GHRP-2
What it is
GHRP-2, also known by the name pralmorelin, is a synthetic hexapeptide belonging to the growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) family. It has the amino acid sequence D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, a molecular weight near 818 g/mol, and CAS number 158861-67-7.
Research context and categorization
GHRP-2 is grouped under growth hormone secretagogues, meaning compounds that act on the ghrelin receptor (also called the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, or GHSR) to prompt release of endogenous growth hormone from the pituitary. In research settings it is commonly discussed in relation to the pulsatile release of growth hormone and downstream markers such as IGF-1, and it has been investigated as a diagnostic agent for evaluating growth hormone deficiency. It is also studied in the context of appetite signaling, since ghrelin receptor activity is tied to hunger, though GHRP-2 is often described as producing less pronounced appetite effects than the related peptide GHRP-6.
Notably, GHRP-2 is approved in Japan as pralmorelin specifically as a diagnostic test agent for growth hormone deficiency. Outside of that narrow diagnostic approval, other uses discussed in the literature and in fitness or anti-aging circles are investigational, not confirmed, and not approved by the FDA. Any performance, recovery, or body-composition claims associated with GHRP-2 should be treated as unproven.
Status
- Regulatory status: Research-only in the United States and not FDA-approved. It holds a narrow diagnostic approval in Japan (as pralmorelin for growth hormone deficiency testing) but is not approved for general therapeutic use anywhere.
- Sport status: Prohibited under the WADA Prohibited List. It falls under class S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics), specifically among the growth hormone secretagogues and releasing factors, and is banned at all times, both in and out of competition.
Reconstitution notes (general)
GHRP-2 is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder that is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use in research. The working concentration is determined by a simple relationship: concentration equals the milligrams of peptide in the vial divided by the millilitres of bacteriostatic water added. For example, adding 2 mL of water to a 5 mg vial yields 2.5 mg/mL. To work out volumes for a target concentration, use the calculator at /pages/tools.
Dilution and handling notes (compound-specific)
GHRP-2 is a short, relatively simple hexapeptide, and it generally dissolves readily and fully in bacteriostatic water without the gelling, clouding, or precipitation that affects some larger or more hydrophobic peptides. A common approach is to reconstitute a 5 mg or 10 mg vial with roughly 1 to 3 mL of bacteriostatic water, chosen mainly for convenient measurement rather than any solubility limit. A smaller volume gives a more concentrated solution, while 2 mL or 3 mL is often chosen so that small measured volumes are easier to read on a graduated syringe. Bacteriostatic water (which contains about 0.9 percent benzyl alcohol as a preservative) is generally preferred over plain sterile water because the preservative slows degradation once the vial is opened. Direct the stream of water against the inside glass wall rather than blasting the powder directly, and swirl gently rather than shaking, since aggressive agitation and foaming can stress fragile peptide chains. The solution should end up clear and colorless. If it stays cloudy or shows visible particles after gentle swirling, that indicates a problem with the material or the mix rather than normal behavior.
Handling and storage
Store the lyophilized powder and, once mixed, the reconstituted solution refrigerated at 2 to 8 C and out of direct light. Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab before drawing from it, and label the vial with the date it was reconstituted. Reconstituted GHRP-2 is far less stable than the dry powder, and a refrigerated working window of roughly 4 weeks is a common reference point, with longer-term storage handled by freezing. Discard the vial if the contents become cloudy or discolored or if floaters appear.
Related reading
Tools and supplies
- Reconstitution & blend calculators
- Bacteriostatic Water 30 ml
- Gansulin Metal Reusable Pen
- 3 ml Glass Cartridges (10-pack)
- Complete Starter Kit
For laboratory and research reference only. Educational content, not medical, dosing, injection, or therapeutic guidance, and not intended for human or animal use. Any research uses described are investigational and not confirmed or approved benefits. Confirm anything involving health with a licensed professional. References linked above.