---
title: "GHRP-2: Dosing &amp; Vendor Prices — BodyHackGuide"
description: "GHRP-2: dosing protocols, mechanism &amp; side effects, 212 PubMed studies. Compare 2 verified vendor prices."
lang: en
json-ld: |
  [
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
      "itemListElement": [
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 1,
          "name": "Home",
          "item": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 2,
          "name": "Compounds",
          "item": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 3,
          "name": "GHRP-2"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "Product",
      "name": "GHRP-2",
      "description": "GHRP-2 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-2), also known as pralmorelin and KP-102, is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that was among the first GHRPs developed in the seminal research of Cyril Bowers and colleagues at Tulane University in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on anterior pituitary somatotrophs and hypothalamic neurons, producing a strong, dose-dependent release of endogenous growth hormone through a pathway pharmacologically parallel to but distinct from the GHRH receptor axis. Sequence: D-Ala-D-β-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2. This six-residue backbone is optimized for potent GHS-R1a agonism, with serum half-life of approximately 15-30 minutes in humans and a GH-releasing potency significantly higher than the endogenous ligand ghrelin. GHRP-2 occupies an important regulatory niche: it is approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent (GHRP-2 injection) for pediatric growth hormone deficiency testing under the brand Pralmorelin, where it replaced older insulin-tolerance stimulation protocols due to its superior safety and more reliable GH response ([Chihara et al., 2004]). It is not FDA-approved in the United States for any indication, and research-grade use for performance and body composition purposes is therefore off-label. Compared to ipamorelin, GHRP-2 produces a larger absolute GH pulse but with meaningful cross-reactivity at pathways that ipamorelin avoids — specifically, GHRP-2 elevates prolactin and cortisol by a modest but measurable margin. This tradeoff — more GH, but less clean — is why modern peptide protocols increasingly favor ipamorelin for long-term tuning and reserve GHRP-2 for specific situations where maximum GH pulse amplitude is the primary goal. Standard research doses range from 100-300 mcg subcutaneously, 2-3 times daily, typically dosed before breakfast, before training, and at bedtime. The hexapeptide shows strong synergy with GHRH analogs — when paired with sermorelin or CJC-1295 (no-DAC), the combined GH pulse amplitude reaches 3-5x either compound alone ([Bowers et al., 1991]).",
      "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/ghrp-2",
      "image": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/og-image.png",
      "brand": {
        "@type": "Brand",
        "name": "Research Compound"
      },
      "offers": {
        "@type": "AggregateOffer",
        "lowPrice": "29.00",
        "highPrice": "29.99",
        "priceCurrency": "USD",
        "offerCount": "2",
        "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock",
        "offers": [
          {
            "@type": "Offer",
            "price": "29.00",
            "priceCurrency": "USD",
            "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock",
            "itemCondition": "https://schema.org/NewCondition",
            "url": "https://ionpeptide.com/product/ghrp-2/?ref=reddit15",
            "seller": {
              "@type": "Organization",
              "name": "Ion Peptide",
              "url": "https://ionpeptide.com"
            },
            "name": "GHRP-2 5mg vial"
          },
          {
            "@type": "Offer",
            "price": "29.99",
            "priceCurrency": "USD",
            "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock",
            "itemCondition": "https://schema.org/NewCondition",
            "url": "https://limitlessbiochem.eu/products/ghrp-2-10mg/?ref=choncho",
            "seller": {
              "@type": "Organization",
              "name": "Limitless Biochem EU",
              "url": "https://limitlessbiochem.eu"
            },
            "name": "GHRP-2 10mg vial"
          }
        ]
      }
    },
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "MedicalWebPage",
      "name": "GHRP-2",
      "description": "GHRP-2 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-2), also known as pralmorelin and KP-102, is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that was among the first GHRPs developed in the seminal research of Cyril Bowers and colleagues at Tulane University in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on anterior pituitary somatotrophs and hypothalamic neurons, producing a strong, dose-dependent release of endogenous growth hormone through a pathway pharmacologically parallel to but distinct from the GHRH receptor axis. Sequence: D-Ala-D-β-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2. This six-residue backbone is optimized for potent GHS-R1a agonism, with serum half-life of approximately 15-30 minutes in humans and a GH-releasing potency significantly higher than the endogenous ligand ghrelin. GHRP-2 occupies an important regulatory niche: it is approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent (GHRP-2 injection) for pediatric growth hormone deficiency testing under the brand Pralmorelin, where it replaced older insulin-tolerance stimulation protocols due to its superior safety and more reliable GH response ([Chihara et al., 2004]). It is not FDA-approved in the United States for any indication, and research-grade use for performance and body composition purposes is therefore off-label. Compared to ipamorelin, GHRP-2 produces a larger absolute GH pulse but with meaningful cross-reactivity at pathways that ipamorelin avoids — specifically, GHRP-2 elevates prolactin and cortisol by a modest but measurable margin. This tradeoff — more GH, but less clean — is why modern peptide protocols increasingly favor ipamorelin for long-term tuning and reserve GHRP-2 for specific situations where maximum GH pulse amplitude is the primary goal. Standard research doses range from 100-300 mcg subcutaneously, 2-3 times daily, typically dosed before breakfast, before training, and at bedtime. The hexapeptide shows strong synergy with GHRH analogs — when paired with sermorelin or CJC-1295 (no-DAC), the combined GH pulse amplitude reaches 3-5x either compound alone ([Bowers et al., 1991]).",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-05-04T11:35:11.801+00:00",
      "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/ghrp-2",
      "author": {
        "@type": "Person",
        "name": "BioChonch",
        "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/about",
        "jobTitle": "Founder & Lead Researcher",
        "sameAs": [
          "https://x.com/bodyhackguide",
          "https://reddit.com/r/BodyHackGuide",
          "https://reddit.com/r/BrainHackGuide",
          "https://reddit.com/r/Biohackingher"
        ],
        "worksFor": {
          "@type": "Organization",
          "name": "BodyHackGuide",
          "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co"
        }
      },
      "reviewedBy": {
        "@type": "Person",
        "name": "BioChonch",
        "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/about",
        "jobTitle": "Founder & Lead Researcher",
        "sameAs": [
          "https://x.com/bodyhackguide",
          "https://reddit.com/r/BodyHackGuide",
          "https://reddit.com/r/BrainHackGuide",
          "https://reddit.com/r/Biohackingher"
        ],
        "worksFor": {
          "@type": "Organization",
          "name": "BodyHackGuide",
          "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co"
        }
      },
      "publisher": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "BodyHackGuide",
        "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co"
      },
      "mainContentOfPage": {
        "@type": "WebPageElement",
        "cssSelector": "main"
      },
      "about": {
        "@type": "Drug",
        "name": "GHRP-2",
        "alternateName": [
          "Pralmorelin"
        ],
        "description": "GHRP-2 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-2), also known as pralmorelin and KP-102, is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that was among the first GHRPs developed in the seminal research of Cyril Bowers and colleagues at Tulane University in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on anterior pituitary somatotrophs and hypothalamic neurons, producing a strong, dose-dependent release of endogenous growth hormone through a pathway pharmacologically parallel to but distinct from the GHRH receptor axis. Sequence: D-Ala-D-β-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2. This six-residue backbone is optimized for potent GHS-R1a agonism, with serum half-life of approximately 15-30 minutes in humans and a GH-releasing potency significantly higher than the endogenous ligand ghrelin. GHRP-2 occupies an important regulatory niche: it is approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent (GHRP-2 injection) for pediatric growth hormone deficiency testing under the brand Pralmorelin, where it replaced older insulin-tolerance stimulation protocols due to its superior safety and more reliable GH response ([Chihara et al., 2004]). It is not FDA-approved in the United States for any indication, and research-grade use for performance and body composition purposes is therefore off-label. Compared to ipamorelin, GHRP-2 produces a larger absolute GH pulse but with meaningful cross-reactivity at pathways that ipamorelin avoids — specifically, GHRP-2 elevates prolactin and cortisol by a modest but measurable margin. This tradeoff — more GH, but less clean — is why modern peptide protocols increasingly favor ipamorelin for long-term tuning and reserve GHRP-2 for specific situations where maximum GH pulse amplitude is the primary goal. Standard research doses range from 100-300 mcg subcutaneously, 2-3 times daily, typically dosed before breakfast, before training, and at bedtime. The hexapeptide shows strong synergy with GHRH analogs — when paired with sermorelin or CJC-1295 (no-DAC), the combined GH pulse amplitude reaches 3-5x either compound alone ([Bowers et al., 1991]).",
        "activeIngredient": "GHRP-2",
        "administrationRoute": "Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Intranasal",
