GHRP-2
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2
- Aliases: KP-102, Pralmorelin
- Category: GH Axis / Muscle / Appetite
- Sequence: D-Ala-D-2Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 (hexapeptide)
- Molecular Weight: 817.9 Da
- Administration: Subcutaneous / Intranasal
- Typical Dose: 100–300 mcg per injection
- Frequency: 2–3x daily
- Half-Life: ~15–60 minutes
- Status: Research Only
- WADA Status: Prohibited (S2)
What It Does
GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin mimetic that potently stimulates GH release from the pituitary. It acts on different receptors than GHRH analogs, making it ideal for combination therapy. Notable for stimulating appetite (ghrelin pathway), it is one of the most potent GHRPs and produces significant GH spikes when combined with a GHRH analog like Sermorelin.
Mechanism of Action
- GHS-R1a agonism (Ghrelin receptor): Binds ghrelin receptor on pituitary somatotrophs and hypothalamus → amplifies GH pulse amplitude
- Synergy with GHRH: Acts via distinct intracellular pathway from GHRH; combined use produces supra-additive GH release (up to 8x vs. GHRH alone)
- Appetite stimulation: Ghrelin receptor activation in hypothalamus increases appetite and promotes positive energy balance
- Cortisol and prolactin elevation: Minor, dose-dependent increases — differentiates it from cleaner GHRPs like Ipamorelin
- IGF-1 upregulation: Downstream hepatic IGF-1 production follows GH spike
Dosing Protocols
Standard Protocol
- Dose: 100–300 mcg SubQ
- Frequency: 2–3x daily (morning, post-workout, bedtime)
- Timing: Fasted state (30–60 min before or after eating) for maximal GH pulse
- Duration: 8–12 weeks, then assess
- Source: The Peptides Bible, Peptides Made Easy
Combination Protocol
- Stack with Sermorelin or CJC-1295 NO DAC at same injection for synergistic GH amplification
Stacks Well With
- Sermorelin – GHRH + GHRP dual stimulation for maximum GH pulse
- Thymosin Beta-4 – recovery and tissue repair synergy
- Ipamorelin – may substitute or alternate for cleaner GH release
- IGF-1 LR3 – downstream amplification of GH axis effects
Use Cases
- GH Axis Optimization (GH deficiency, age-related decline)
- Muscle Growth and lean mass accrual
- Fat Loss via GH-mediated lipolysis
- Appetite Stimulation (cachexia, underweight states)
- Recovery from training or injury
- Sleep Quality (GH pulse at bedtime)
Contraindications & Safety
- Active malignancy — GH axis stimulation; avoid
- Diabetes / insulin resistance — GH may raise blood glucose; monitor
- Hyperprolactinemia — minor prolactin elevation; monitor
- Cortisol-sensitive conditions — minor cortisol rise
- Common side effects: Increased appetite, water retention, tingling, mild fatigue
- Tachyphylaxis possible with frequent dosing — use fasted timing
Storage
- Lyophilized: -20°C long-term; 2–8°C up to 3 months
- Reconstituted: 2–8°C for 2–4 weeks; protect from light
- Solvent: Bacteriostatic water preferred
PubMed Research
Research links will be added after PubMed search
Sources
- The Peptides Bible – GH secretagogue protocols
- Peptides Made Easy – Dosing and stacking
- Peptide Protocols Master Bible – Evidence-based guide
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