha helix. Many short peptides are not helical.

@pepdb/chem 0.2.0 · EMBOSS pKa set · ExPASy residue masses

Net charge by pH

No charge curve

The sequence has a non-canonical residue (X). Residue tables cover only the 20 standard amino acids.

Composition

Hydrophobic33% (2)A
Aromatic33% (2)F W
Positive17% (1)K
Non-canonical17% (1)X

6 residues. Each residue counts in one class; F and W count as aromatic.

A Ala2 · 33%

I Ile0 · 0%

L Leu0 · 0%

M Met0 · 0%

V Val0 · 0%

F Phe1 · 17%

W Trp1 · 17%

Y Tyr0 · 0%

H His0 · 0%

K Lys1 · 17%

R Arg0 · 0%

D Asp0 · 0%

E Glu0 · 0%

N Asn0 · 0%

Q Gln0 · 0%

S Ser0 · 0%

T Thr0 · 0%

C Cys0 · 0%

G Gly0 · 0%

P Pro0 · 0%

X Xaa1 · 17%

3D structure

PredictedAlphaFold DB · Q9UBU3

Loads the 3D viewer (3Dmol.js, about 150 KB) and the model file from AlphaFold DB (EMBL-EBI).

2D structure

Draws the structure in your browser with RDKit (about 2.3 MB, loaded once).

SMILES fromPubChem CID 6918245(opens in a new tab)

C[C@H](C(=O)N[C@H](CC1=CC2=CC=CC=C2C=C1)C(=O)N[C@@H](C)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC3=CNC4=CC=CC=C43)C(=O)N[C@H](CC5=CC=CC=C5)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCCN)C(=O)N)N

Results by area

GHRP-2 results by year and outcome

Counts are exact and come from studies that gave the peptide.

Studies by year

202 of 264 studies have results (77%), published 1993 to 2026. Top row: every study. Bottom row: studies with results about GHRP-2, by class. The rows use different scales.

Studies
Human
Animal
Lab
Computer model
Natural levels, tool or combination only

Studies264 in all, 1993 to 2026

Studies with results202 in all, 1993 to 2026

Retracted studies are left out. A study with results in two classes counts in both.

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

What the studies measured

People first in each area, then animals, then lab cells. Counts are exact and come from studies that gave the peptide.

GHRP-2 studies on growth hormone and growth

311 results · people 174 · animals 106 · lab 31

Top 5 of 311 results

In short children with GH deficiency, GHRP‑2 nasal spray did not change growth compared with placebo over 48 weeks.Clinical pediatric endocrinology, 2014
In children with growth hormone deficiency, growth was faster during GHRP‑2 treatment than before and after treatment.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 1998
In rats with and without arthritis, GHRP‑2 lowered IGFBP-5 gene activity in muscle.American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2005
In normal rats and rats treated with monosodium glutamate, three weeks of KP-102 sped up growth.Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2004
In rats with and without arthritis, GHRP‑2 raised IGF-I gene activity in heart muscle.American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2005

GHRP-2 studies on hormones

67 results · people 55 · animals 10 · lab 2

Top 5 of 67 results

In 42 healthy men, GHRP‑2 raised peak cortisol more than saline, somatostatin or GHRH did.European journal of endocrinology, 2010
In postmenopausal women, GHRP‑2 raised prolactin slightly compared with saline.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 1999
In postmenopausal women, GHRP‑2 did not change TSH levels.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 1999
In critically ill adults, GHRP‑2 did not change blood TSH levels.Clinical endocrinology, 1996
In postmenopausal women, GHRP‑2 raised cortisol slightly compared with saline.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 1999

GHRP-2 studies on weight and appetite

50 results · people 12 · animals 38 · lab 0

Top 5 of 50 results

In lean and obese people, a low GHRP‑2 infusion made them eat about 10% more than placebo at a buffet lunch.Obesity, 2006
In children with growth hormone deficiency, body mass index showed a small rise during oral GHRP‑2 that was not statistically significant.Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism, 2003
In children with growth hormone deficiency, seven of ten reported a clear rise in appetite during the first 6 months of oral GHRP‑2.Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism, 2003
One patient with anorexia nervosa gained 6.7 kg in 14 months while using GHRP‑2.Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle, 2015
In healthy men, GHRP‑2 infusion made them eat more at a buffet meal than saline did.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 2005

GHRP-2 studies on blood levels and clearance

16 results · people 9 · animals 5 · lab 2

Top 4 of 16 results

In ten men given GHRP‑2 by vein, the unchanged peptide and its breakdown product were found in urine in every case.Rapid communications in mass spectrometry, 2010
In short children, one GHRP‑2 dose raised growth hormone in the blood to a peak within the first hour.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 1998
In short children, GHRP‑2 given into a vein was cleared from the blood quickly, with a half-life of about half an hour.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 1998
In one volunteer who took GHRP‑2 through the nose, GHRP‑2 and two breakdown products showed up in urine for up to 47 hours.Drug testing and analysis, 2015

GHRP-2 studies on side effects

15 results · people 6 · animals 7 · lab 2

Top 5 of 15 results

The GHRP‑2 test was reported as safe in children, but the abstract gives no event numbers.Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism, 2010
In men with prolonged critical illness, blood lactate was higher on day 5 after GHRP‑2 infusion alone.Clinical endocrinology, 2002
In animals, KP-102 at a pharmacological dose had no obvious effect on the brain and nervous system.Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2004
In animals, KP-102 had a negligible effect on digestion.Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2004
In animals, KP-102 had a negligible effect on the heart and blood vessels.Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2004

GHRP-2 studies on sex hormones and fertility

4 results · people 4 · animals 0 · lab 0

Top 3 of 4 results

In postmenopausal women, GHRP‑2 did not change LH levels.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 1999
In 10 healthy men, GHRP‑2 raised prolactin in the blood, with and without fasting.Endocrine journal, 2010
In postmenopausal women, GHRP‑2 did not change FSH levels.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 1999

GHRP-2 studies on daily life and fitness

5 results · people 3 · animals 2 · lab 0

5 results

One patient with anorexia nervosa felt less tired while using GHRP‑2.Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle, 2015
One patient with anorexia nervosa had better muscle strength while using GHRP‑2.Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle, 2015
One patient with anorexia nervosa was more active in body and mind while using GHRP‑2.Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle, 2015
In rats with a rotator cuff tear, the GHRP‑2 group walked better on one gait measure at 8 weeks.Arthroscopy, 2025
In rats with a rotator cuff tear, the GHRP‑2 group walked better on a second gait measure at 8 weeks.Arthroscopy, 2025

