Compounds / GHRP-2
GHRP-2
Also known as: Pralmorelin; GHRP-2; KP-102; D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2; CAS 158861-67-7
Primary research focus: Growth hormone axis research (ghrelin-receptor agonist; GH secretagogue)
Last updated July 2026 · Reviewed against FDA labeling and published research.
What is GHRP-2?
GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide that acts as a ghrelin-receptor agonist and growth hormone secretagogue, stimulating pulsatile GH release from the pituitary. It is approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent (pralmorelin) for growth hormone deficiency, but it is not FDA-approved for any use in the United States. It is prohibited in sport.
GHRP-2 binds and activates the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), the ghrelin receptor, on pituitary somatotrophs and the hypothalamus. This stimulates a pulsatile release of growth hormone (and, downstream, IGF-1) and works synergistically with GHRH analogs. Like ghrelin, it also modestly increases appetite and can raise cortisol and prolactin, though less markedly than GHRP-6.
How it’s supplied
Not FDA-approved or commercially available in the US as a therapeutic. In Japan it is used as a diagnostic injection (pralmorelin). Elsewhere it is sold as a research-grade lyophilized peptide for reconstitution; such products are not FDA-reviewed for potency or sterility.
Dosage Chart
Units shown are for a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL), calculated from the vial size and BAC water you select. Always confirm against your prescription and your syringe markings.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-4 | 100mcg | 1x Daily | — |
| Weeks 5-8 | 200mcg | 1x Daily | — |
| Weeks 9-12 | 300mcg | 1x Daily | — |
- Rotate injection sites to reduce irritation and lipohypertrophy
- Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Do not exceed the recommended dose to try to speed results
- Typically administered at bedtime to align with natural nocturnal GH releases
Potential Benefits and Side Effects
Effects reported in published research. Not a promise of results, and not medical advice.
- Reported in human diagnostic use and research; not an approved therapy in the US.
- Potent, pulsatile stimulation of endogenous growth hormone release, with downstream IGF-1 elevation.
- Highest peak GH release among the traditional GHRPs.
- Validated as a GH-deficiency diagnostic tool (Japan).
- Moderate appetite stimulation via ghrelin-receptor activation.
- Increased appetite.
- Cortisol and prolactin elevation (dose-dependent).
- Water retention and possible joint or tingling symptoms with GH elevation.
- Injection-site reactions; transient flushing.
- Long-term effects of sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation are not well characterized.
Warnings and contraindications
Important safety information. This is not exhaustive — read the full prescribing information and consult your prescriber or pharmacist.
- No FDA-approved US labeling exists; the following reflect the compound's status and class effects, not an FDA label.
- It is FDA Category 2 (restricted from compounding) in the US and, per 2026 FDA review activity, is expected to remain restricted, unlike several peptides being returned to Category 1.
- Raising GH and IGF-1 carries class concerns, including glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, fluid retention, and joint symptoms.
- GHRP-2 can raise cortisol and prolactin and increases appetite.
- It is prohibited in sport under the WADA Prohibited List.
- Research-grade material varies in identity and purity.
- Not established as a US drug; no FDA labeling. Precautionary considerations include active or suspected malignancy (GH/IGF-1 biology), known hypersensitivity, and use by athletes subject to anti-doping rules.
Reconstitution Steps
How to prepare the lyophilized vial. Confirm specifics with your pharmacist or prescriber.
- Confirm the amount of peptide in the vial and the volume of diluent you intend to use before starting.
- Wash your hands and gather supplies: the lyophilized vial, the diluent (typically bacteriostatic water), an alcohol swab, and a sterile syringe.
- Let the vial and diluent reach room temperature if they were refrigerated or frozen.
- Wipe the rubber stopper of both the peptide vial and the diluent vial with a fresh alcohol swab and let them air dry.
- Draw the intended diluent volume into the syringe.
- Insert the needle into the vial and slowly release the diluent down the inside wall rather than directly onto the powder, to avoid foaming.
- Do not shake. Gently swirl or roll the vial until fully dissolved.
- Inspect the solution: it should be clear and colorless with no visible particles. Do not use if cloudy or containing particles.
- Note the resulting concentration (amount divided by diluent volume) so it matches the reconstitution calculator on this page.
- Label the vial with the reconstitution date and store as directed under reconstituted storage.
US regulatory status
Classifications are public record but can change. For reference only, not legal advice.
Development: GHRP-2 grew out of Cyril Bowers's foundational growth-hormone-releasing-peptide work and was later understood as a synthetic ghrelin-receptor agonist. It has been studied in humans as a GH secretagogue and appetite stimulant (for example, Laferrere et al. 2005 showed it increases food intake in healthy men), and it is approved in Japan as the diagnostic agent pralmorelin for growth hormone deficiency. It is not FDA-approved in the US. In the 2023 FDA action it was placed in Category 2, and in the 2026 reclassification GHRP-2 is among the peptides expected to remain restricted rather than return to Category 1, pending the FDA advisory committee review.
Notes: GHRP-2 is not FDA-approved in the US (it is a diagnostic drug in Japan). It is on the FDA Category 2 list, restricting compounding, and unlike the peptides being moved back to Category 1 in 2026, GHRP-2 is expected to remain restricted (cited concerns include cortisol and prolactin elevation). This should be verified against the current FDA list. It is prohibited in sport (WADA) and is not a controlled substance. (Status current as of mid-2026.)
International status
Pharmacokinetics
Storage and handling
Important Notes
Practical considerations for consistency and safety.
- GHRP-2 is approved in Japan as the diagnostic agent pralmorelin but is not FDA-approved in the US.
- It is expected to remain FDA Category 2 (restricted) in 2026, unlike many peptides returning to Category 1; verify the current FDA list.
- It raises cortisol and prolactin and stimulates appetite, though less strongly than GHRP-6.
- It is banned in sport (WADA).
- Research-grade material varies in identity and purity.
Lifestyle Factors
- In research it is often combined with a GHRH analog and timed to sleep or activity to shape GH pulses.
- Human lifestyle interactions beyond diagnostic and research use are not well characterized.
References
Related compounds
Important disclaimer
This page is an educational reference, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and not a substitute for your prescriber or pharmacist. Approval and regulatory status varies by compound and can change. Always confirm against current prescribing information and consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decision about a medication.