Overview
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In plain language
GHRP-2 is a lab-made peptide of 6 amino acids that makes the pituitary gland release growth hormone. Its name stands for growth hormone-releasing peptide 2.
It works on the same receptor as ghrelin, the body's natural "hunger hormone." In Japan, a version called pralmorelin has been used as a diagnostic test for growth hormone deficiency. It is not FDA-approved in the United States, and it is banned in sport.
For students
GHRP-2 (pralmorelin; D-Ala-D-2Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, about 818 Da) is a synthetic hexapeptide from the growth hormone secretagogue program begun by Cyril Bowers in the late 1970s and 1980s. It contains unnatural D-amino acids and a naphthylalanine residue that increase potency and stability.
It is an agonist at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), the receptor later shown to bind ghrelin. In people it causes a strong, short-lived GH release and smaller rises in prolactin and cortisol (ACTH).
For researchers and instructors
History. Synthetic GH secretagogues were developed before their receptor (cloned in 1996) and natural ligand, ghrelin (1999), were known: a classic example of "reverse" pharmacology.
Human evidence. Acute dosing studies and diagnostic use are well characterized; long-term therapeutic trials are limited.
Regulatory and sport. Not FDA-approved. Prohibited by WADA. Online products are unregulated.
Molecular identity
- Amino acids
- 6
- Molecular weight
- ~817.98 Da
- Formula
- Form-dependent; verify
- Sequence
- D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂
Origin and history
GHRP-2 is one of the growth hormone-releasing peptides developed by Cyril Bowers at Tulane University and colleagues, refining the GHRP-6 design in the early 1990s to make it more potent.
It was developed as pralmorelin and later approved in Japan, where Kaken Pharmaceutical sells it as GHRP Kaken 100, a one-time diagnostic test for growth hormone deficiency. It is not approved in the U.S.
Key people
- Cyril Y. BowersEndocrinologist, Tulane University; pioneer of GHRPs
Timeline
- 1984
GHRP-6 published
- Early 1990s
GHRP-2 developed
- Later
Approved in Japan as a diagnostic test (GHRP Kaken 100)
See every peptide on one history timeline.
Human evidence
Small human endocrine challenge studies exist; long-term clinical benefit and safety are not established.
Study design, enrollment, endpoints, outcomes and limitations must be assessed individually; registration is not proof of efficacy.
Explore the literature for GHRP-2 and distinguish in-vitro, animal, and human findings.
Safety and regulatory status
See every compound on the regulatory tracker.
Not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use in the United States.
Long-term risks, formulation differences, and human safety evidence require careful review. Educational content only; not medical advice.
Sources
Hernandez Gener, E. (2026, November 7). GHRP-2: molecular data, research history and evidence. VALREXA Biosciences. https://valrexa.com/peptides/ghrp-2.html
APA style · Last reviewed November 7, 2026 · Our editorial standardsLast reviewed November 7, 2026. Trial and regulatory status can change; confirm in the linked registries. This profile is educational and is not medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or dosing or sourcing guidance. Report an error · Corrections policy