        "mechanismOfAction": "GHS-R1a Receptor Agonism GHRP-2 binds the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a), the endogenous target of ghrelin, with nanomolar affinity. GHS-R1a is expressed on: Anterior pituitary somatotrophs — direct GH release Hypothalamic arcuate nucleus neurons (NPY/AgRP and GHRH neurons) — indirect amplification via endogenous GHRH release Pituitary lactotrophs (partial) — weak prolactin-releasing signal Adrenal cortex (indirect via HPA stimulation) — weak cortisol elevation The activation produces a composite signal: Direct somatotroph Gq/11 → PLC → IP3 → Ca²⁺ release → GH granule exocytosis within minutes Indirect enhancement of GHRH neuronal output from the arcuate nucleus → amplified pituitary stimulation Somatostatin antagonism at hypothalamic level — GHRP-2 reduces somatostatin tone, removing the inhibitory gate The result is a GH pulse that is larger in peak amplitude and longer in duration than GHRH alone can produce, because GHRH faces the somatostatin ceiling while GHRP-2 partially lifts that ceiling. Comparison to Ipamorelin While both GHRP-2 and ipamorelin are GHS-R1a agonists, their selectivity profiles differ importantly: The cortisol and prolactin effect of GHRP-2 is attributable to residual activity at MC2R-adjacent pathways and lactotroph spill-over. In short-term or intermittent use, these cross-pathway effects are clinically trivial. In chronic daily dosing, they matter: users with baseline anxiety, HPA axis dysregulation, or prolactin-related issues frequently do better on ipamorelin. Users prioritizing maximum GH pulse for short-duration anabolic or recovery windows may prefer GHRP-2. Synergy with GHRH Analogs The most pharmacologically significant property of GHRP-2 is its profound synergy with GHRH analogs like sermorelin, CJC-1295, and tesamorelin. The two mechanisms converge intracellularly: GHRHR activation → Gs protein → cAMP ↑ GHS-R1a activation → Gq/11 → IP3/Ca²⁺ ↑ Combined signaling amplifies GH release 3-5x above either alone ([Bowers et al., 1991]) This synergy is the basis for the classic GHRH + GHS protocols used in performance and anti-aging contexts. The combination is particularly useful when a maximum GH pulse is needed (e.g., pre-training, pre-bed) rather than continuous modest stimulation. Appetite Stimulation GHRP-2 is a ghrelin-receptor agonist, and ghrelin is the body's primary hunger signal. Expect measurable appetite stimulation within 30-60 minutes of injection — this can be advantageous for users in caloric surplus (bulking phases, recovery from illness) but counterproductive for users trying to maintain a deficit. The appetite effect is less pronounced than with oral MK-677 (which has sustained 24-hour receptor occupancy) but more pronounced than with ipamorelin (which is more selective).",
        "dosageForm": "vial",
        "legalStatus": "Not approved for human use — research chemical",
        "warning": "For research purposes only. Not for human consumption."
      }
    },
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "FAQPage",
      "mainEntity": [
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "What is GHRP-2 and how does it work?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "GHRP-2 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-2), also called pralmorelin or KP-102, is a synthetic hexapeptide that binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on pituitary somatotrophs and hypothalamic neurons to stimulate release of endogenous growth hormone. It was among the first GHRPs developed, originating from the foundational research of Cyril Bowers at Tulane in the late 1980s. GHRP-2 is approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent (pralmorelin) for adult growth hormone deficiency testing, but is not FDA-approved in the US. Research-grade use for performance and body composition is off-label. It synergizes strongly with GHRH analogs (sermorelin, CJC-1295) to produce 3-5x amplified GH pulses vs either alone."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "How is GHRP-2 different from ipamorelin?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Both are GHS-R1a agonists, but they differ in selectivity. GHRP-2 produces a larger absolute GH pulse amplitude but has meaningful cross-reactivity with prolactin and cortisol pathways, elevating both modestly (cortisol +15-25% above baseline). Ipamorelin is more selective for the GH axis and produces minimal prolactin or cortisol changes. GHRP-2 also has stronger appetite-stimulating effects. The tradeoff: GHRP-2 for maximum GH pulse in short-duration aggressive phases; ipamorelin for clean long-term daily use. Users with baseline anxiety, HPA axis concerns, or prolactin issues generally do better on ipamorelin. Users who want appetite stimulation during a bulking phase may prefer GHRP-2."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "What is the best GHRP-2 dosage?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Standard subcutaneous protocol is 100-200 mcg per injection, 2-3 times daily. Beginners start at 100 mcg twice daily (pre-breakfast and pre-bed) and titrate up. Intermediate users typically dose 150-200 mcg three times daily (pre-breakfast, pre-training, pre-bed). The single-injection ceiling is around 300 mcg - above that, GHS-R1a receptor saturation prevents additional GH release. Always dose in a fasted state (2-3 hours after last meal), as elevated blood glucose and insulin blunt GH release through increased somatostatin tone. Consistency of timing matters - the GH axis entrains to regular schedules."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Does GHRP-2 cause weight gain?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "GHRP-2 can cause modest weight gain through two mechanisms. First, the ghrelin-receptor agonism directly increases appetite - users typically notice measurable hunger within 30-60 minutes of injection. If this increased appetite is met with caloric surplus, weight gain follows. Second, GH-axis stimulation mildly promotes fluid retention, especially in the first 2-3 weeks of daily use. In users on a deficit or maintenance intake, body composition typically shifts toward slightly more lean mass and slightly less fat, with modest or no scale weight change. For users trying to lose weight, ipamorelin is usually a better choice because of its less pronounced appetite effect."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Can GHRP-2 be combined with CJC-1295?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Yes - this is the classical and most pharmacologically significant stack in the GH-secretagogue space. GHRP-2 activates the ghrelin/GHS-R1a pathway; CJC-1295 (either no-DAC or DAC variant) activates the GHRH/GHRHR pathway. The two mechanisms converge intracellularly through complementary G-protein signaling, amplifying GH pulse amplitude 3-5x above either compound alone (Bowers 1991). Standard stack: GHRP-2 100-200 mcg + CJC-1295 no-DAC 100-200 mcg, drawn into the same insulin syringe, injected simultaneously SC 2-3 times daily fasted. With CJC-1295 DAC, the GHRP-2 becomes 'pulse-on-top-of-continuous-tonic' GHRH - less clean pharmacologically but more convenient (once or twice weekly CJC-DAC vs. daily sermorelin/no-DAC)."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "What are the side effects of GHRP-2?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "The most common effects are increased appetite (from ghrelin-receptor agonism), mild transient cortisol elevation (+15-25% above baseline for 60-90 minutes), modest prolactin elevation (usually trivial), flushing immediately post-injection, and injection site reactions. Less common effects include mild fluid retention in the first weeks, vivid dreams with bedtime dosing, transient insulin sensitivity reduction with chronic use, headache, and occasional nausea. Rare effects include hypotension (mainly with IV administration), hypersensitivity, and paresthesia. Long-term concerns include modest insulin resistance and GHS-R1a receptor desensitization with chronic daily dosing - cycling protocols help prevent both. Theoretical cancer concern from sustained IGF-1 elevation applies to all GH-axis interventions."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Is GHRP-2 legal?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent for adult growth hormone deficiency testing. It is not FDA-approved in the United States for any indication. In the US research-peptide market, GHRP-2 is sold under research-only classification through peptide suppliers. Users should understand this legal context, source from vendors with third-party purity testing, and ideally work with a medical practitioner familiar with off-label peptide use. Some 503B compounding pharmacies include GHRP-2 in their peptide offerings for physician-supervised off-label use. See our best vendors guide for 2026 for reliable sources and peptide-friendly clinical practices."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "How long does it take GHRP-2 to work?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "A single GHRP-2 injection produces measurable GH elevation within minutes, with peak serum GH at roughly 15-30 minutes post-injection and return to baseline by 90-120 minutes. However, the clinically meaningful body composition and performance effects take 8-16 weeks of consistent dosing to manifest. IGF-1 stabilizes at its new elevated setpoint around weeks 4-6. Sleep quality improvements (vivid dreams, enhanced slow-wave sleep) often appear within the first 2 weeks. Lean body mass changes become detectable at weeks 8-12. Recovery and training-tolerance improvements are often noticed subjectively within 2-3 weeks but are harder to measure objectively."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Should I cycle GHRP-2?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Cycling is recommended for long-term use because chronic GHS-R1a receptor stimulation can produce modest tachyphylaxis (receptor desensitization) over months. Common cycling approaches: (1) 5 days on / 2 days off weekly - weekend pauses maintain responsiveness; (2) 8 weeks on / 2 weeks off - macro-cycle for full GHS-R1a reset; (3) Continuous daily with quarterly IGF-1 monitoring and dose adjustment if plateau detected. Unlike anabolic steroid cycling, peptide cycling is not primarily about protecting endogenous hormone production - the GH pituitary reserve recovers quickly - but about maintaining receptor sensitivity. Users who stack with CJC-1295 DAC (8-day half-life) will naturally have continuous GHRH exposure and benefit more from periodic GHS-R1a cycling."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "GHRP-2 vs MK-677: which is better?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "They target the same receptor (GHS-R1a) but have fundamentally different pharmacology. GHRP-2 produces short pulses (15-30 min half-life) multiple times daily via SC injection; MK-677 produces 24-hour continuous receptor occupancy via once-daily oral dosing. GHRP-2 is cheaper per-dose, has cleaner pulsatile pharmacology that more closely mimics natural GH release patterns, and can be titrated precisely. MK-677 is dramatically more convenient (oral, once daily, no needles) but produces more significant fluid retention, more pronounced appetite stimulation, and more measurable insulin resistance over time. Users prioritizing convenience pick MK-677; users prioritizing clean pulsatile pharmacology and minimum long-term metabolic disruption pick GHRP-2 (or ipamorelin for even cleaner profile). See MK-677 for full comparison."
          }
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "Organization",
      "@id": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co#organization",
      "name": "BodyHackGuide",
      "alternateName": "BHG",
      "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co",
      "logo": {
        "@type": "ImageObject",
        "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/logo.png",
        "width": 512,
        "height": 512
      },
      "description": "Evidence-based research reference for peptides and nootropics. 124+ compound profiles, interactive dosing calculators, real-time vendor pricing, and trust-scored vendor reviews scored on a public, reproducible methodology applied to every vendor. BodyHackGuide and BHG Labs share common ownership, and we earn a commission on purchases through our links.",
      "foundingDate": "2024",
      "founder": {
        "@id": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/about#person"
      },
      "sameAs": [
        "https://x.com/bodyhackguide",
        "https://reddit.com/r/BodyHackGuide",
        "https://reddit.com/r/BrainHackGuide",
        "https://reddit.com/r/Biohackingher",
        "https://discord.gg/Mhq5UdRYBA"
      ],
      "knowsAbout": [
        "Peptide research",
        "Nootropic research",
        "Biohacking",
        "Compound dosing",
        "Vendor transparency"
      ],
