GHRP-2

GHRP-2 (pralmorelin; development codes KP-102 / GPA-748) is a small synthetic peptide growth-hormone secretagogue. It belongs to the GHRP family first described by Cyril Bowers and acts as an agonist at the growth-hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), the same receptor targeted by the natural hormone ghrelin. Rather than supplying growth hormone directly, GHRP-2 prompts the pituitary to release its own GH in a pulsatile pattern. Compared with most compounds in the research-peptide market, GHRP-2 has an unusually concrete human evidence base. Phase I pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic work has been published in children, healthy-adult studies have characterized its GH and food-intake effects, and the synergy between GHRPs and GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) is well documented in humans. In Japan, pralmorelin is approved (as a diagnostic agent, marketed by Kaken Pharmaceutical) for provocative testing of growth-hormone deficiency, making it one of the few GH secretagogues to reach any regulatory approval. It is important to be clear about what that approval is and is not. GHRP-2 is approved in Japan only as a single-dose diagnostic test, not as a treatment, and it is not approved as a drug for GH deficiency, anti-aging, or body composition in the United States, the EU, or most jurisdictions. It is prohibited in sport by WADA. Material sold online is labeled for research use only. This entry summarizes the published science and community-reported practice for reference only. It is not medical advice and does not endorse human use.