Evidence Grade C — Moderate human evidence. 203 published studies, 131 human. 0 registered clinical trials.
Medically reviewed by a licensed medical professional
GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is a synthetic growth hormone secretagogue — a peptide that stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. It is used in Japan solely as a diagnostic tool to test whether the pituitary can respond to growth hormone stimulation. It has no therapeutic approval anywhere. It is prohibited by WADA in sport.
GHRP-2 is also known by these brand and alternate names:
203 published studies: 131 human, 61 animal, 24 in-vitro, 17 reviews
GHRP-2 is approved in Japan exclusively as a diagnostic tool for growth hormone deficiency — not as a therapeutic agent. The diagnostic protocol involves a single 100 mcg intravenous injection with growth hormone measurement over 60 minutes. It has no therapeutic approval in any jurisdiction.
No therapeutic Phase III trials have been conducted. The compound's availability through unregulated channels for non-diagnostic purposes is not supported by clinical evidence. Its approval as a diagnostic in Japan should not be interpreted as therapeutic approval.
Research suggests GHRP-2 activates the ghrelin receptor on pituitary cells. Unlike ipamorelin, it also stimulates ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin release, indicating a less selective profile. Its diagnostic use in Japan relies on measuring the growth hormone response to a standardised intravenous dose to identify growth hormone deficiency.
Research suggests GHRP-2's diagnostic use in Japan is well established, involving a single intravenous injection with growth hormone measurement over 60 minutes. No therapeutic Phase III trials have been conducted for any condition. Unlike the more selective ipamorelin, GHRP-2 also stimulates cortisol, ACTH, and prolactin release, indicating a less targeted pharmacological profile. The diagnostic approval in Japan should not be interpreted as therapeutic approval. Products from unregulated channels lack pharmaceutical quality assurance.
PeptideTrace tracks 0 registered clinical trials for GHRP-2 sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
No trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov for this compound.
GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide (D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2), MW ~817.97 Da. Developed by Bowers/Momany 1980s. Three D-amino acids. Approved in Japan as diagnostic agent for GH deficiency (GHRP Kaken 100, 2004) but not as therapeutic. Half-life ~25-30 min. WADA-prohibited.
Research suggests potent GHS-R1a agonism. More potent than GHRP-6 (effective 1 mcg/kg IV) but less selective: stimulates ACTH/cortisol and mildly increases prolactin. Stimulates appetite via hypothalamic GHS-R1a. Synergistic with GHRH.
Approved in Japan as diagnostic (GHRP Kaken 100, 2004): 100 mcg IV, GH at 15/30/45/60 min; peak <9 ng/mL suggests GHD. Sensitivity 85-90%, specificity ~80%. In healthy volunteers: 1 mcg/kg IV peak GH ~50-100 ng/mL with cortisol increase 30-50%. No therapeutic Phase III.
The information on this page is provided for educational and research reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
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Somatrogon is marketed as Ngenla (approved June 2023) for paediatric growth hormone deficiency in children aged 3 years and older. In the pivotal trial, once-weekly somatrogon produced growth rates equivalent to daily somatropin injections (10.1 cm/year versus 9.8 cm/year), confirming that reducing injection frequency does not compromise growth outcomes. Ngenla represents a meaningful advance for paediatric patients and their families, reducing injections from 365 to 52 per year. Treatment adherence has been a persistent challenge with daily growth hormone, and weekly dosing is expected to improve long-term outcomes through better compliance. Somatrogon competes directly with somapacitan (Sogroya), the other approved weekly growth hormone, creating a new generation of less burdensome treatment options.
MGF has no marketing authorisation. No human clinical trials have been conducted. The evidence base consists of animal studies and cell culture experiments. A single mouse study reported increased muscle fibre size after intramuscular injection. The compound's very short half-life (estimated minutes) in its native form has led to the development of PEGylated versions (PEG-MGF, #105) in unregulated channels, though this creates a pharmacologically distinct molecule. Products available through unregulated channels lack pharmaceutical quality assurance.
Tesamorelin is marketed as Egrifta SV (approved November 2010) for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. In clinical trials, it reduced visceral fat by approximately 15% compared to a 5% increase with placebo, and this reduction was sustained with continued treatment. Tesamorelin occupies a unique niche — it is the only approved GHRH analogue and the only medication specifically approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Beyond its approved indication, it has attracted research interest for potential effects on liver fat, cognitive function, and peripheral neuropathy. Fat reduction reverses when treatment stops, and it is not approved for general weight loss or body composition purposes.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health.