      "publishingPrinciples": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/editorial-standards",
      "ethicsPolicy": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/editorial-standards",
      "diversityPolicy": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/editorial-standards"
    },
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "Product",
      "name": "GHRP-2",
      "description": "GHRP-2 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-2), also known as pralmorelin and KP-102, is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that was among the first GHRPs developed in the seminal research of Cyril Bowers and colleagues at Tulane University in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on anterior pituitary somatotrophs and hypothalamic neurons, producing a strong, dose-dependent release of endogenous growth hormone through a pathway pharmacologically parallel to but distinct from the GHRH receptor axis. Sequence: D-Ala-D-β-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2. This six-residue backbone is optimized for potent GHS-R1a agonism, with serum half-life of approximately 15-30 minutes in humans and a GH-releasing potency significantly higher than the endogenous ligand ghrelin. GHRP-2 occupies an important regulatory niche: it is approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent (GHRP-2 injection) for pediatric growth hormone deficiency testing under the brand Pralmorelin, where it replaced older insulin-tolerance stimulation protocols due to its superior safety and more reliable GH response ([Chihara et al., 2004]). It is not FDA-approved in the United States for any indication, and research-grade use for performance and body composition purposes is therefore off-label. Compared to ipamorelin, GHRP-2 produces a larger absolute GH pulse but with meaningful cross-reactivity at pathways that ipamorelin avoids — specifically, GHRP-2 elevates prolactin and cortisol by a modest but measurable margin. This tradeoff — more GH, but less clean — is why modern peptide protocols increasingly favor ipamorelin for long-term tuning and reserve GHRP-2 for specific situations where maximum GH pulse amplitude is the primary goal. Standard research doses range from 100-300 mcg subcutaneously, 2-3 times daily, typically dosed before breakfast, before training, and at bedtime. The hexapeptide shows strong synergy with GHRH analogs — when paired with sermorelin or CJC-1295 (no-DAC), the combined GH pulse amplitude reaches 3-5x either compound alone ([Bowers et al., 1991]).",
      "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/ghrp-2",
      "image": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/og-image.png",
      "brand": {
        "@type": "Brand",
        "name": "Research Compound"
      },
      "offers": {
        "@type": "AggregateOffer",
        "lowPrice": "29.00",
        "highPrice": "29.99",
        "priceCurrency": "USD",
        "offerCount": "2",
        "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock",
        "offers": [
          {
            "@type": "Offer",
            "price": "29.00",
            "priceCurrency": "USD",
            "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock",
            "itemCondition": "https://schema.org/NewCondition",
            "url": "https://ionpeptide.com/product/ghrp-2/?ref=reddit15",
            "seller": {
              "@type": "Organization",
              "name": "Ion Peptide",
              "url": "https://ionpeptide.com"
            },
            "name": "GHRP-2 5mg vial"
          },
          {
            "@type": "Offer",
            "price": "29.99",
            "priceCurrency": "USD",
            "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock",
            "itemCondition": "https://schema.org/NewCondition",
            "url": "https://limitlessbiochem.eu/products/ghrp-2-10mg/?ref=choncho",
            "seller": {
              "@type": "Organization",
              "name": "Limitless Biochem EU",
              "url": "https://limitlessbiochem.eu"
            },
            "name": "GHRP-2 10mg vial"
          }
        ]
      }
    },
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "MedicalWebPage",
      "name": "GHRP-2",
      "description": "GHRP-2 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-2), also known as pralmorelin and KP-102, is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that was among the first GHRPs developed in the seminal research of Cyril Bowers and colleagues at Tulane University in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on anterior pituitary somatotrophs and hypothalamic neurons, producing a strong, dose-dependent release of endogenous growth hormone through a pathway pharmacologically parallel to but distinct from the GHRH receptor axis. Sequence: D-Ala-D-β-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2. This six-residue backbone is optimized for potent GHS-R1a agonism, with serum half-life of approximately 15-30 minutes in humans and a GH-releasing potency significantly higher than the endogenous ligand ghrelin. GHRP-2 occupies an important regulatory niche: it is approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent (GHRP-2 injection) for pediatric growth hormone deficiency testing under the brand Pralmorelin, where it replaced older insulin-tolerance stimulation protocols due to its superior safety and more reliable GH response ([Chihara et al., 2004]). It is not FDA-approved in the United States for any indication, and research-grade use for performance and body composition purposes is therefore off-label. Compared to ipamorelin, GHRP-2 produces a larger absolute GH pulse but with meaningful cross-reactivity at pathways that ipamorelin avoids — specifically, GHRP-2 elevates prolactin and cortisol by a modest but measurable margin. This tradeoff — more GH, but less clean — is why modern peptide protocols increasingly favor ipamorelin for long-term tuning and reserve GHRP-2 for specific situations where maximum GH pulse amplitude is the primary goal. Standard research doses range from 100-300 mcg subcutaneously, 2-3 times daily, typically dosed before breakfast, before training, and at bedtime. The hexapeptide shows strong synergy with GHRH analogs — when paired with sermorelin or CJC-1295 (no-DAC), the combined GH pulse amplitude reaches 3-5x either compound alone ([Bowers et al., 1991]).",
      "lastReviewed": "2026-05-04T11:35:11.801+00:00",
      "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/ghrp-2",
      "author": {
        "@type": "Person",
        "name": "BioChonch",
        "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/about",
        "jobTitle": "Founder & Lead Researcher",
        "sameAs": [
          "https://x.com/bodyhackguide",
          "https://reddit.com/r/BodyHackGuide",
          "https://reddit.com/r/BrainHackGuide",
          "https://reddit.com/r/Biohackingher"
        ],
        "worksFor": {
          "@type": "Organization",
          "name": "BodyHackGuide",
          "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co"
        }
      },
      "reviewedBy": {
        "@type": "Person",
        "name": "BioChonch",
        "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/about",
        "jobTitle": "Founder & Lead Researcher",
        "sameAs": [
          "https://x.com/bodyhackguide",
          "https://reddit.com/r/BodyHackGuide",
          "https://reddit.com/r/BrainHackGuide",
          "https://reddit.com/r/Biohackingher"
        ],
        "worksFor": {
          "@type": "Organization",
          "name": "BodyHackGuide",
          "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co"
        }
      },
      "publisher": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "BodyHackGuide",
        "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co"
      },
      "mainContentOfPage": {
        "@type": "WebPageElement",
        "cssSelector": "main"
      },
      "about": {
        "@type": "Drug",
        "name": "GHRP-2",
        "alternateName": [
          "Pralmorelin"
        ],
        "description": "GHRP-2 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-2), also known as pralmorelin and KP-102, is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that was among the first GHRPs developed in the seminal research of Cyril Bowers and colleagues at Tulane University in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on anterior pituitary somatotrophs and hypothalamic neurons, producing a strong, dose-dependent release of endogenous growth hormone through a pathway pharmacologically parallel to but distinct from the GHRH receptor axis. Sequence: D-Ala-D-β-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2. This six-residue backbone is optimized for potent GHS-R1a agonism, with serum half-life of approximately 15-30 minutes in humans and a GH-releasing potency significantly higher than the endogenous ligand ghrelin. GHRP-2 occupies an important regulatory niche: it is approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent (GHRP-2 injection) for pediatric growth hormone deficiency testing under the brand Pralmorelin, where it replaced older insulin-tolerance stimulation protocols due to its superior safety and more reliable GH response ([Chihara et al., 2004]). It is not FDA-approved in the United States for any indication, and research-grade use for performance and body composition purposes is therefore off-label. Compared to ipamorelin, GHRP-2 produces a larger absolute GH pulse but with meaningful cross-reactivity at pathways that ipamorelin avoids — specifically, GHRP-2 elevates prolactin and cortisol by a modest but measurable margin. This tradeoff — more GH, but less clean — is why modern peptide protocols increasingly favor ipamorelin for long-term tuning and reserve GHRP-2 for specific situations where maximum GH pulse amplitude is the primary goal. Standard research doses range from 100-300 mcg subcutaneously, 2-3 times daily, typically dosed before breakfast, before training, and at bedtime. The hexapeptide shows strong synergy with GHRH analogs — when paired with sermorelin or CJC-1295 (no-DAC), the combined GH pulse amplitude reaches 3-5x either compound alone ([Bowers et al., 1991]).",
        "activeIngredient": "GHRP-2",
        "administrationRoute": "Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Intranasal",
        "mechanismOfAction": "GHS-R1a Receptor Agonism GHRP-2 binds the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a), the endogenous target of ghrelin, with nanomolar affinity. GHS-R1a is expressed on: Anterior pituitary somatotrophs — direct GH release Hypothalamic arcuate nucleus neurons (NPY/AgRP and GHRH neurons) — indirect amplification via endogenous GHRH release Pituitary lactotrophs (partial) — weak prolactin-releasing signal Adrenal cortex (indirect via HPA stimulation) — weak cortisol elevation The activation produces a composite signal: Direct somatotroph Gq/11 → PLC → IP3 → Ca²⁺ release → GH granule exocytosis within minutes Indirect enhancement of GHRH neuronal output from the arcuate nucleus → amplified pituitary stimulation Somatostatin antagonism at hypothalamic level — GHRP-2 reduces somatostatin tone, removing the inhibitory gate The result is a GH pulse that is larger in peak amplitude and longer in duration than GHRH alone can produce, because GHRH faces the somatostatin ceiling while GHRP-2 partially lifts that ceiling. Comparison to Ipamorelin While both GHRP-2 and ipamorelin are GHS-R1a agonists, their selectivity profiles differ importantly: The cortisol and prolactin effect of GHRP-2 is attributable to residual activity at MC2R-adjacent pathways and lactotroph spill-over. In short-term or intermittent use, these cross-pathway effects are clinically trivial. In chronic daily dosing, they matter: users with baseline anxiety, HPA axis dysregulation, or prolactin-related issues frequently do better on ipamorelin. Users prioritizing maximum GH pulse for short-duration anabolic or recovery windows may prefer GHRP-2. Synergy with GHRH Analogs The most pharmacologically significant property of GHRP-2 is its profound synergy with GHRH analogs like sermorelin, CJC-1295, and tesamorelin. The two mechanisms converge intracellularly: GHRHR activation → Gs protein → cAMP ↑ GHS-R1a activation → Gq/11 → IP3/Ca²⁺ ↑ Combined signaling amplifies GH release 3-5x above either alone ([Bowers et al., 1991]) This synergy is the basis for the classic GHRH + GHS protocols used in performance and anti-aging contexts. The combination is particularly useful when a maximum GH pulse is needed (e.g., pre-training, pre-bed) rather than continuous modest stimulation. Appetite Stimulation GHRP-2 is a ghrelin-receptor agonist, and ghrelin is the body's primary hunger signal. Expect measurable appetite stimulation within 30-60 minutes of injection — this can be advantageous for users in caloric surplus (bulking phases, recovery from illness) but counterproductive for users trying to maintain a deficit. The appetite effect is less pronounced than with oral MK-677 (which has sustained 24-hour receptor occupancy) but more pronounced than with ipamorelin (which is more selective).",
