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.
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.