GHRP-2 studies on salt, water and minerals

2 results · people 2 · animals 0 · lab 0

2 results

In 10 healthy men, GHRP‑2 injection did not change hematocrit.Endocrine journal, 2010
In 10 healthy men, GHRP‑2 injection did not change plasma osmolality.Endocrine journal, 2010

GHRP-2 studies on sleep

2 results · people 2 · animals 0 · lab 0

2 results

In healthy young men, a night-time GHRP‑2 injection did not increase deep sleep compared with saline.The American journal of physiology, 1998
In healthy young men, GHRP‑2 did not significantly change time awake in the first hour after the injection.The American journal of physiology, 1998

GHRP-2 studies on immune system and inflammation

35 results · people 1 · animals 17 · lab 17

Top 5 of 35 results

In men with prolonged critical illness, white blood cell count was higher on day 5 after GHRP‑2 infusion alone.Clinical endocrinology, 2002
In rats, GHRP‑2 given before LPS reduced lung tissue damage.The Tohoku journal of experimental medicine, 2010
In mice prone to artery disease, GHRP‑2 lowered interferon-gamma activity in the aorta.Endocrinology, 2009
In lab-grown liver cells alone, GHRP‑2 did not show the protective effects seen in mixed liver cell cultures.American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2008
In rats with arthritis, GHRP‑2 lowered blood IL-6, a marker of inflammation.American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2005

GHRP-2 studies on receptors and cell signals

64 results · people 1 · animals 11 · lab 52

Top 5 of 64 results

After GHRP‑2 was given through the nose, urine samples still showed activity at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor.Drug testing and analysis, 2017
In rats without a pituitary gland, KP-102 briefly switched on the c-fos gene in two parts of the arcuate nucleus in the brain.Brain research. Molecular brain research, 1996
In mice, a ghrelin receptor blocker fully stopped the pain-relieving effect of GHRP‑2, which points to that receptor.Peptides, 2014
In rats, GHRP‑2 given before LPS strongly reduced activation of the inflammatory pathway NF-kappaB in the lungs.The Tohoku journal of experimental medicine, 2010
In cells from artery wall, GHRP‑2 prevented the loss of IGF-I receptors caused by oxidized cholesterol particles.Endocrinology, 2009

GHRP-2 studies on heart and blood vessels

17 results · people 1 · animals 6 · lab 10

Top 5 of 17 results

In 10 healthy men, GHRP‑2 injection did not change blood pressure.Endocrine journal, 2010
In isolated rabbit hearts, GHRP‑2 did not change how well the pumping function recovered after blocked blood flow.Endocrinology, 2000
In mice prone to artery disease, GHRP‑2 did not change the size of artery plaques.Endocrinology, 2009
In hamsters with heart muscle disease, GHRP‑2 slowed worsening of heart chamber remodeling compared with saline.Circulation journal, 2010
In immune cells called macrophages, GHRP‑2 reduced fat build-up after exposure to oxidized cholesterol particles.Endocrinology, 2009

GHRP-2 studies on cells, genes and aging

8 results · people 1 · animals 5 · lab 2

Top 5 of 8 results

In men with prolonged critical illness, GHRP‑2 alone did not lower urea production.Clinical endocrinology, 2002
In mice prone to artery disease, GHRP‑2 lowered superoxide, a harmful oxygen molecule, in the aorta.Endocrinology, 2009
In rabbit hearts, no signs of more cell death were seen in any group.Endocrinology, 2000
In hamsters with heart muscle disease, GHRP‑2 prevented the fall in a heart marker of antioxidant balance.Circulation journal, 2010
In mice prone to artery disease, GHRP‑2 lowered activity of the 12/15-lipoxygenase gene in the aorta.Endocrinology, 2009

GHRP-2 studies on bones and joints

5 results · people 1 · animals 4 · lab 0

Top 3 of 5 results

In men with prolonged critical illness, GHRP‑2 alone did not raise blood osteocalcin, a bone marker.Clinical endocrinology, 2002
In rats with arthritis, GHRP‑2 lowered the arthritis score compared with saline.American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2005
In mice, GHRP‑2 treatment increased bone mass.Endocrinology, 2002

GHRP-2 studies on blood sugar

1 result · people 1 · animals 0 · lab 0

1 result

In one patient with anorexia nervosa, GHRP‑2 improved low blood sugar.Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle, 2015

GHRP-2 studies on cholesterol and blood fats

1 result · people 1 · animals 0 · lab 0

1 result

In healthy elderly men, GHRP‑2 was followed by an early rise in blood fatty acids.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 2000

GHRP-2 studies on muscles and tendons

17 results · people 0 · animals 14 · lab 3

Top 5 of 17 results

In yaks with stunted growth, GHRP‑2 made muscle fibres larger.PloS one, 2016
In rats with a rotator cuff tear, GHRP‑2 raised histology scores of tendon-bone healing.Arthroscopy, 2025
In rats with arthritis, GHRP‑2 stopped the rise in a muscle-wasting gene called MuRF1.American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2005
In rats with a rotator cuff tear, repaired tendons in the GHRP‑2 group withstood more load before failing.Arthroscopy, 2025
In rats given a muscle-wasting drug, GHRP‑2 reduced the rise in Atrogin-1 gene activity in muscle.Life sciences, 2008

GHRP-2 studies on stomach and gut

4 results · people 0 · animals 4 · lab 0

Top 3 of 4 results

In dogs not recently fed, GHRP‑2 did not cause gut contractions.Journal of gastroenterology, 2009
In dogs, GHRP‑2 briefly slowed gut contractions for 2-3 minutes.Journal of gastroenterology, 2009
In dogs with the vagus nerve cut, GHRP‑2 still briefly slowed gut contractions for 2-3 minutes.Journal of gastroenterology, 2009

GHRP-2 studies on pain

3 results · people 0 · animals 3 · lab 0

3 results

In mice, GHRP‑2 given into the brain reduced pain responses, and the effect grew with concentration and time.Peptides, 2014
In mice, GHRP‑2 given into the brain weakened the pain relief from morphine.Peptides, 2013
In mice, GHRP‑2 given into the brain strengthened the pain relief from morphine.Peptides, 2014