        "dosageForm": "vial",
        "legalStatus": "Not approved for human use — research chemical",
        "warning": "For research purposes only. Not for human consumption."
      }
    },
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "FAQPage",
      "mainEntity": [
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "What is GHRP-2 and how does it work?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "GHRP-2 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-2), also called pralmorelin or KP-102, is a synthetic hexapeptide that binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on pituitary somatotrophs and hypothalamic neurons to stimulate release of endogenous growth hormone. It was among the first GHRPs developed, originating from the foundational research of Cyril Bowers at Tulane in the late 1980s. GHRP-2 is approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent (pralmorelin) for adult growth hormone deficiency testing, but is not FDA-approved in the US. Research-grade use for performance and body composition is off-label. It synergizes strongly with GHRH analogs (sermorelin, CJC-1295) to produce 3-5x amplified GH pulses vs either alone."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "How is GHRP-2 different from ipamorelin?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Both are GHS-R1a agonists, but they differ in selectivity. GHRP-2 produces a larger absolute GH pulse amplitude but has meaningful cross-reactivity with prolactin and cortisol pathways, elevating both modestly (cortisol +15-25% above baseline). Ipamorelin is more selective for the GH axis and produces minimal prolactin or cortisol changes. GHRP-2 also has stronger appetite-stimulating effects. The tradeoff: GHRP-2 for maximum GH pulse in short-duration aggressive phases; ipamorelin for clean long-term daily use. Users with baseline anxiety, HPA axis concerns, or prolactin issues generally do better on ipamorelin. Users who want appetite stimulation during a bulking phase may prefer GHRP-2."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "What is the best GHRP-2 dosage?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Standard subcutaneous protocol is 100-200 mcg per injection, 2-3 times daily. Beginners start at 100 mcg twice daily (pre-breakfast and pre-bed) and titrate up. Intermediate users typically dose 150-200 mcg three times daily (pre-breakfast, pre-training, pre-bed). The single-injection ceiling is around 300 mcg - above that, GHS-R1a receptor saturation prevents additional GH release. Always dose in a fasted state (2-3 hours after last meal), as elevated blood glucose and insulin blunt GH release through increased somatostatin tone. Consistency of timing matters - the GH axis entrains to regular schedules."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Does GHRP-2 cause weight gain?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "GHRP-2 can cause modest weight gain through two mechanisms. First, the ghrelin-receptor agonism directly increases appetite - users typically notice measurable hunger within 30-60 minutes of injection. If this increased appetite is met with caloric surplus, weight gain follows. Second, GH-axis stimulation mildly promotes fluid retention, especially in the first 2-3 weeks of daily use. In users on a deficit or maintenance intake, body composition typically shifts toward slightly more lean mass and slightly less fat, with modest or no scale weight change. For users trying to lose weight, ipamorelin is usually a better choice because of its less pronounced appetite effect."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Can GHRP-2 be combined with CJC-1295?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Yes - this is the classical and most pharmacologically significant stack in the GH-secretagogue space. GHRP-2 activates the ghrelin/GHS-R1a pathway; CJC-1295 (either no-DAC or DAC variant) activates the GHRH/GHRHR pathway. The two mechanisms converge intracellularly through complementary G-protein signaling, amplifying GH pulse amplitude 3-5x above either compound alone (Bowers 1991). Standard stack: GHRP-2 100-200 mcg + CJC-1295 no-DAC 100-200 mcg, drawn into the same insulin syringe, injected simultaneously SC 2-3 times daily fasted. With CJC-1295 DAC, the GHRP-2 becomes 'pulse-on-top-of-continuous-tonic' GHRH - less clean pharmacologically but more convenient (once or twice weekly CJC-DAC vs. daily sermorelin/no-DAC)."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "What are the side effects of GHRP-2?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "The most common effects are increased appetite (from ghrelin-receptor agonism), mild transient cortisol elevation (+15-25% above baseline for 60-90 minutes), modest prolactin elevation (usually trivial), flushing immediately post-injection, and injection site reactions. Less common effects include mild fluid retention in the first weeks, vivid dreams with bedtime dosing, transient insulin sensitivity reduction with chronic use, headache, and occasional nausea. Rare effects include hypotension (mainly with IV administration), hypersensitivity, and paresthesia. Long-term concerns include modest insulin resistance and GHS-R1a receptor desensitization with chronic daily dosing - cycling protocols help prevent both. Theoretical cancer concern from sustained IGF-1 elevation applies to all GH-axis interventions."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Is GHRP-2 legal?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent for adult growth hormone deficiency testing. It is not FDA-approved in the United States for any indication. In the US research-peptide market, GHRP-2 is sold under research-only classification through peptide suppliers. Users should understand this legal context, source from vendors with third-party purity testing, and ideally work with a medical practitioner familiar with off-label peptide use. Some 503B compounding pharmacies include GHRP-2 in their peptide offerings for physician-supervised off-label use. See our best vendors guide for 2026 for reliable sources and peptide-friendly clinical practices."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "How long does it take GHRP-2 to work?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "A single GHRP-2 injection produces measurable GH elevation within minutes, with peak serum GH at roughly 15-30 minutes post-injection and return to baseline by 90-120 minutes. However, the clinically meaningful body composition and performance effects take 8-16 weeks of consistent dosing to manifest. IGF-1 stabilizes at its new elevated setpoint around weeks 4-6. Sleep quality improvements (vivid dreams, enhanced slow-wave sleep) often appear within the first 2 weeks. Lean body mass changes become detectable at weeks 8-12. Recovery and training-tolerance improvements are often noticed subjectively within 2-3 weeks but are harder to measure objectively."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Should I cycle GHRP-2?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Cycling is recommended for long-term use because chronic GHS-R1a receptor stimulation can produce modest tachyphylaxis (receptor desensitization) over months. Common cycling approaches: (1) 5 days on / 2 days off weekly - weekend pauses maintain responsiveness; (2) 8 weeks on / 2 weeks off - macro-cycle for full GHS-R1a reset; (3) Continuous daily with quarterly IGF-1 monitoring and dose adjustment if plateau detected. Unlike anabolic steroid cycling, peptide cycling is not primarily about protecting endogenous hormone production - the GH pituitary reserve recovers quickly - but about maintaining receptor sensitivity. Users who stack with CJC-1295 DAC (8-day half-life) will naturally have continuous GHRH exposure and benefit more from periodic GHS-R1a cycling."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "GHRP-2 vs MK-677: which is better?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "They target the same receptor (GHS-R1a) but have fundamentally different pharmacology. GHRP-2 produces short pulses (15-30 min half-life) multiple times daily via SC injection; MK-677 produces 24-hour continuous receptor occupancy via once-daily oral dosing. GHRP-2 is cheaper per-dose, has cleaner pulsatile pharmacology that more closely mimics natural GH release patterns, and can be titrated precisely. MK-677 is dramatically more convenient (oral, once daily, no needles) but produces more significant fluid retention, more pronounced appetite stimulation, and more measurable insulin resistance over time. Users prioritizing convenience pick MK-677; users prioritizing clean pulsatile pharmacology and minimum long-term metabolic disruption pick GHRP-2 (or ipamorelin for even cleaner profile). See MK-677 for full comparison."
          }
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "Organization",
      "@id": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co#organization",
      "name": "BodyHackGuide",
      "alternateName": "BHG",
      "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co",
      "logo": {
        "@type": "ImageObject",
        "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/logo.png",
        "width": 512,
        "height": 512
      },
      "description": "Evidence-based research reference for peptides and nootropics. 124+ compound profiles, interactive dosing calculators, real-time vendor pricing, and trust-scored vendor reviews scored on a public, reproducible methodology applied to every vendor. BodyHackGuide and BHG Labs share common ownership, and we earn a commission on purchases through our links.",
      "foundingDate": "2024",
      "founder": {
        "@id": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/about#person"
      },
      "sameAs": [
        "https://x.com/bodyhackguide",
        "https://reddit.com/r/BodyHackGuide",
        "https://reddit.com/r/BrainHackGuide",
        "https://reddit.com/r/Biohackingher",
        "https://discord.gg/Mhq5UdRYBA"
      ],
      "knowsAbout": [
        "Peptide research",
        "Nootropic research",
        "Biohacking",
        "Compound dosing",
        "Vendor transparency"
      ],
      "publishingPrinciples": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/editorial-standards",
      "ethicsPolicy": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/editorial-standards",
      "diversityPolicy": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/editorial-standards"
    }
  ]
---

