P Palthera
Hormone Analogues

GHRP-2

Pralmorelin / KP-102 / GPA-748

GHRP-2 is a synthetic six- growth hormone-releasing peptide. As pralmorelin, it has been used in Japan as a diagnostic agent for growth hormone deficiency testing. Most peer-reviewed primary research consists of small human pharmacology studies and / animal mechanism work.

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Hormone Analogues
Classification
Synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue (GHRP); a.k.a. pralmorelin
Research stage
Diagnostic-context approved use in Japan (pralmorelin) for GH-deficiency testing; broader literature is preclinical and small-cohort pharmacology
Sequence
D-Ala-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Molecular weight
817.96 Da

Snapshot

Key takeaways

A three-bullet snapshot before reading the full dossier.

  1. 01

    Synthetic GHRP, marketed in Japan as pralmorelin (GHRP-2) for diagnostic GH-deficiency testing.

  2. 02

    Not FDA-approved in the United States.

  3. 03

    work indicates partial but not complete dependence on the for its GH-releasing effect.

Dossier overview

4

research areas

3

references

3

handling notes

01

Mechanism of action

GHRP-2 activates the GHS-R1a (ghrelin) at the pituitary, releasing growth hormone. work indicates a partial dependence on -receptor co-signalling, with characteristic synergy when GHRP-2 and GHRH are co-administered in humans.

02

Research applications

  • Growth hormone secretion pharmacology
  • GH-deficiency diagnostic research
  • Mechanism research on GHRP / -R interaction
  • Anti-doping detection methodology

Evidence at a glance

What's behind this profile

3 citations · 1996–2010

Human
2

Studies in human volunteers or patients (incl. early-phase trials).

In vitro
1

Cell, tissue, or biochemical assays outside a living organism.

Publication years

  1. 96
  2. 97
  3. 98
  4. 99
  5. 00
  6. 01
  7. 02
  8. 03
  9. 04
  10. 05
  11. 06
  12. 07
  13. 08
  14. 09
  15. 10
19962010

Counts are derived from the cited studies below. A study covering both in vivo and in vitro work is counted by its primary model. Sample size is reported in 1 of 3 citations. Findings remain model-specific and are not extrapolated to therapeutic use.

03

Study references

Each profile cites a minimum of two peer-reviewed sources, with model type and reported sample size where the source provides it. Findings are model-specific and must not be extrapolated to therapeutic use.

GHRP-2, GHRH and SRIF interrelationships during chronic administration of GHRP-2 to humans

1996

Bowers CY et al. · Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism

Model
Human pharmacology — chronic administration study
Sample
Not reported in abstract

Reported that chronic GHRP-2 or administration converted additive GH responses to synergistic responses across dose levels and frequencies.

PMID 8887169

Is GHRH receptor essential to GHRP-2-induced GH secretion in primary cultured rat pituitary cells?

2002

Roh SG et al. · Endocrinology

Model
In vitro — primary cultured rat pituitary cells with antisense knockdown
Sample
Not reported in abstract

Using antisense oligonucleotides, the was found essential for GHRH-induced GH secretion but only partially required for GHRP-2-stimulated secretion.

PMID 11956179 DOI 10.1210/endo.143.5.8893

Determination of growth hormone secretagogue pralmorelin (GHRP-2) and its metabolite in human urine by liquid chromatography / tandem mass spectrometry

2010

Okano M et al. · Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry

Model
Analytical / detection method development with human volunteer administration
Sample
n=10

Developed and validated an LC-MS/MS method that detected unchanged GHRP-2 and a primary metabolite in all ten volunteer urine samples after intravenous administration.

PMID 20552695 DOI 10.1002/rcm.4619

Evidence caveats

  • GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is a diagnostic agent in Japan and is not FDA-approved in the United States.
  • Primary human evidence is from small pharmacology studies; long-term safety and efficacy outside diagnostic contexts have not been established.

04

Storage and handling

Store under controlled laboratory conditions with batch and preparation details recorded.

  • Maintain batch traceability for comparison work.
  • Avoid repeated cycles where not protocol-supported.
  • Research-only inventory must be clearly separated from approved clinical material.

Common questions

GHRP-2 FAQ

Plain-English answers backed by the citations on this profile — what it is, what's been studied, regulatory status, evidence limits.

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