GHRP-2 studies on liver

2 results · people 0 · animals 1 · lab 1

2 results

In rats given a bacterial toxin, GHRP‑2 reduced the rise in blood liver enzymes.American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2008
In lab-grown liver cell mixtures, GHRP‑2 prevented the rise in liver enzymes caused by a bacterial toxin.American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2008

GHRP-2 studies on metabolism and nutrition

1 result · people 0 · animals 1 · lab 0

1 result

In mice, GHRP‑2 raised the respiratory quotient, which the authors read as fat being preserved.Endocrinology, 2002

GHRP-2 studies on mood, stress and behavior

1 result · people 0 · animals 1 · lab 0

1 result

In mice under chronic social stress, GHRP‑2 given during and after the stress did not improve depressive-like behavior.Neuropsychopharmacology, 2019

GHRP-2 studies on infections

1 result · people 0 · animals 0 · lab 0 · computer models 1

1 result

In a computer screen, pralmorelin was picked as a possible hit against the main protease of the COVID-19 virus. No lab test was done.Molecular diversity, 2021

Trials and papers

GHRP-2 trials

Registered trials that test the peptide, with phase, status and dates. A dot marks trials with posted results.

StatusPhase

0 trials match. Highest phase first. Data from ClinicalTrials.gov.

No trial matches these filters.

Papers

Studies on this peptide. Some have results. The others have none yet.

Sort

Design

264 studies match. Retracted studies are left out.

Showing 24 of 264 studiesquery qry_10884ac515fb3d6a077a8c42

Studies with results

202 studies in all, 19 on this page

Not a test of GHRP-2 alone · 1999

9 results

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.

Van den Berghe et al. 1999The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolismcited by 136

PMID 10199772DOI 10.1210/jcem.84.4.5636PUB-10199772

Rights unknown9 results where GHRP-2 was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Source link See results (9)

Randomized controlled trial · 1998

16 results

Neuroendocrinology of prolonged critical illness: effects of exogenous thyrotropin-releasing hormone and its combination with growth hormone secretagogues.

Van den Berghe et al. 1998The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolismcited by 131

PMID 9467533DOI 10.1210/jcem.83.2.4575PUB-09467533

Full text at the publisher4 results where GHRP-2 was given (plus 12 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (16)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2005

8 results

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

Granado et al. 2005American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolismcited by 129

PMID 15507538DOI 10.1152/ajpendo.00196.2004PUB-15507538

Full text at the publisher8 results where GHRP-2 was given

Publisher page See results (8)

Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2002

9 results

GH-releasing peptide-2 increases fat mass in mice lacking NPY: indication for a crucial mediating role of hypothalamic agouti-related protein.

Tschöp et al. 2002Endocrinologycited by 106

PMID 11796511DOI 10.1210/endo.143.2.8633PUB-11796511

Full text at the publisher7 results where GHRP-2 was given (plus 1 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (9)

Animal study (in vivo) · chicken (neonatal chicks) · 2002

1 result

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

Saito et al. 2002European journal of pharmacologycited by 105

PMID 12393062DOI 10.1016/s0014-2999(02)02393-2PUB-12393062

Full text at the publisher1 result where GHRP-2 was given

Publisher page See results (1)

In vitro (cell-free) · 1998

9 results

Specific receptors for synthetic GH secretagogues in the human brain and pituitary gland.

Muccioli et al. 1998The Journal of endocrinologycited by 94

PMID 9614363DOI 10.1677/joe.0.1570099PUB-09614363

Rights unknown1 result where GHRP-2 was given

Source link See results (9)

Randomized controlled trial · 1997

8 results

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

Van den Berghe et al. 1997The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolismcited by 89

PMID 9024260DOI 10.1210/jcem.82.2.3736PUB-09024260

Full text at the publisher4 results where GHRP-2 was given (plus 4 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (8)

Other design · 1993

6 results

GH releasing peptides--structure and kinetics.

Bowers et al. 1993The Journal of pediatric endocrinologycited by 84

PMID 8374685DOI 10.1515/jpem.1993.6.1.21PUB-08374685

Full text at the publisher2 results where GHRP-2 was given (plus 2 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (6)

Randomized controlled trial · 2002

23 results

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.

Van den Berghe et al. 2002Clinical endocrinologyn = 9cited by 82

PMID 12030918DOI 10.1046/j.1365-2265.2002.01255.xPUB-12030918

Full text at the publisher8 results where GHRP-2 was given (plus 15 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (23)

Non-randomized trial · 2007

10 results

A simple diagnostic test using GH-releasing peptide-2 in adult GH deficiency.

Chihara et al. 2007European journal of endocrinologyn = 135cited by 78

PMID 17609397DOI 10.1530/eje-07-0066PUB-17609397

Rights unknown10 results where GHRP-2 was given

Source link See results (10)

Randomized controlled trial · 1997

6 results

Thyrotrophin and prolactin release in prolonged critical illness: dynamics of spontaneous secretion and effects of growth hormone-secretagogues.

Van den Berghe et al. 1997Clinical endocrinologycited by 73

PMID 9425400DOI 10.1046/j.1365-2265.1997.3371118.xPUB-09425400

Full text at the publisher5 results where GHRP-2 was given (plus 1 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (6)

Other design · 2011

9 results

Determination of growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRP) and their major metabolites in human urine for doping controls by means of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

Thomas et al. 2011Analytical and bioanalytical chemistrycited by 67

PMID 21298258DOI 10.1007/s00216-011-4702-3PUB-21298258

Full text at the publisher2 results where GHRP-2 was given (plus 3 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (9)

Non-randomized trial · 2000

2 results

A paradoxical gender dissociation within the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor I axis during protracted critical illness.

Van den Berghe et al. 2000The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolismn = 30cited by 65

PMID 10634385DOI 10.1210/jcem.85.1.6316PUB-10634385

Full text at the publisher1 result where GHRP-2 was given (plus 1 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (2)

Randomized controlled trial · 2001

8 results

Short-term estradiol supplementation augments growth hormone (GH) secretory responsiveness to dose-varying GH-releasing peptide infusions in healthy postmenopausal women.