[Skip to content](#main-content)

## Research Use Only

This site is an **educational resource** for research compounds. We do **not endorse** human consumption of any compound. BodyHackGuide and **BHG Labs share common ownership**; we rank every vendor on the same public methodology, and we earn a commission on purchases through our links. By entering, you confirm you are **21 years of age or older** and agree to our [Terms](/terms) & [Privacy Policy](/privacy).

I'm 21+ — Enter SiteLeave site

   

[![BodyHackGuide](/assets/bodyhackguide-logo-DOzZNUyh.webp)BodyHackGuide ](/)

[Compare](/compare)[Wiki](/wiki)[Vendors](/vendors)[Deals](/deals)[Stacks](/stack-builder)[Nootropics](/nootropics)[Tools](/tools)

Learn

Community

Search ⌘K

[Sign In](/auth?returnTo=%2Fcompound%2Fghrp-2)

100K+ researchers trust BodyHackGuide — Join [r/BodyHackGuide](https://reddit.com/r/bodyhackguide) 

1.  [Home](/)
2.  [Compounds](/compare)
3.  GHRP-2 

![Ion Peptide logo](https://ionpeptide.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ion-peptide-logo-1-300x148.jpg)

Best price right now

$5.80/mg · $29.00 for 5mg at Ion Peptide 

Across 2 verified vendors

[Buy at Ion Peptide](https://www.bodyhackguide.co/go/ion-peptide?utm_source=compound-sticky-bar&utm_campaign=f19758d2-6001-4115-abe3-19fa66d41277&utm_medium=best-price-cta)

[Where to buy GHRP-2](/buy/ghrp-2) [GHRP-2 coupon codes](/coupons/ghrp-2) [GHRP-2 protocol](/protocol/ghrp-2) [Alternatives to GHRP-2](/alternatives-to/ghrp-2) [GHRP-2 side effects](/side-effects/ghrp-2)

1.  [Home](/)

3.  [Compounds](/compare)

5.  GHRP-2 

![GHRP-2 molecular structure](/assets/peptide-structure-placeholder-DUmZBF_j.png)

# GHRP-2

Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis Phase 2 

Download  PDF

Also known as: Pralmorelin 

GHRP-2 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-2), also known as pralmorelin and KP-102, is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that was among the first GHRPs developed in the seminal research of Cyril Bowers and colleagues at Tulane University in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on anterior pituitary somatotrophs and hypothalamic neurons, producing a strong, dose-dependent release of endogenous growth hormone through a pathway pharmacologically parallel to but distinct from the GHRH receptor axis. Sequence: D-Ala-D-β-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2.

Half-Life:  ~15-30 minutes Route:  Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Intranasal MW:  817.9 Da CAS:  158861-67-7 [212 PubMed Studies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=GHRP-2%20growth%20hormone%20releasing%20peptide)

Last reviewed: May 4, 2026 

[

212

PubMed Studies



](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=GHRP-2%20growth%20hormone%20releasing%20peptide)[

Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis

Category



](/wiki#cat-growth-hormone-/-igf-1-axis)

Phase 2

Research Stage

OverviewChemical InfoDosing & ProtocolsInteractionsResearchCompare Prices2 Related

## Overview

### Best Price Available

![Ion Peptide logo](https://ionpeptide.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ion-peptide-logo-1-300x148.jpg)

Ion Peptide

$29.00

1 vial · vial

[Buy Now](https://ionpeptide.com/product/ghrp-2/?ref=reddit15)

Compare 2 vendors

### At A Glance

Mechanism 

GHS-R1a Receptor Agonism… 

Half-Life 

~15-30 minutes

Dosing 

1–3 times daily; bedtime injection most important

Dose Range 

100–300 mcg per injectionmcg 

Routes 

Subcutaneous Intramuscular Intranasal 

Common Vials 

5mgmg 10mgmg 

Potential Benefits 

High GH output Muscle building Fat loss Recovery Appetite stimulation Anti-aging 

Safety Notes 

Common 

Cortisol elevation Prolactin increase Intense hunger Water retention Lethargy 

### Mechanism of Action

### GHS-R1a Receptor Agonism

GHRP-2 binds the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a), the endogenous target of ghrelin, with nanomolar affinity. GHS-R1a is expressed on:

-   **Anterior pituitary somatotrophs** — direct GH release
-   **Hypothalamic arcuate nucleus neurons** (NPY/AgRP and GHRH neurons) — indirect amplification via endogenous GHRH release
-   **Pituitary lactotrophs** (partial) — weak prolactin-releasing signal
-   **Adrenal cortex** (indirect via HPA stimulation) — weak cortisol elevation

The activation produces a composite signal:

1.  **Direct somatotroph Gq/11 → PLC → IP3 → Ca²⁺ release** → GH granule exocytosis within minutes
2.  **Indirect enhancement** of GHRH neuronal output from the arcuate nucleus → amplified pituitary stimulation
3.  **Somatostatin antagonism** at hypothalamic level — GHRP-2 reduces somatostatin tone, removing the inhibitory gate

The result is a GH pulse that is larger in peak amplitude and longer in duration than GHRH alone can produce, because GHRH faces the somatostatin ceiling while GHRP-2 partially lifts that ceiling.

### Comparison to Ipamorelin

While both GHRP-2 and [ipamorelin](/compound/ipamorelin) are GHS-R1a agonists, their selectivity profiles differ importantly:

Parameter

GHRP-2

Ipamorelin

GH potency

Very high (higher peak)

High (clean pulse)

Cortisol elevation

Modest (+15-25% above baseline)

Minimal

Prolactin elevation

Modest

Minimal

ACTH elevation

Minor

Minimal

Appetite stimulation

Strong

Moderate

Serum half-life

~15-30 min

~2 hours

The **cortisol and prolactin effect** of GHRP-2 is attributable to residual activity at MC2R-adjacent pathways and lactotroph spill-over. In short-term or intermittent use, these cross-pathway effects are clinically trivial. In chronic daily dosing, they matter: users with baseline anxiety, HPA axis dysregulation, or prolactin-related issues frequently do better on ipamorelin. Users prioritizing maximum GH pulse for short-duration anabolic or recovery windows may prefer GHRP-2.

### Synergy with GHRH Analogs

The most pharmacologically significant property of GHRP-2 is its profound synergy with GHRH analogs like [sermorelin](/compound/sermorelin), [CJC-1295](/compound/cjc-1295), and [tesamorelin](/compound/tesamorelin). The two mechanisms converge intracellularly:

-   GHRHR activation → Gs protein → cAMP ↑
-   GHS-R1a activation → Gq/11 → IP3/Ca²⁺ ↑
-   Combined signaling amplifies GH release 3-5x above either alone (\[Bowers et al., 1991\])

This synergy is the basis for the classic GHRH + GHS protocols used in performance and anti-aging contexts. The combination is particularly useful when a maximum GH pulse is needed (e.g., pre-training, pre-bed) rather than continuous modest stimulation.

