Evidence Grade C — Moderate human evidence. 632 published studies, 231 human. 0 registered clinical trials.
Medically reviewed by a licensed medical professional
GHRP-6 is one of the earliest synthetic growth hormone secretagogues, historically significant because studies of this compound led to the discovery and identification of the ghrelin receptor in 1996. It has no approval from any regulatory agency and no therapeutic clinical trials have been completed. It causes strong appetite stimulation alongside growth hormone release.
GHRP-6 is also known by these brand and alternate names:
632 published studies: 231 human, 349 animal, 136 in-vitro, 26 reviews
GHRP-6 has no marketing authorisation from any regulatory agency. No therapeutic Phase III trials have been conducted. Its primary scientific significance is historical — studies of GHRP-6 and related compounds led to the identification and cloning of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) in 1996.
The compound's non-selective profile (stimulating cortisol, prolactin, and strong appetite increases alongside growth hormone) made it a less attractive clinical candidate than later, more selective secretagogues. Products available through unregulated channels lack pharmaceutical quality assurance.
Research suggests GHRP-6 activates the ghrelin receptor. It is the least selective of the major growth hormone secretagogues, producing pronounced effects on cortisol, prolactin, and appetite in addition to growth hormone release. The appetite stimulation — stronger than other compounds in this class — reflects its ghrelin-mimicking properties. These observations come from early-phase pharmacological studies.
Research suggests GHRP-6 is the least selective of the major growth hormone secretagogues, producing pronounced effects on cortisol, prolactin, and appetite in addition to growth hormone release. This non-selectivity made it a less attractive clinical candidate than later compounds like ipamorelin. Its primary value is scientific and historical — the research pathway from GHRP-6 to the ghrelin receptor's identification was a landmark in endocrinology. No human efficacy data exist for any therapeutic use. Products from unregulated channels lack pharmaceutical quality assurance.
PeptideTrace tracks 0 registered clinical trials for GHRP-6 sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
No trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov for this compound.
GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide (His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2), MW ~873.01 Da. One of first GH secretagogues (Bowers/Momany 1984). Two D-amino acids. Least selective major GH secretagogue: strong appetite stimulation (ghrelin mimicry). Instrumental in GHS-R1a receptor discovery. Not approved. Half-life ~15-25 min.
Research suggests potent GHS-R1a agonism. Significantly stimulates ACTH, cortisol, prolactin in addition to GH. Pronounced appetite stimulation via hypothalamic NPY/AgRP upregulation (greater than GHRP-2 or hexarelin). Modest H3 receptor activity. Synergistic with GHRH. Led to ghrelin discovery (Kojima 1999).
No marketing authorization. Bowers et al. (JCEM 1990): 1 mcg/kg IV peak GH ~40-80 ng/mL with pronounced cortisol elevation (50-100%) and strong appetite stimulation within 20 min. Studied as GHD diagnostic but pralmorelin preferred. 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.
Compare prices from 14 vendor listings
View pricing data across vendors and countries for GHRP-6
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.
Somapacitan is marketed as Sogroya (approved August 2020 for adult growth hormone deficiency; expanded April 2023 to paediatric growth hormone deficiency in children aged 2.5 years and older). It is the first once-weekly growth hormone approved for both adult and paediatric patients. In adults, clinical trials showed improvements in body composition including reduced truncal fat. In children, growth rates were comparable to daily somatropin. The albumin-binding approach provides predictable drug levels with lower peak-to-trough variation than some other long-acting growth hormone technologies. Sogroya competes with somatrogon (Ngenla) in the growing once-weekly growth hormone market, with both products expected to gradually replace daily injections as the standard of care.
ACE-031 has no marketing authorisation. A Phase I trial in healthy women showed increased lean mass and decreased fat mass. A Phase II trial in DMD (24 patients) showed lean body mass increases but was discontinued due to bleeding-related safety concerns (epistaxis, telangiectasias, and gum bleeding), likely caused by inhibition of BMP-9/10 vascular signalling. ACE-031 is a large fusion protein (~90 kDa), not a peptide. Its clinical development was halted. The non-selective ligand-trapping profile — capturing beneficial vascular signalling molecules alongside the intended muscle-growth targets — illustrates the challenge of targeting the TGF-beta superfamily. Acceleron subsequently developed more selective agents.
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.
