Fiala
Peptide library › Growth hormone axis
GHRP-2
Also known as Pralmorelin
Synthetic growth hormone–releasing peptide used in Japan as a diagnostic test.
What people use it for
- Diagnosing growth hormone deficiency (Japan)
- Raising growth hormone (popular use)
What GHRP-2 does in the body
Activates the ghrelin receptor in the pituitary and hypothalamus, causing a burst of growth hormone release. It is more potent than GHRP-6 and causes less hunger, but still raises cortisol and prolactin somewhat.
Strength of evidence
Moderate for diagnostic use; limited for long-term use.
Look up the evidence
- Reviews on PubMed: Summaries of the published research
- Clinical trials on PubMed: Published studies in people
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Registered trials, past and ongoing
- Prescribing information (DailyMed, US): Official US label
- Patient leaflets (emc, UK): Official UK product information
Live searches of official databases. New to the terms? See the glossary.
Reported side effects & risks
- Increased hunger
- Raised cortisol and prolactin
- Flushing
- Water retention
Who should avoid it or take extra care
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Active or past cancer
- Diabetes (may raise blood sugar)
- Competitive athletes (prohibited by WADA)
Not a complete list. Check with a doctor or pharmacist about your own health and medicines.
Regulatory status
Approved in Japan as a single-dose diagnostic agent. Not approved in the US. Prohibited in sport by WADA.
How it's taken
Route: Injection under the skin (unofficial use)
How long it lasts (half-life): About 30 minutes
Storage
Unreconstituted (powder) vials are usually kept refrigerated or frozen and away from light. Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, keep refrigerated and do not freeze; follow the supplier's stated beyond-use date.
Mixing guides
How much water to add and what each syringe mark holds, worked out for your own dose:
Latest research & news
- Peptides in urology and sexual medicine: clinical effectiveness, dosing, indications, and safety: a narrative review
Research · Review · PubMed · Sex Med Rev · 30 Sept 2026 - Differentiating hypothalamic from pituitary adrenal insufficiency: underlying causes and diagnostic utility of the corticotropin-releasing hormone and growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 stimulation tests
Research · Study · PubMed · Endocr J · 11 Sept 2026
Picked automatically from PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov and the FDA, and updated daily. Early, lab and animal studies often don't carry over to people.
Keep track of GHRP-2 privately
Fiala is a free app for logging doses, tracking vials and setting reminders. No account, and everything you log stays on your phone.
Open GHRP-2 in Fiala How to installMore in Growth hormone axis
- TesamorelinGHRH analog approved to reduce excess abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
- SermorelinShort GHRH fragment that stimulates natural growth hormone release.
- CJC-1295Long-acting GHRH analog, often paired with ipamorelin in popular protocols.
- IpamorelinSelective growth hormone secretagogue (ghrelin-receptor agonist).
- HexarelinPotent synthetic growth hormone secretagogue related to GHRP-6.
- GHRP-6First-generation growth hormone–releasing hexapeptide known for strong hunger effects.
- IGF-1 LR3Modified, longer-acting form of insulin-like growth factor 1.
- IGF-1 DESShortened, fast-acting form of insulin-like growth factor 1 sold as a research chemical.
- MK-677Oral growth hormone secretagogue. It is not a peptide, but is commonly tracked alongside them.