### Appetite Stimulation

GHRP-2 is a ghrelin-receptor agonist, and ghrelin is the body's primary hunger signal. Expect measurable appetite stimulation within 30-60 minutes of injection — this can be advantageous for users in caloric surplus (bulking phases, recovery from illness) but counterproductive for users trying to maintain a deficit. The appetite effect is less pronounced than with oral [MK-677](/compound/mk-677) (which has sustained 24-hour receptor occupancy) but more pronounced than with [ipamorelin](/compound/ipamorelin) (which is more selective).

### Overview

GHRP-2 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-2), also known as pralmorelin and KP-102, is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that was among the **first GHRPs developed in the seminal research of Cyril Bowers and colleagues** at Tulane University in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on anterior pituitary somatotrophs and hypothalamic neurons, producing a strong, dose-dependent release of endogenous growth hormone through a pathway pharmacologically parallel to but distinct from the GHRH receptor axis.

Sequence: **D-Ala-D-β-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2**. This six-residue backbone is optimized for potent GHS-R1a agonism, with serum half-life of approximately **15-30 minutes** in humans and a GH-releasing potency significantly higher than the endogenous ligand ghrelin.

GHRP-2 occupies an important regulatory niche: it is **approved in Japan** as a diagnostic agent (GHRP-2 injection) for pediatric growth hormone deficiency testing under the brand Pralmorelin, where it replaced older insulin-tolerance stimulation protocols due to its superior safety and more reliable GH response (\[Chihara et al., 2004\]). It is not FDA-approved in the United States for any indication, and research-grade use for performance and body composition purposes is therefore off-label.

Compared to [ipamorelin](/compound/ipamorelin), GHRP-2 produces a **larger absolute GH pulse** but with **meaningful cross-reactivity** at pathways that ipamorelin avoids — specifically, GHRP-2 elevates **prolactin and cortisol** by a modest but measurable margin. This tradeoff — more GH, but less clean — is why modern peptide protocols increasingly favor ipamorelin for long-term tuning and reserve GHRP-2 for specific situations where maximum GH pulse amplitude is the primary goal.

Standard research doses range from **100-300 mcg subcutaneously, 2-3 times daily**, typically dosed before breakfast, before training, and at bedtime. The hexapeptide shows strong synergy with GHRH analogs — when paired with sermorelin or CJC-1295 (no-DAC), the combined GH pulse amplitude reaches **3-5x either compound alone** (\[Bowers et al., 1991\]).

### Potential Research Fields

GH deficiency Short stature Cachexia Body composition 

## Chemical Information

IUPAC Name

H-Ala-D-βNal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2

CAS Number

158861-67-7

Molecular Formula

C45H55N9O6

Molecular Mass

817.99 g/mol

![GHRP-2 molecular structure](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug/compound/cid/6918296/PNG?image_size=300x300)

[View on PubChem](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/6918296)

Amino Acid Sequence

D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2

## Dosing & Protocols

### Unlock Dosing Protocols

Free account gets you:

-   View beginner, intermediate & advanced protocols 
-   See weight-based dosing calculations 
-   Access cycle length & frequency data 

[Create free account](/auth)[Sign in](/auth)

2,800+ researchers already in

## Research

### Unlock Research Data

Free account gets you:

-   Browse PubMed study summaries 
-   See clinical trial phases & results 
-   Access mechanism of action details 

[Create free account](/auth)[Sign in](/auth)

2,800+ researchers already in

## Interactions

### Interaction Matrix

All(4) Compatible(2) Caution(2) Avoid

MK-677

Synergistic

CJC-1295

Synergistic

Ipamorelin

Caution

Semaglutide

Caution

### Contraindications

GHRP-2 is contraindicated or requires caution in:

-   **Active malignancy** — particularly hormone-responsive cancers (breast, prostate); elevated IGF-1 may promote tumor growth
-   **Strong family history of GH-axis sensitive cancers** — specialist supervision required
-   **Pregnancy and lactation** — no established safety data; avoid
-   **Known hypersensitivity** to GHRP-2, related hexapeptides, or any excipient
-   **Severe untreated obstructive sleep apnea** — theoretical airway soft-tissue concern
-   **Acute critical illness** — GH-axis stimulation inappropriate during sepsis, post-surgical recovery, multiple trauma, respiratory failure
-   **Diabetic ketoacidosis or severe uncontrolled diabetes** — resolve metabolic state first
-   **Active proliferative retinopathy** — relative contraindication
-   **Hypothalamic-pituitary disease with adrenal insufficiency** — the residual cortisol effect may be unreliable; specialist supervision required
-   **Prolactinoma or hyperprolactinemia** — the modest prolactin elevation could complicate management

**Relative cautions (monitor closely):**

-   Borderline fasting glucose or HbA1c — GH-axis effects can tip toward insulin resistance
-   Cushing's syndrome or baseline elevated cortisol — GHRP-2 adds to HPA axis load
-   Anxiety or HPA axis dysregulation — the cortisol elevation, while modest, may be poorly tolerated
-   Strong family history of colon polyps — baseline colonoscopy before starting, surveillance per GI guidelines
-   Concurrent glucocorticoid therapy — GH-axis stimulation is less effective under pharmacologic steroid

**Drug interactions:**

-   **Glucocorticoids:** Pharmacodynamic interference; reduced GH response
-   **Opiates/opioids:** Can augment the cortisol and prolactin effects of GHRP-2; monitor
-   **Thyroid hormone replacement:** GH-axis changes can modify thyroid needs; monitor TSH if using chronically
-   **Exogenous GH:** Pharmacologically counterproductive; the combination is pointless

**Discontinuation triggers:**

-   Persistent joint pain, carpal tunnel symptoms, or peripheral edema (suggesting IGF-1 is too high)
-   Persistent fasting glucose elevation beyond 110 mg/dL
-   Any signs of cushingoid body composition change (buffalo hump, moon face, central obesity beyond baseline)
-   Worsening sleep apnea
-   New or changing pigmented lesions (unrelated to GHRP-2 but always a stop-and-evaluate signal in any peptide protocol)
-   Any cardiovascular symptoms

Research Disclaimer

This interaction data is compiled from published research and community reports. It may not be exhaustive. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining compounds.

Best Price 

$29.00

up to $29.99

Best $/mg 

$2.9990

Vendors 

2

Listings 

2

vial

[Sign in for alerts ](/auth)

Dosage All5mg (1) 10mg (1) 

Form Allvial

Sort Price $/mg Vendor

Vendor

Product

Form

Qty

Price

$/mg

Coupon

![Ion Peptide logo](https://ionpeptide.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ion-peptide-logo-1-300x148.jpg)

[Ion Peptide](/vendor/ion-peptide)

[70 ](/vendor-trust-scorecard)

🇺🇸 US 🌍 International 

GHRP-2 5mg

vial 

1 vial ● In Stock 

$29.00 BEST 

$5.800

— 

[Buy](https://ionpeptide.com/product/ghrp-2/?ref=reddit15)

![Limitless Biochem EU logo](https://www.limitlessbiochem.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LimitlessBioChem_Black-1024x231.webp)

[Limitless Biochem EU](/vendor/limitless-biochem)

[70 ](/vendor-trust-scorecard)

🇺🇸 US 🇪🇺 EU 🇬🇧 UK 🇦🇺 AU 

GHRP-2 10mg

vial 

1 vial ● In Stock 

$29.99 

$2.999

BODYHACKGUIDE

[Buy](https://limitlessbiochem.eu/products/ghrp-2-10mg/?ref=choncho)

Get GHRP-2 Price Drop Alerts

Set a target price and we'll notify you when any vendor drops below it. Current lowest: $29.00

[Sign in to set alerts](/auth)

### Sign in to leave a review

Reviews on BodyHackGuide are tied to verified user accounts and moderated before publishing. Sign in (free, no spam) to share your experience with GHRP-2.

[Sign in](/auth)

Current low

$29.00

as of Apr 22, 2026

7-day low

—

no 7d data yet

30-day low

—

no 30d data yet

30-day change

— 

baseline building

Tracking since Apr 6, 2026 · 2 data points

## Price History

2 data points 

### Vendors Selling GHRP-2

[

![Ion Peptide logo](https://ionpeptide.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ion-peptide-logo-1-300x148.jpg)

#### Ion Peptide

4.5 

1 listing · from $29.00 





](/vendor/ion-peptide)[

![Limitless Biochem EU logo](https://www.limitlessbiochem.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LimitlessBioChem_Black-1024x231.webp)

#### Limitless Biochem EU

4.3 

1 listing · from $29.99 





](/vendor/limitless-biochem)

How we score these vendors

Every supplier above is graded 0–100 on COA verification, payment transparency, shipping, reviews, and active listings. Methodology published, no pay-to-rank.