Anderson et al. 2001The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolismn = 10cited by 60

PMID 11158008DOI 10.1210/jcem.86.2.7240PUB-11158008

Full text at the publisher2 results where GHRP-2 was given (plus 6 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (8)

Animal study (in vivo) · swine · 1998

23 results

Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue.

Raun et al. 1998European journal of endocrinologycited by 59

PMID 9849822DOI 10.1530/eje.0.1390552PUB-09849822

Full text at the publisher3 results where GHRP-2 was given (plus 4 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (23)

Animal study (in vivo) · rainbow trout (oncorhynchus mykiss) · 2007

7 results

Endocrine and orexigenic actions of growth hormone secretagogues in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Shepherd et al. 2007Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & integrative physiologycited by 59

PMID 17240179DOI 10.1016/j.cbpa.2006.11.004PUB-17240179

Full text at the publisher7 results where GHRP-2 was given

Publisher page See results (7)

Not a test of GHRP-2 alone · 2007

2 results

Neither intravenous nor intracerebroventricular administration of obestatin affects the secretion of GH, PRL, TSH and ACTH in rats.

Yamamoto et al. 2007Regulatory peptidescited by 58

PMID 17055593DOI 10.1016/j.regpep.2006.09.001PUB-17055593

Full text at the publisher2 results where GHRP-2 was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Publisher page See results (2)

Not a test of GHRP-2 alone · 2002

3 results

A novel in vivo rabbit model of hypercatabolic critical illness reveals a biphasic neuroendocrine stress response.

Weekers et al. 2002Endocrinologycited by 57

PMID 11861495DOI 10.1210/endo.143.3.8664PUB-11861495

Rights unknown3 results where GHRP-2 was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Source link See results (3)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 1996

4 results

Intracerebroventricular administration of the growth hormone-releasing peptide KP-102 increases food intake in free-feeding rats.

Okada et al. 1996Endocrinologycited by 55

PMID 8895390DOI 10.1210/endo.137.11.8895390PUB-08895390

Rights unknown3 results where GHRP-2 was given (plus 1 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Source link See results (4)

More studies

46 studies in all, 5 on this page

PubMed tag: Review · 1997

Growth hormone-releasing peptides.

Ghigo et al. 1997European journal of endocrinologycited by 120

PMID 9186261DOI 10.1530/eje.0.1360445PUB-09186261

Full text at the publisher

Publisher page

Indexing hint: Animal study · 1994

Corrected

GH-releasing activity of Hexarelin, a new growth hormone releasing peptide, in infant and adult rats.

Deghenghi et al. 1994Life sciencescited by 91

PMID 7910650DOI 10.1016/0024-3205(94)00510-9PUB-07910650

Full text at the publisher

Publisher page Read the notice

PubMed tag: Review · 2010

Confiscated black market products and nutritional supplements with non-approved ingredients analyzed in the Cologne Doping Control Laboratory 2009.

Kohler et al. 2010Drug testing and analysiscited by 72

PMID 21204286DOI 10.1002/dta.186PUB-21204286

Full text at the publisher

Publisher page

PubMed tag: Case Reports · 2001

Growth hormone (GH) secretion in patients with an inactivating defect of the GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor is pulsatile: evidence for a role for non-GHRH inputs into the generation of GH pulses.

Roelfsema et al. 2001The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolismcited by 70

PMID 11397840DOI 10.1210/jcem.86.6.7536PUB-11397840

Rights unknown

Source link

PubMed tag: Review · 1998

Growth hormone-releasing peptides and their analogs.

Camanni et al. 1998Frontiers in neuroendocrinologycited by 54

PMID 9465289DOI 10.1006/frne.1997.0158PUB-09465289

Full text at the publisher

Publisher page

No result for GHRP-2 (1 study on this page, 16 in all)

These studies name GHRP-2 but give no result for it (for example, the results concern another peptide in the study).

PubMed tag: Validation Study · 2011

High-throughput screening for various classes of doping agents using a new 'dilute-and-shoot' liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry multi-target approach.

Guddat et al. 2011Drug testing and analysiscited by 58

PMID 22135086DOI 10.1002/dta.372PUB-22135086

Full text at the publisher

Publisher page

Newer studies

PepBank reads each paper before it shows the results. This search looks in Europe PMC for newer papers that PepBank has not read yet.

