GHRP-2 — Potent Ghrelin Mimetic

Background

GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2, pralmorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide (D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂) developed in the 1980s-90s as a potent agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (ghrelin receptor, GHS-R1a).

Mechanism

GHRP-2 mimics endogenous ghrelin at the pituitary and hypothalamic ghrelin receptor, producing robust GH release and stimulating appetite via hypothalamic NPY/AgRP neurons.

What is proven

Clinical pharmacology studies confirm potent dose-dependent GH release in healthy adults and in adults with GH insufficiency. GHRP-2 is approved in Japan as Kaketsuken's GHRP Kaken® / Pralmorelin HCl as a diagnostic agent for adult GH deficiency.

Appetite stimulation via central ghrelin agonism is well-replicated.

What is NOT proven

Long-term efficacy and safety for body composition, anti-ageing or recovery endpoints. Cortisol and prolactin elevation is more pronounced than with selective newer GHRPs (Ipamorelin).

Open research questions

Long-term IGF-1 elevation safety; combination effects with GHRH analogues; whether the appetite-stimulating effect has therapeutic application in cachexia (a related compound, anamorelin, is approved in Japan for cancer cachexia).

Regulatory status

Approved in Japan as a diagnostic GH-deficiency test. Not approved for therapeutic use in the US, EU, or UK.

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