[View Scorecard](/vendors/scorecard)

### Related Compounds

[View All](/wiki)

[

### CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29)

Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis Preclinical 

CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or MOD-GRF 1-29) is a 30-amino-acid analog of the first 29 residues of endogenous Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH), with four strategic substitutions (D-Ala² for DPP-4 resistance, Gln⁸, Ala¹⁵, Leu²⁷) that extend its plasma half-life from <2 minutes (native GHRH) to ~30 minutes.

t½ ~30 minutes (without DAC / MOD-GRF 1-29); ~6-8 days (with DAC, due to covalent albumin binding)  Without DAC: 100-300 mcg subcutaneous 1-3x daily (typically pre-bedtime); With DAC: 1000-2000 mcg subcutaneous once weekly 

29 studies View Profile 

](/compound/cjc-1295)[

### CJC-1295 with DAC

Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis Preclinical / Research peptide 

CJC-1295 with DAC is the long-acting variant of CJC-1295.

t½ ~6-8 days (DAC-bound albumin depot)  1000-2000 mcg (1-2 mg) per week 

Preclinical View Profile 

](/compound/cjc-1295-with-dac)[

### CJC-1295 with DAC

Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis Phase 2 

CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a modified form of CJC-1295 that incorporates a maleimidopropionic acid (MPA) reactive group at the C-terminus.

t½ 6–8 days (due to albumin binding via DAC)  1,000–2,000 mcg (1–2 mg) per injection 

Preclinical View Profile 

](/compound/cjc-1295-dac)[

### GHRP-6

Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis Phase 2 

GHRP-6 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide with the sequence His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 that binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) to stimulate endogenous growth hormone release.

t½ ~20–30 minutes  100–300 mcg per injection 

156 studies View Profile 

](/compound/ghrp-6)[

### Hexarelin

Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis Phase 2 

Hexarelin (also called examorelin) is a potent synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue with the sequence His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2.

t½ ~55 minutes (IV, per Imbimbo 1994)  100–200 mcg per injection 

14 studies View Profile 

](/compound/hexarelin)[

### IGF-1 LR3

Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis Phase 2 

IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 IGF-1) is a synthetic analog of human insulin-like growth factor 1 modified at two positions to dramatically extend its serum half-life and amplify its tissue bioactivity compared to native IGF-1.

t½ 20-30 hours (community/vendor estimate; no published human PK study of IGF-1 LR3) vs ~12 minutes for native IGF-1  20-80 mcg per day 

40 studies View Profile 

](/compound/igf-1-lr3)

### Side-by-Side Comparisons

[All Comparisons](/compare)

[GHRP-2 vs GHRP-6](/compare/ghrp-2-vs-ghrp-6 "GHRP-2 vs GHRP-6")[GHRP-2 vs Ipamorelin](/compare/ghrp-2-vs-ipamorelin "GHRP-2 vs Ipamorelin")

[

View Full Dosage Guide →

Protocols, calculator & safety for GHRP-2



](/guides/dosage/ghrp-2)

### Related Articles

[All Posts](/blog)

[

#### CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin: A Complete Research Reference

CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog that raises the growth-hormone "signal," while Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R) agonist that amplifies the GH pulse. Researchers pair them because they act on two different but complementary pathways at once. These are research compounds only, not for human use, and most of the supporting evidence is preclinical or early-stage.

7/1/2026 ](/blog/cjc-1295-ipamorelin-guide)[

#### How to Make a Peptide Nasal Spray at Home — The Complete DIY Guide (2026)

Full DIY protocol for reconstituting peptides into nasal sprays — Semax, Selank, oxytocin, DSIP, BPC-157. Reconstitution math, sterile technique, storage, pH/tonicity, safety. 11-step protocol with worked examples.

4/21/2026 ](/blog/how-to-make-peptide-nasal-spray-at-home)[

#### The Complete Peptide Reconstitution Guide — Every Peptide, Every Ratio, Every Pitfall (2026)

The master reconstitution reference for 17 peptides. BAC vs SWFI vs acetic acid, mg/mL targets, IU math on U100 syringes, storage and stability by peptide class, sterile technique, and the mistakes that destroy $60 vials. Includes worked examples for BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu, semaglutide, tirzepatide, CJC-1295, ipamorelin, sermorelin, GHRPs, Melanotan II, PT-141, oxytocin, Semax, Selank, DSIP, and epithalon.

4/21/2026 ](/blog/complete-peptide-reconstitution-guide-2026)

### Best Price

![Ion Peptide logo](https://ionpeptide.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ion-peptide-logo-1-300x148.jpg)

Ion Peptide

$29.00

[Buy Now](https://ionpeptide.com/product/ghrp-2/?ref=reddit15)

2 vendors · 2 listings

### Research Score

81 

212 PubMed studies

### Quality Indicators

Data Completeness

100% 

Description 

Mechanism of Action 

Chemical Data 

Dosing Protocols 

Safety Profile 

PubMed Studies 

Interactions 

Vendor Listings 

Research Credibility

212 PubMed studies 

Well-researched compound

### Quick Facts

Half-Life

~15-30 minutes

Molecular Weight

817.99 g/mol

Administration

Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Intranasal

CAS Number

158861-67-7

Trial Phase

Phase 2

### Safety Profile

Moderate Risk 

Common Side Effects

-   •  Cortisol elevation
-   •  Prolactin increase
-   •  Intense hunger
-   •  Water retention
-   •  Lethargy

Stop Use If

-   Active cancer
-   Cortisol-sensitive conditions (Cushing's)
-   Uncontrolled diabetes

[Full Dosage Guide](/guides/dosage/ghrp-2)[Calculate Your Dose](/tools/reconstitution)

Research Disclaimer

This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before use.

## Frequently Asked Questions

What is GHRP-2 and how does it work?

GHRP-2 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-2), also called pralmorelin or KP-102, is a synthetic hexapeptide that binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on pituitary somatotrophs and hypothalamic neurons to stimulate release of endogenous growth hormone. It was among the first GHRPs developed, originating from the foundational research of Cyril Bowers at Tulane in the late 1980s. GHRP-2 is approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent (pralmorelin) for adult growth hormone deficiency testing, but is not FDA-approved in the US. Research-grade use for performance and body composition is off-label. It synergizes strongly with GHRH analogs (sermorelin, CJC-1295) to produce 3-5x amplified GH pulses vs either alone.

How is GHRP-2 different from ipamorelin?

Both are GHS-R1a agonists, but they differ in selectivity. GHRP-2 produces a larger absolute GH pulse amplitude but has meaningful cross-reactivity with prolactin and cortisol pathways, elevating both modestly (cortisol +15-25% above baseline). Ipamorelin is more selective for the GH axis and produces minimal prolactin or cortisol changes. GHRP-2 also has stronger appetite-stimulating effects. The tradeoff: GHRP-2 for maximum GH pulse in short-duration aggressive phases; ipamorelin for clean long-term daily use. Users with baseline anxiety, HPA axis concerns, or prolactin issues generally do better on ipamorelin. Users who want appetite stimulation during a bulking phase may prefer GHRP-2.

What is the best GHRP-2 dosage?

Standard subcutaneous protocol is 100-200 mcg per injection, 2-3 times daily. Beginners start at 100 mcg twice daily (pre-breakfast and pre-bed) and titrate up. Intermediate users typically dose 150-200 mcg three times daily (pre-breakfast, pre-training, pre-bed). The single-injection ceiling is around 300 mcg - above that, GHS-R1a receptor saturation prevents additional GH release. Always dose in a fasted state (2-3 hours after last meal), as elevated blood glucose and insulin blunt GH release through increased somatostatin tone. Consistency of timing matters - the GH axis entrains to regular schedules.

Does GHRP-2 cause weight gain?

GHRP-2 can cause modest weight gain through two mechanisms. First, the ghrelin-receptor agonism directly increases appetite - users typically notice measurable hunger within 30-60 minutes of injection. If this increased appetite is met with caloric surplus, weight gain follows. Second, GH-axis stimulation mildly promotes fluid retention, especially in the first 2-3 weeks of daily use. In users on a deficit or maintenance intake, body composition typically shifts toward slightly more lean mass and slightly less fat, with modest or no scale weight change. For users trying to lose weight, ipamorelin is usually a better choice because of its less pronounced appetite effect.

Can GHRP-2 be combined with CJC-1295?

Yes - this is the classical and most pharmacologically significant stack in the GH-secretagogue space. GHRP-2 activates the ghrelin/GHS-R1a pathway; CJC-1295 (either no-DAC or DAC variant) activates the GHRH/GHRHR pathway. The two mechanisms converge intracellularly through complementary G-protein signaling, amplifying GH pulse amplitude 3-5x above either compound alone (Bowers 1991). Standard stack: GHRP-2 100-200 mcg + CJC-1295 no-DAC 100-200 mcg, drawn into the same insulin syringe, injected simultaneously SC 2-3 times daily fasted. With CJC-1295 DAC, the GHRP-2 becomes 'pulse-on-top-of-continuous-tonic' GHRH - less clean pharmacologically but more convenient (once or twice weekly CJC-DAC vs. daily sermorelin/no-DAC).

What are the side effects of GHRP-2?

The most common effects are increased appetite (from ghrelin-receptor agonism), mild transient cortisol elevation (+15-25% above baseline for 60-90 minutes), modest prolactin elevation (usually trivial), flushing immediately post-injection, and injection site reactions. Less common effects include mild fluid retention in the first weeks, vivid dreams with bedtime dosing, transient insulin sensitivity reduction with chronic use, headache, and occasional nausea. Rare effects include hypotension (mainly with IV administration), hypersensitivity, and paresthesia. Long-term concerns include modest insulin resistance and GHS-R1a receptor desensitization with chronic daily dosing - cycling protocols help prevent both. Theoretical cancer concern from sustained IGF-1 elevation applies to all GH-axis interventions.

