GHRP-2
Also called Pralmorelin, Growth hormone-releasing peptide 2, KP-102, GPA-748, GHRP Kaken 100
Educational only, not medical advice. Dosaly reports what has been studied; it isn't a recommendation to use GHRP-2 or any amount of it. Talk to a clinician.
Approved in Japan only as a single-use diagnostic agent for growth hormone deficiency (GHRP Kaken 100); not approved as a medicine by the FDA or EMA (as of October 2026).
Research applications
- Growth hormone release through the ghrelin receptor (cell, animal and human studies)
- Children with short stature (phase 1 study)
- A diagnostic test for adult growth hormone deficiency (used in Japan)
What studies have looked at, not proven uses.
What it is
GHRP-2 is a lab-made peptide that triggers a strong release of growth hormone. In Japan it's used as a test for growth hormone deficiency in adults.
More detail
GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is a synthetic six-amino-acid peptide from the family of growth hormone-releasing peptides first made in Cyril Bowers' laboratory at Tulane University. It activates the ghrelin receptor (growth hormone secretagogue receptor) and triggers a strong release of growth hormone. Cell and animal studies examined its action on the pituitary, and human studies measured growth hormone responses in adults and children, including a phase 1 study in children with short stature. In Japan it is used as a diagnostic test for adult growth hormone deficiency, and studies there have compared that test with the insulin tolerance test.
Evidence listed here
- 2 human studies
- 1 review
- 1 lab (cell) study
Results from cells and animals often don't carry over to people. How to read peptide research
Molecular info
- Class
- Synthetic hexapeptide (growth hormone-releasing peptide)
- Length
- 6 amino acids
- Sequence
- H-D-Ala-D-2Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
- Research areas
- Growth hormone
Uses D-amino acids and D-2-naphthylalanine; ends in an amide. Also called pralmorelin.
Research
- Human studyEndocr J · 2013The arginine and GHRP-2 tests as alternatives to the insulin tolerance test for the diagnosis of adult GH deficiency in Japanese patients: a comparison.
Comparison of diagnostic tests for adult GH deficiency in Japanese patients.
- Human studyJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · 1998Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of growth hormone-releasing peptide-2: a phase I study in children.
Phase 1 pharmacokinetic study in children.
- ReviewDrugs R D · 2004Pralmorelin: GHRP 2, GPA 748, growth hormone-releasing peptide 2, KP-102 D, KP-102 LN, KP-102D, KP-102LN.
Drug-development profile of pralmorelin.
- Cell / lab studyJ Endocrinol · 1994The effect of GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2 or KP 102) on GH secretion from primary cultured ovine pituitary cells can be abolished by a specific GH-releasing factor (GRF) receptor antagonist.
Growth hormone release from cultured sheep pituitary cells.