GHRP-2

GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2) — hexapeptide ghrelin mimetic

GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide belonging to the group of growth hormone secretagogues (GHS), acting as an agonist of the GHS-R1a receptor. As a ghrelin mimetic, GHRP-2 stimulates pituitary somatotrophs to release growth hormone in animal models. It is distinguished by high selectivity towards the GH axis and limited impact on appetite compared to other peptides from the GHRP family. The product is intended for research use only (Research Use Only) – it is not a medicinal product. Browse available GHRP-2 variants from One Peptides.

What is GHRP-2?

GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2), also known as KP-102 or pralmorelin, is a synthetic hexapeptide with the sequence D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2. It belongs to the family of Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRP), developed in the 1980s and 1990s as a tool for studying the somatotropic axis.

GHRP-2 acts as an agonist of growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a) – the same receptor that is the natural target of ghrelin. Binding of GHRP-2 to GHS-R1a on anterior pituitary somatotrophs leads to the release of growth hormone (GH) in animal models. This mechanism is independent of the GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone) pathway and includes the activation of phospholipase C and the influence of calcium ions.

Compared to other peptides from the GHRP family, GHRP-2 is characterized by relatively high selectivity towards the GH axis. In studies on animal models, a smaller effect on appetite was observed than in the case of GHRP-6, which is associated with a different activation profile of the ghrelin receptor. The molecular weight of GHRP-2 is approximately 817 Da.

GHRP-2 variants available

The GHRP-2 product is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) containing HPLC and MS results. Detailed specifications and analytical documentation are available on the product card.

Which GHRP-2 variant should you choose?

GHRP-2 is available from One Peptides in the form of a lyophilized product containing 5 mg of substance per vial. This quantity is suitable both for initial pilot studies and protocol optimization, as well as for extended experimental series including comparisons with other GH secretagogues (e.g. GHRP-6, Ipamorelin).

When planning experiments, it is worth taking into account that GHRP-2 in the form of lyophilisate shows good stability in long-term storage at temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius. After reconstitution, the solution should be used quickly or divided into aliquots.

How does GHRP-2 differ from similar peptides?

GHRP-2 vs GHRP-6

GHRP-6 is also a hexapeptide and a GHS-R1a agonist, but it has a different activity profile. In studies on animal models, GHRP-6 stimulates appetite more strongly – this effect is associated with more intense activation of ghrelin pathways in the hypothalamus. GHRP-2 is considered to be more selective for the GH axis, with less impact on feeding behavior in rodent models. Both peptides stimulate GH release, but their side effect profiles in animal models differ significantly. See category: GHRP-6

GHRP-2 vs Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin is a newer peptide from the GHS group, designed with even greater selectivity towards the GH axis. In studies on animal models, Ipamorelin shows minimal effect on cortisol and prolactin levels, while GHRP-2 may modulate these hormonal axes to some extent. Ipamorelin is often referred to as the most selective of the GH secretagogues, while GHRP-2 offers a stronger stimulation of GH release on a per unit basis. See category: Ipamorelin

GHRP-2 vs CJC-1295

CJC-1295 is a GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone) analogue that acts through the GHRH-R receptor on somatotrophs – a completely different pathway from GHS-R1a. In studies on animal models, CJC-1295 stimulates the release of GH in a pulsatile manner, imitating the natural secretion rhythm. GHRP-2 and CJC-1295 engage complementary mechanisms, which is why research protocols combining both peptides to analyze the synergistic effect on the somatotropic axis are often described in the scientific literature. See category: CJC-1295

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

1. What is GHRP-2 and how does it work?
GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide that acts as an agonist of the GHS-R1a receptor (ghrelin receptor). It binds to this receptor on pituitary somatotrophs, leading to the release of growth hormone in animal models. This mechanism is independent of the GHRH pathway.

2. How does GHRP-2 differ from ghrelin?
Ghrelin is an endogenous peptide consisting of 28 amino acids, acting on the same GHS-R1a receptor. GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide with a completely different sequence, designed as a ghrelin mimetic with higher affinity for the receptor subtype responsible for GH release. GHRP-2 does not require acylation, which is necessary for ghrelin activity.

3. Is GHRP-2 a drug?
NO. GHRP-2 offered by One Peptides is a substance intended exclusively for scientific research (Research Use Only). It is not a medicinal product, drug or dietary supplement.

4. How to store GHRP-2?
Freeze-dried GHRP-2 should be stored at a temperature below -20 degrees Celsius, in its original, tightly closed packaging. After reconstitution in an appropriate solvent, the solution should be used within a short time or frozen in aliquots.

5. Can GHRP-2 be tested in combination with other peptides?
The scientific literature describes research protocols in which GHRP-2 was used in parallel with GHRH analogues (e.g. CJC-1295) in animal models to analyze the synergistic effect on the somatotropic axis. Each such protocol requires individual design and validation by the research team.

Quality and standards at One Peptides

All GHRP-2 variants in the One Peptides offer are subject to strict quality control. HPLC analysis confirms peptide purity, and mass spectrometry (MS) verifies molecular weight and structural identity. Each batch is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), providing full documentation necessary to conduct reliable research.

Related research overview: differences between these secretagogues are discussed in GHRP-2 vs GHRP-6 differences in research.