GHRP-2 studies: 202 papers with results

Page 1 of 5

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.
Tanaka T · Clinical pediatric endocrinology : case reports and clinical investigations : official journal of the Japanese Society for Pediatric Endocrinology · 2014
Randomized controlled trial · 2 results
Pre- versus postmenopausal age, estradiol, and peptide-secretagogue type determine pulsatile growth hormone secretion in healthy women: studies using submaximal agonist drive and an estrogen clamp.
Hudson SB · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2010
Randomized controlled trial · 5 results
Secretagogue type, sex-steroid milieu, and abdominal visceral adiposity individually determine secretagogue-stimulated cortisol secretion.
Iranmanesh A · European journal of endocrinology · 2010
Randomized controlled trial · 5 results
Growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 infusion synchronizes growth hormone, thyrotrophin and prolactin release in prolonged critical illness.
Van den Berghe G · European journal of endocrinology · 1999
Randomized controlled trial · 3 results
Novel relationships of age, visceral adiposity, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF binding protein concentrations to growth hormone (GH) releasing-hormone and GH releasing-peptide efficacies in men during experimental hypogonadal clamp.
Veldhuis JD · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2009
Randomized controlled trial · 3 results
Preservation of GHRH and GH-releasing peptide-2 efficacy in young men with experimentally induced hypogonadism.
Veldhuis JD · European journal of endocrinology · 2009
Randomized controlled trial · 2 results
Factors other than sex steroids modulate GHRH and GHRP-2 efficacies in men: evaluation using a GnRH agonist/testosterone clamp.
Veldhuis JD · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2009
Randomized controlled trial · 4 results
Obese subjects respond to the stimulatory effect of the ghrelin agonist growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 on food intake.
Laferrère B · Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.) · 2006
Randomized controlled trial · 6 results
Synergy of L-arginine and GHRP-2 stimulation of growth hormone in men and women: modulation by exercise.
Wideman L · American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology · 2000
Randomized controlled trial · 4 results
Contributions of gender and systemic estradiol and testosterone concentrations to maximal secretagogue drive of burst-like growth hormone secretion in healthy middle-aged and older adults.
Veldhuis JD · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2004
Randomized controlled trial · 4 results
Short-term estradiol supplementation augments growth hormone (GH) secretory responsiveness to dose-varying GH-releasing peptide infusions in healthy postmenopausal women.
Anderson SM · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2001
Randomized controlled trial · 8 results
Oral estradiol administration modulates continuous intravenous growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide-2-driven GH secretion in postmenopausal women.
Shah N · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2000
Randomized controlled trial · 14 results
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.
Van den Berghe G · Clinical endocrinology · 2002
Randomized controlled trial · 23 results
Reduction of free fatty acids by acipimox enhances the growth hormone (GH) responses to GH-releasing peptide 2 in elderly men.
Van Dam PS · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2000
Randomized controlled trial · 5 results
Growth hormone (GH)-releasing effects of synthetic peptide GH-releasing peptide-2 and GH-releasing hormone (1-29NH2) in children with GH insufficiency and idiopathic short stature.
Tuilpakov AN · Metabolism: clinical and experimental · 1995
Randomized controlled trial · 3 results
GH responses to intravenous bolus infusions of GH releasing hormone and GH releasing peptide 2 separately and in combination in adult volunteers.
Tiulpakov AN · Clinical endocrinology · 1995
Randomized controlled trial · 5 results
Preservation of growth hormone secretion in response to growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 during prednisone therapy.
Meacham LR · Metabolism: clinical and experimental · 1999
Randomized controlled trial · 5 results
Tripartite neuroendocrine activation of the human growth hormone (GH) axis in women by continuous 24-hour GH-releasing peptide infusion: pulsatile, entropic, and nyctohemeral mechanisms.
Shah N · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1999
Randomized controlled trial · 18 results
Evidence against a role for the growth hormone-releasing peptide axis in human slow-wave sleep regulation.
Moreno-Reyes R · The American journal of physiology · 1998
Randomized controlled trial · 4 results
Neuroendocrinology of prolonged critical illness: effects of exogenous thyrotropin-releasing hormone and its combination with growth hormone secretagogues.
Van den Berghe G · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1998
Randomized controlled trial · 16 results
The somatotropic axis in critical illness: effect of continuous growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone and GH-releasing peptide-2 infusion.
Van den Berghe G · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1997
Randomized controlled trial · 8 results
Thyrotrophin and prolactin release in prolonged critical illness: dynamics of spontaneous secretion and effects of growth hormone-secretagogues.
Van den Berghe G · Clinical endocrinology · 1997
Randomized controlled trial · 6 results
Pituitary responsiveness to GH-releasing hormone, GH-releasing peptide-2 and thyrotrophin-releasing hormone in critical illness.
Van den Berghe G · Clinical endocrinology · 1996
Randomized controlled trial · 14 results
Leptin levels in protracted critical illness: effects of growth hormone-secretagogues and thyrotropin-releasing hormone.
Van den Berghe G · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1998
Randomized controlled trial · 3 results
Relative effects of estrogen, age, and visceral fat on pulsatile growth hormone secretion in healthy women.
Veldhuis JD · American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism · 2009
Randomized controlled trial · 4 results
Estimation of the size and shape of GH secretory bursts in healthy women using a physiological estradiol clamp and variable-waveform deconvolution model.
Veldhuis JD · American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology · 2007
Randomized controlled trial · 3 results
A simple diagnostic test using GH-releasing peptide-2 in adult GH deficiency.
Chihara K · European journal of endocrinology · 2007
Non-randomized trial · 10 results
Growth hormone response to GH-releasing peptide-2 in children.
Asakura Y · Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM · 2010
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Investigation of the clinical significance of the growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 test for the diagnosis of secondary adrenal failure.
Arimura H · Endocrine journal · 2016
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
A paradoxical gender dissociation within the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor I axis during protracted critical illness.
Van den Berghe G · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2000
Non-randomized trial · 2 results
Diagnostic studies with intravenous and intranasal growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 in children of short stature.
Pihoker C · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1995
Non-randomized trial · 7 results
Tripartite control of growth hormone secretion in women during controlled estradiol repletion.
Veldhuis JD · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2007
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 stimulates GH secretion in GH-deficient patients with mutated GH-releasing hormone receptor.
Gondo RG · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2001
Non-randomized trial · 7 results
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.
Bowers CY · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2004
Non-randomized trial · 12 results
Treatment effects of intranasal growth hormone releasing peptide-2 in children with short stature.
Pihoker C · The Journal of endocrinology · 1997
Non-randomized trial · 10 results
Determination of growth hormone secretagogue pralmorelin (GHRP-2) and its metabolite in human urine by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.
Okano M · Rapid communications in mass spectrometry : RCM · 2010
Non-randomized trial · 5 results
Influence of intravenous administration of growth hormone releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2) on detection of growth hormone doping: growth hormone isoform profiles in Japanese male subjects.
Okano M · Drug testing and analysis · 2010
Non-randomized trial · 5 results
Changes in appetite and body weight in response to long-term oral administration of the ghrelin agonist GHRP-2 in growth hormone deficient children.
Mericq V · Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM · 2003
Non-randomized trial · 2 results
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of growth hormone-releasing peptide-2: a phase I study in children.
Pihoker C · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1998
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 response to acute and chronic growth hormone-releasing peptide-2, growth hormone-releasing hormone 1-44NH2 and in combination in older men and women with decreased growth hormone secretion.
Bowers CY · Endocrine · 2001
Non-randomized trial · 5 results
GH-releasing peptide-2 does not stimulate arginine vasopressin secretion in healthy men.
Kamoi K · Endocrine journal · 2010
Non-randomized trial · 10 results
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.
Nijland EA · European journal of endocrinology · 1998
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Growth hormone responses during strenuous exercise: the role of GH-releasing hormone and GH-releasing peptide-2.
Maas HCM · Medicine and science in sports and exercise · 2000
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Growth hormone releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), like ghrelin, increases food intake in healthy men.
Laferrère B · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2005
Non-randomized trial · 3 results
Tyr-Ala-Hexarelin, a synthetic octapeptide, possesses the same endocrine activities of Hexarelin and GHRP-2 in humans.
Arvat E · Journal of endocrinological investigation · 1999
Non-randomized trial · 12 results
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.
Arvat E · Peptides · 1997
Non-randomized trial · 16 results
Effects of eight months treatment with graded doses of a growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide in GH-deficient children.
Mericq V · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1998
Non-randomized trial · 6 results
Determination of growth hormone releasing peptides metabolites in human urine after nasal administration of GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin, and Ipamorelin.
Semenistaya E · Drug testing and analysis · 2015
Non-randomized trial · 9 results
On the road of dried blood spot sampling for antidoping tests: Detection of GHRP-2 abuse.
Reverter-Branchat G · Drug testing and analysis · 2021
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Growth hormone secretagogues in children with altered growth.
Bercu BB · Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992). Supplement · 1997
Non-randomized trial · 4 results

Status and safety

Regulatory and safety

Approval and sport status, and the safety outcomes reported in study results. Laws and labels change, so check the regulator for the current status.