Is GHRP-2 legal?

GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent for adult growth hormone deficiency testing. It is not FDA-approved in the United States for any indication. In the US research-peptide market, GHRP-2 is sold under research-only classification through peptide suppliers. Users should understand this legal context, source from vendors with third-party purity testing, and ideally work with a medical practitioner familiar with off-label peptide use. Some 503B compounding pharmacies include GHRP-2 in their peptide offerings for physician-supervised off-label use. See our [best vendors guide for 2026](/guides/best-vendors-2026) for reliable sources and peptide-friendly clinical practices.

How long does it take GHRP-2 to work?

A single GHRP-2 injection produces measurable GH elevation within minutes, with peak serum GH at roughly 15-30 minutes post-injection and return to baseline by 90-120 minutes. However, the clinically meaningful body composition and performance effects take 8-16 weeks of consistent dosing to manifest. IGF-1 stabilizes at its new elevated setpoint around weeks 4-6. Sleep quality improvements (vivid dreams, enhanced slow-wave sleep) often appear within the first 2 weeks. Lean body mass changes become detectable at weeks 8-12. Recovery and training-tolerance improvements are often noticed subjectively within 2-3 weeks but are harder to measure objectively.

Should I cycle GHRP-2?

Cycling is recommended for long-term use because chronic GHS-R1a receptor stimulation can produce modest tachyphylaxis (receptor desensitization) over months. Common cycling approaches: (1) 5 days on / 2 days off weekly - weekend pauses maintain responsiveness; (2) 8 weeks on / 2 weeks off - macro-cycle for full GHS-R1a reset; (3) Continuous daily with quarterly IGF-1 monitoring and dose adjustment if plateau detected. Unlike anabolic steroid cycling, peptide cycling is not primarily about protecting endogenous hormone production - the GH pituitary reserve recovers quickly - but about maintaining receptor sensitivity. Users who stack with CJC-1295 DAC (8-day half-life) will naturally have continuous GHRH exposure and benefit more from periodic GHS-R1a cycling.

GHRP-2 vs MK-677: which is better?

They target the same receptor (GHS-R1a) but have fundamentally different pharmacology. GHRP-2 produces short pulses (15-30 min half-life) multiple times daily via SC injection; MK-677 produces 24-hour continuous receptor occupancy via once-daily oral dosing. GHRP-2 is cheaper per-dose, has cleaner pulsatile pharmacology that more closely mimics natural GH release patterns, and can be titrated precisely. MK-677 is dramatically more convenient (oral, once daily, no needles) but produces more significant fluid retention, more pronounced appetite stimulation, and more measurable insulin resistance over time. Users prioritizing convenience pick MK-677; users prioritizing clean pulsatile pharmacology and minimum long-term metabolic disruption pick GHRP-2 (or ipamorelin for even cleaner profile). See [MK-677](/compound/mk-677) for full comparison.

## Research Tools

[

### Peptide Calculator

Reconstitution & syringe units



](/tools/reconstitution)[

### Reconstitution Guide

How to mix, step by step



](/guides/how-to-reconstitute-peptides)[

### Nasal Spray Calc

mL per actuation



](/tools/intranasal)[

### Half-Life Visualizer

Decay curves



](/tools/halflife)

## Related Compounds

[View All](/wiki)

[

### CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29)

Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis Preclinical 

CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or MOD-GRF 1-29) is a 30-amino-acid analog of the first 29 residues of endogenous Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH), with four strategic substitutions (D-Ala² for DPP-4 resistance, Gln⁸, Ala¹⁵, Leu²⁷) that extend its plasma half-life from <2 minutes (native GHRH) to ~30 minutes.

t½ ~30 minutes (without DAC / MOD-GRF 1-29); ~6-8 days (with DAC, due to covalent albumin binding)  Without DAC: 100-300 mcg subcutaneous 1-3x daily (typically pre-bedtime); With DAC: 1000-2000 mcg subcutaneous once weekly 

29 studies View Profile 

](/compound/cjc-1295)[

### CJC-1295 with DAC

Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis Preclinical / Research peptide 

CJC-1295 with DAC is the long-acting variant of CJC-1295.

t½ ~6-8 days (DAC-bound albumin depot)  1000-2000 mcg (1-2 mg) per week 

Preclinical View Profile 

](/compound/cjc-1295-with-dac)[

### CJC-1295 with DAC

Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis Phase 2 

CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a modified form of CJC-1295 that incorporates a maleimidopropionic acid (MPA) reactive group at the C-terminus.

t½ 6–8 days (due to albumin binding via DAC)  1,000–2,000 mcg (1–2 mg) per injection 

Preclinical View Profile 

](/compound/cjc-1295-dac)[

### GHRP-6

Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis Phase 2 

GHRP-6 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide with the sequence His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 that binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) to stimulate endogenous growth hormone release.

t½ ~20–30 minutes  100–300 mcg per injection 

156 studies View Profile 

](/compound/ghrp-6)[

### Hexarelin

Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis Phase 2 

Hexarelin (also called examorelin) is a potent synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue with the sequence His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2.

t½ ~55 minutes (IV, per Imbimbo 1994)  100–200 mcg per injection 

14 studies View Profile 

](/compound/hexarelin)[

### IGF-1 LR3

Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis Phase 2 

IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 IGF-1) is a synthetic analog of human insulin-like growth factor 1 modified at two positions to dramatically extend its serum half-life and amplify its tissue bioactivity compared to native IGF-1.

t½ 20-30 hours (community/vendor estimate; no published human PK study of IGF-1 LR3) vs ~12 minutes for native IGF-1  20-80 mcg per day 

40 studies View Profile 

](/compound/igf-1-lr3)

## Side-by-Side Comparisons

[All Comparisons](/compare)

Compare GHRP-2 head-to-head: mechanism, half-life, dosing, safety, and live pricing.

[GHRP-2 vs GHRP-6](/compare/ghrp-2-vs-ghrp-6 "GHRP-2 vs GHRP-6")[GHRP-2 vs Ipamorelin](/compare/ghrp-2-vs-ipamorelin "GHRP-2 vs Ipamorelin")

Free 2026 Peptide Cheat Sheet — 50 pages, PDF

Reconstitution math, concentration charts, half-lives, and vendor trust tiers. The reference we wish we had on day one.

[Download Free](/guides/peptide-cheat-sheet-download?utm_source=compound-ghrp-2)

### Need bloodwork before starting?

Full hormone + metabolic panels from Anabolic Insights. Code CHONCH  for first-order discount.

[Order Bloodwork](https://anabolicinsights.ai/?ref=nwm2zjb)

![BodyHackGuide](/assets/bodyhackguide-logo-DOzZNUyh.webp)

### BodyHackGuide

Your biohacking research hub — compound pricing, brain health protocols, dosing tools, and vendor reviews.

[support@bodyhackguide.co](mailto:support@bodyhackguide.co)

[](https://discord.gg/Mhq5UdRYBA)[](https://reddit.com/r/BodyHackGuide)[](https://x.com/bodyhackguide)

Explore

#### Explore

-   [Compare prices](/compare)
-   [Research suppliers](/vendors)
-   [Deals](/deals)
-   [Coupons](/coupons)
-   [Nootropics](/nootropics)
-   [Brain health](/brain-health)
-   [Blog](/blog)
-   [Guides](/guides)

Tools

#### Tools

-   [Reconstitution](/tools/reconstitution)
-   [Dosage calculator](/tools/dosage)
-   [Half-life visualizer](/tools/halflife)
-   [COA lookup](/tools/coa)
-   [Cost calculator](/tools/cost-calculator)
-   [Stack builder](/stack-builder)
-   [All tools →](/tools)

Trust & vendors

#### Trust & vendors

-   [Vendor directory](/vendors)
-   [Trust scorecard](/vendors/scorecard)
-   [Get BHG verified](/vendors/get-vetted)
-   [Scoring methodology](/vendors/methodology)
-   [Peptide cheatsheet](/guides/peptide-cheat-sheet-download)

Company

#### Company

-   [About](/about)
-   [Affiliate disclosure](/affiliate-disclosure)
-   [Editorial standards](/editorial-standards)
-   [Creators](/creators)
-   [Coaches](/coaches)
-   [Privacy](/privacy)
-   [Terms](/terms)
-   [Full site directory →](/site-directory)

**Ownership & Affiliate Disclosure:** BodyHackGuide and BHG Labs share common ownership. We rank every vendor on the same public, reproducible [methodology](/vendors/methodology), and we earn a commission from purchases made through our links at no extra cost to you. Full details in our [affiliate disclosure](/affiliate-disclosure).

**Research Disclaimer:** All compounds listed are for laboratory and research purposes only. Not for human consumption. This site does not sell, distribute, or promote any products. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional and comply with local regulations.

© 2026 BodyHackGuide. All rights reserved. · [Terms](/terms) · [Privacy](/privacy)

hi 👋