GHRP-2
Also called Pralmorelin
A synthetic peptide that triggers growth hormone release and increases appetite. Small human studies show these short-term effects, not muscle, fat-loss or anti-aging benefits.
Overview
What it is
Growth hormone-releasing peptide-2, which acts on the ghrelin receptor. It is not HGH.
How it works
It mimics ghrelin, a hunger hormone that also stimulates growth hormone release from the pituitary.
What the research shows
GHRP-2 increased food intake in lean and obese adults. In a five-day study of healthy young men, the growth hormone response weakened with repeated use and IGF-1 did not rise as expected. An oral study in children with growth hormone deficiency used a different setting.
Studied for
- Growth hormone releasehuman
- Appetite and food intakehuman
- Diagnostic GH testingapproved in Japan
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
FDA flags immune reactions, impurities, and reports of increased insulin needs, infection, pancreatitis and deaths in critically ill study participants, without established causality. "Minimal side effects" claims are not supported.
Regulatory status
Approved in Japan (2004) as a diagnostic test. Not FDA approved; on FDA's compounding safety-risk list. Prohibited at all times by WADA.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
GHRP-2 (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 10 mg GHRP-2
- Add diluent
- 3 mL
- Concentration
- 3.33 mg/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 33.33 mcg in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- How often
- Once per day (subcutaneous); advanced protocols may use 2–3× daily.
- Typical range
- 100–300 mcg daily with gradual titration.
- Cycle length
- 8–12 weeks; optional extension to 16 weeks with periodic breaks.
Standard / Gradual Approach
| Week | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 100 mcg (0.1 mg) | 3 units (0.03 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 150 mcg (0.15 mg) | 4.5 units (0.045 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 200 mcg (0.2 mg) | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
| Weeks 9–12 (optional) | 250–300 mcg (0.25–0.3 mg) | 7.5–9 units (0.075–0.09 mL) |
Advanced / Aggressive Approach (Multiple Daily Dosing)
| Phase | Per‑Injection Dose (mcg) | Frequency | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 (Weeks 1–2) | 100 mcg (0.1 mg) | 2× daily | 3 units (0.03 mL) |
| Phase 2 (Weeks 3–4) | 150 mcg (0.15 mg) | 2× daily | 4.5 units (0.045 mL) |
| Phase 3 (Weeks 5–8) | 200 mcg (0.2 mg) | 2–3× daily | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
How to mix
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl or roll until completely dissolved (do not shake).
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
Dosing details
- Start: 100 mcg daily; increase by ~50 mcg every 1–2 weeks as tolerated.
- Target: 200 mcg daily by Weeks 5–8; optional increase to 250–300 mcg in Weeks 9–12.
- Frequency: Once per day (subcutaneous); advanced protocols may use 2–3× daily.
- Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks; optional extension to 16 weeks with periodic breaks.
- Timing: Typically before sleep or on empty stomach; rotate injection sites.
Storage
- Lyophilized: Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) in dry, dark conditions; follow the exact product’s expiration or validated stability information.
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); follow product-specific use-by instructions; avoid freeze–thaw.
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
- Use bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) for multi‑dose reconstitution.
Administration technique
- Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol; allow to dry.
- Pinch a skinfold; insert the needle at 45–90° into subcutaneous tissue.
- For very lean individuals, use a 45° angle to avoid intramuscular injection.
- Inject slowly and steadily; do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections.
- Rotate sites systematically (abdomen at least 2 inches from navel, thighs, upper arms) to avoid lipohypertrophy.
- Dispose of used syringes immediately in a sharps container; never recap needles.
Important notes
- Use new sterile insulin syringes for each injection; dispose in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation.
- Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
- A 5‑days‑on/2‑days‑off schedule may help maintain GH response sensitivity over long protocols.
- Document daily dose and site rotation to maintain consistency.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Does GHRP-2 make you hungry?
Yes, increased food intake is one of its clearest effects.
Does a GH rise prove it builds muscle?
No. Muscle and fat outcomes were not measured.
Is it approved anywhere?
Only as a diagnostic agent in Japan.
Found in these blends
Related in Performance and Recovery
Sources and further reading (6)
- Laferrère B, et al. GHRP-2 increases food intake in healthy men, 2005.
- Laferrère B, et al. Obese subjects respond to GHRP-2 on food intake, 2006.
- Nijland EA, et al. Five-day GHRP-2 treatment and IGF-1 in young men, 1998.
- FDA. Bulk drug substances with significant safety risks.
- WADA. 2026 Prohibited List, S2.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).
Laboratory research material: GHRP-2 Research Use Only