Regulatory status by jurisdiction, with date and source
Jurisdiction	Body	Status	As of	Source
US	FDA	No Drugs@FDA record (openFDA drugsfda search of the active ingredient 'pralmorelin' on 2026-10-13 returned no match) and no DailyMed label (DailyMed SPL search 'pralmorelin' returned 0 and 'GHRP' returned 0). FDA text for the 503B category 2 entry: compounded drugs containing GHRP-2 for injectable and nasal administration may pose risk for immunogenicity due to the potential for aggregation and peptide-related impurities; GHRP-2 contains an unnatural amino acid, which adds to the complexity of peptide characterization; FDA is aware of reports of serious adverse events in patients who received GHRP-2, including increased insulin requirement to maintain the blood glucose level, death of critically ill study subjects, infection and pancreatitis, though causality has not been established. GSRS holds an FDA orphan code (372912) on the dihydrochloride with the comment 'Designated: as a diagnostic agent for the detection of growth hormone deficiency'. The FDA orphan database page returned HTTP 503 on 2026-10-13, so the designation date, sponsor and current status were not read.	22 Oct 2026	fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
EU	EMA	No match for pralmorelin, GHRP or growth hormone-releasing peptide in the EMA medicines data file (timestamp 2026-10-13T06:02:34Z, 2,748 records) or the EMA orphan designation data file (timestamp 2026-10-13T06:05:30Z, 3,310 records). The one orphan-file hit for 'growth hormone releasing' is a botulinum toxin fusion protein that contains growth hormone releasing hormone, a different substance. EU national authorisations were not checked.	22 Oct 2026	ema.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)
Sport	WADA	Banned in sport (WADA S2.2.4) Named in S2.2.4: 'GH-releasing peptides (GHRPs) [e.g. alexamorelin, examorelin (hexarelin), GHRP-1, GHRP-2 (pralmorelin), GHRP-3, GHRP-4, GHRP-5 and GHRP-6]'.	2026 List	wada-ama.org (opens in a new tab)
Japan	National register	Approved in Japan Approved. Product 'Chuusha-you GHRP Kaken 100' (GHRP KAKEN 100 Injection), pralmorelin hydrochloride 100 microgram per vial with D-mannitol 25 mg, freeze-dried injection, marketing authorisation holder Kaken Pharmaceutical, approval number 21600AMZ00573, approved 2004-10-22 (PMDA re-examination report, 2014-02-05), sales start February 2005. Prescription medicine. Indication: diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency. Label dose: 100 microgram intravenous slow injection in fasting adults; 2 microgram per kg for ages 4 to under 18 (100 microgram if above 50 kg). Contraindicated in pregnancy. The package insert was last revised in July 2025 (3rd edition). KEGG MEDICUS (JAPIC, version of 2026-09-16) lists an NHI price of 6,242 yen per vial. KEGG DRUG D02040 classes it as a diagnostic reagent for endocrine function. The PMDA re-examination (2014) says no adverse drug reactions were seen in the 503 cases of a specified-use survey.	22 Oct 2026	pmda.go.jp (opens in a new tab)
Japan (re-examination report)	Note	PMDA re-examination report of 2014-02-05 for the approved product (approval date 2004-10-22, re-examination period 8 years). The report says that as of 2014-02-04 the product was not approved or marketed outside Japan, and that no adverse drug reactions were seen in the 503 cases of the specified-use survey.	22 Oct 2026	pmda.go.jp (opens in a new tab)
Japan (KEGG MEDICUS)	Note	KEGG MEDICUS (JAPIC) product page: Kaken Pharmaceutical, YJ code 7223407D1027, 6,242 yen per vial (version of 2026-09-16).	22 Oct 2026	kegg.jp (opens in a new tab)
World (WADA 2027 list)	Note	The 2027 Prohibited List, in force from 2027-01-01, names GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) in S2.2.4.	22 Oct 2026	wada-ama.org (opens in a new tab)
Russia	Note	Not checked. The State Register of Medicines search needs an interactive form that a script could not run, and no Russian product was found by a web search.	22 Oct 2026	grls.rosminzdrav.ru (opens in a new tab)
Canada	Note	Not approved in Canada. The Health Canada Drug Product Database returns no product for pralmorelin (queried 2026-10-22). A McGill Office for Science and Society article (2023-11-03) says Health Canada told the author that growth hormone secretagogues need authorisation.	22 Oct 2026	health-products.canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
UK, Australia, China, Korea, other	Note	Not checked.	22 Oct 2026	Not recorded

Safety outcomes

19 safety results for GHRP-2.

Reported by FDA, not confirmed in a study

FDA text for the 503B category 2 entry: compounded drugs containing GHRP-2 for injectable and nasal administration may pose risk for immunogenicity due to the potential for aggregation and peptide-related impurities; GHRP-2 contains an unnatural amino acid, which adds to the complexity of peptide characterization; FDA is aware of reports of serious adverse events in patients who received GHRP-2, including increased insulin requirement to maintain the blood glucose level, death of critically ill study subjects, infection and pancreatitis, though causality has not been established.

This is a report about GHRP-2, not a study result. Source: FDA GSRS substance record, UNII E6S6E1F19M (pralmorelin)

Human evidence· 8

In postmenopausal women, GHRP‑2 infusion minimally increased pooled daily prolactin (P < 0.05).
Randomized controlled trialn = 7
Daily PRL
12 microg/L
GHRP-2
Daily PRL
6.8 microg/L
saline
In postmenopausal women, GHRP‑2 infusion minimally increased pooled daily cortisol (P < 0.05).
Randomized controlled trialn = 7
In children with growth disorders, the GHRP‑2 test was reported as safe; the abstract gives no adverse event counts.
Non-randomized trialn = 56
In children with short stature, intranasal GHRP‑2 administration was well tolerated.
Non-randomized trialn = 15
In 10 healthy men, blood pressure did not differ significantly before and after GHRP‑2 injection.
Non-randomized trialn = 10
No side effects or toxicities were observed in six children with GH deficiency treated with GHRP‑2.
Non-randomized trialn = 6
In children of short stature, the intranasal GHRP‑2 preparation was well tolerated.
Non-randomized trialn not reported
No obvious side effects were observed in a patient after long-term intranasal GHRP‑2 administration.
Case report or seriesn = 1

Animal evidence· 8

In isolated rabbit hearts, there were no signs of increased apoptosis in the experimental groups, GHRP‑2 pretreatment included.
Animal study (in vivo)rabbitn = 8
In animal models, KP-102 at a pharmacological dose showed no obvious effect on the central nervous system.
Animal study (in vivo)
In animal models, KP-102 had no significant effect on the autonomic nervous system and smooth muscle, with a minor exception for the ileum.
Animal study (in vivo)
In animal models, KP-102 had a negligible effect on the respiratory system.
Animal study (in vivo)
In animal models, KP-102 had a negligible effect on the cardiovascular system.
Animal study (in vivo)
In animal models, KP-102 had a negligible effect on the digestive system.
Animal study (in vivo)
In animal models, KP-102 had a negligible effect on renal function.
Animal study (in vivo)
In animal models, KP-102 had a negligible effect on the blood system.
Animal study (in vivo)

Lab evidence· 3

In isolated rabbit ileum, KP-102 at high doses caused a slight and transient increase in spontaneous motility.
Ex vivo tissuerabbit
In isolated guinea pig ileum, KP-102 at high doses caused a slight and transient contraction.
Ex vivo tissueguinea pig
In isolated rat hearts, KP-102 had no effect on heart rate throughout the experiment.
Ex vivo tissuerat

Doses studied · 102

The doses that these studies used. They are not recommendations.

50 or 100 µg (low) and 100 or 200 µg (high) by body weight, twice dailyHuman
Species
human
Route
intranasal spray
Duration
48 weeks
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 124
0.33 mug/kgHuman
Species
human
Route
iv bolus
Duration
Not reported
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 42
1 microg/kg/hHuman
Species
human
Route
continuous infusion
Duration
21 hours
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 28
0.1 microg/kg per hourHuman
Species
human
Route
subcutaneous infusion
Duration
270 minutes
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 19
1 mug/kg per hourHuman
Species
human
Route
subcutaneous infusion
Duration
270 minutes
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 19
1 microg/kg bolusHuman
Species
human
Route
intravenous
Duration
Not reported
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 18

Doses studied in the study results, as given in the studies.
Dose as reported	Class	Species	Route	Duration	Design
50 or 100 µg (low) and 100 or 200 µg (high) by body weight, twice daily	Human	human	intranasal spray	48 weeks	Randomized controlled trial · n = 124
0.33 mug/kg	Human	human	iv bolus	Not reported	Randomized controlled trial · n = 42
1 microg/kg/h	Human	human	continuous infusion	21 hours	Randomized controlled trial · n = 28
0.1 microg/kg per hour	Human	human	subcutaneous infusion	270 minutes	Randomized controlled trial · n = 19
1 mug/kg per hour	Human	human	subcutaneous infusion	270 minutes	Randomized controlled trial · n = 19
1 microg/kg bolus	Human	human	intravenous	Not reported	Randomized controlled trial · n = 18

6 of 102 shown

PepBank is a research reference. Talk to a doctor before you use any peptide.

Data

Data and API

Data version, change history and code for this peptide.

Data version 30856030 Oct 2026

Peptide

Peptide id: PEP-000052
Peptide version: 6
Peptide hash: f51ef365d8935ded…
Data version: 308560

Latest changes

27 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 256690
22 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 254522
21 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 213618
14 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 194692
13 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 188873
13 Oct 2026CreatedData version 175770

For developers

curl -s https://pepbank.io/v1/briefs/ghrp-2

Evidence summary for GHRP-2: counts by class, key results with sources, notices, data version.

Peptide as JSON Evidence summary as JSON

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	Total
Growth hormone and IGF-1Musculoskeletal	Human: 173 results from 54 studies: 88 increase, 23 decrease, 33 no significant change, 1 mixed, 28 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 104 results from 27 studies: 62 increase, 13 decrease, 26 no significant change, 1 mixed, 2 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 31 results from 17 studies: 21 increase, 5 decrease, 5 no significant change. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	308
Stress hormonesEndocrine and hormones	Human: 29 results from 11 studies: 6 increase, 2 decrease, 3 no significant change, 2 mixed, 16 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	No results	Lab: 1 result from 1 study: 1 increase. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	30
Pituitary hormonesEndocrine and hormones	Human: 16 results from 6 studies: 10 increase, 1 decrease, 5 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 5 results from 2 studies: 4 increase, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	21
Appetite and food intakeMetabolic and weight	Human: 10 results from 4 studies: 6 increase, 1 decrease, 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 22 results from 10 studies: 12 increase, 1 decrease, 8 no significant change, 1 mixed. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	32
PharmacokineticsPharmacology	Human: 9 results from 6 studies: 1 increase, 8 not reported. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 5 results from 3 studies: 5 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 2 results from 2 studies: 2 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	16
Thyroid functionEndocrine and hormones	Human: 7 results from 3 studies: 2 increase, 2 decrease, 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 2 results from 1 study: 2 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	9
Adverse eventsWhole body	Human: 6 results from 6 studies: 1 increase, 4 no significant change, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 7 results from 1 study: 7 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 2 results from 1 study: 2 increase. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	15
Sex hormones and fertilityEndocrine and hormones	Human: 4 results from 2 studies: 2 increase, 2 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	No results	No results	No results	4
Hormone levelsEndocrine and hormones	Human: 3 results from 2 studies: 2 increase, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 3 results from 3 studies: 2 increase, 1 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 1 result from 1 study: 1 no significant change. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	7
Exercise and physical functionWhole body	Human: 3 results from 1 study: 2 increase, 1 decrease. Strongest design: Case report or series	Animal: 2 results from 1 study: 2 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	5
Body weightMetabolic and weight	Human: 2 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 16 results from 9 studies: 12 increase, 1 decrease, 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	18
Electrolyte balanceEndocrine and hormones	Human: 2 results from 1 study: 2 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	No results	No results	No results	2

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	Total
Growth hormone and IGF-1Musculoskeletal	Human: 173 results from 54 studies: 88 increase, 23 decrease, 33 no significant change, 1 mixed, 28 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 104 results from 27 studies: 62 increase, 13 decrease, 26 no significant change, 1 mixed, 2 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 31 results from 17 studies: 21 increase, 5 decrease, 5 no significant change. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	308
Stress hormonesEndocrine and hormones	Human: 29 results from 11 studies: 6 increase, 2 decrease, 3 no significant change, 2 mixed, 16 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	No results	Lab: 1 result from 1 study: 1 increase. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	30
Pituitary hormonesEndocrine and hormones	Human: 16 results from 6 studies: 10 increase, 1 decrease, 5 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 5 results from 2 studies: 4 increase, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	21
Appetite and food intakeMetabolic and weight	Human: 10 results from 4 studies: 6 increase, 1 decrease, 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 22 results from 10 studies: 12 increase, 1 decrease, 8 no significant change, 1 mixed. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	32
PharmacokineticsPharmacology	Human: 9 results from 6 studies: 1 increase, 8 not reported. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 5 results from 3 studies: 5 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 2 results from 2 studies: 2 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	16
Thyroid functionEndocrine and hormones	Human: 7 results from 3 studies: 2 increase, 2 decrease, 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 2 results from 1 study: 2 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	9
Adverse eventsWhole body	Human: 6 results from 6 studies: 1 increase, 4 no significant change, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 7 results from 1 study: 7 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 2 results from 1 study: 2 increase. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	15
Sex hormones and fertilityEndocrine and hormones	Human: 4 results from 2 studies: 2 increase, 2 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	No results	No results	No results	4
Hormone levelsEndocrine and hormones	Human: 3 results from 2 studies: 2 increase, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 3 results from 3 studies: 2 increase, 1 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 1 result from 1 study: 1 no significant change. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	7
Exercise and physical functionWhole body	Human: 3 results from 1 study: 2 increase, 1 decrease. Strongest design: Case report or series	Animal: 2 results from 1 study: 2 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	5
Body weightMetabolic and weight	Human: 2 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 16 results from 9 studies: 12 increase, 1 decrease, 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	18
Electrolyte balanceEndocrine and hormones	Human: 2 results from 1 study: 2 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	No results	No results	No results	2

GHRP-2 studies and research data

GHRP-2 identity

Targets

Sequence and structure

Sequence

Alignment to Ghrelin (human), ghrelin-28

Properties

Net charge by pH

Composition

3D structure

2D structure

GHRP-2 results by year and outcome

What the studies measured

GHRP-2 studies on growth hormone and growth

GHRP-2 studies on hormones

GHRP-2 studies on weight and appetite

GHRP-2 studies on blood levels and clearance

GHRP-2 studies on side effects

GHRP-2 studies on sex hormones and fertility

GHRP-2 studies on daily life and fitness

GHRP-2 studies on salt, water and minerals

GHRP-2 studies on sleep

GHRP-2 studies on immune system and inflammation

GHRP-2 studies on receptors and cell signals

GHRP-2 studies on heart and blood vessels

GHRP-2 studies on cells, genes and aging

GHRP-2 studies on bones and joints

GHRP-2 studies on blood sugar

GHRP-2 studies on cholesterol and blood fats

GHRP-2 studies on muscles and tendons

GHRP-2 studies on stomach and gut

GHRP-2 studies on pain

GHRP-2 studies on liver

GHRP-2 studies on metabolism and nutrition

GHRP-2 studies on mood, stress and behavior

GHRP-2 studies on infections

GHRP-2 trials

Papers

Studies with results

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.

Neuroendocrinology of prolonged critical illness: effects of exogenous thyrotropin-releasing hormone and its combination with growth hormone secretagogues.

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

GH-releasing peptide-2 increases fat mass in mice lacking NPY: indication for a crucial mediating role of hypothalamic agouti-related protein.

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

Specific receptors for synthetic GH secretagogues in the human brain and pituitary gland.

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

GH releasing peptides--structure and kinetics.

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.

A simple diagnostic test using GH-releasing peptide-2 in adult GH deficiency.

Thyrotrophin and prolactin release in prolonged critical illness: dynamics of spontaneous secretion and effects of growth hormone-secretagogues.

Determination of growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRP) and their major metabolites in human urine for doping controls by means of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

A paradoxical gender dissociation within the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor I axis during protracted critical illness.

Short-term estradiol supplementation augments growth hormone (GH) secretory responsiveness to dose-varying GH-releasing peptide infusions in healthy postmenopausal women.

Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue.

Endocrine and orexigenic actions of growth hormone secretagogues in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Neither intravenous nor intracerebroventricular administration of obestatin affects the secretion of GH, PRL, TSH and ACTH in rats.

A novel in vivo rabbit model of hypercatabolic critical illness reveals a biphasic neuroendocrine stress response.

Intracerebroventricular administration of the growth hormone-releasing peptide KP-102 increases food intake in free-feeding rats.

More studies

Growth hormone-releasing peptides.

GH-releasing activity of Hexarelin, a new growth hormone releasing peptide, in infant and adult rats.

Confiscated black market products and nutritional supplements with non-approved ingredients analyzed in the Cologne Doping Control Laboratory 2009.

Growth hormone (GH) secretion in patients with an inactivating defect of the GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor is pulsatile: evidence for a role for non-GHRH inputs into the generation of GH pulses.

Growth hormone-releasing peptides and their analogs.

High-throughput screening for various classes of doping agents using a new 'dilute-and-shoot' liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry multi-target approach.

Newer studies

GHRP-2 studies: 202 papers with results

Regulatory and safety

Human evidence· 8

Animal evidence· 8

Lab evidence· 3

Doses studied · 102

Data and API

Peptide

Latest changes

For developers

Related peptides

GHRP-2 results by year and outcome

GHRP-2 studies on growth hormone and growth

GHRP-2 studies on hormones