GHRP-2

Overview

GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide that acts as an agonist at the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a), prompting the pituitary to release a pulse of growth hormone. It is not FDA-approved for any indication; its only regulatory approval is in Japan, where it has been used as a diagnostic agent to test for growth hormone deficiency, not as a treatment. Marketed claims about muscle gain, fat loss, and recovery rest largely on its acute GH-raising effect plus animal and small human pharmacology studies, not on controlled efficacy trials for those outcomes. It also tends to stimulate appetite and can transiently raise cortisol and prolactin.

Commonly Reported Uses

These are uses commonly discussed or marketed by users and vendors — not a list of proven or approved benefits, and not a recommendation.

• Diagnostic stimulation testing for growth hormone deficiency (approved only in Japan; not FDA-approved)
• Muscle growth and body recomposition (marketed claim; human efficacy evidence limited)
• Fat loss (marketed claim; human evidence limited)
• Recovery and sleep quality (marketed claim; human evidence limited)

What to Track

Data points you and your clinician might monitor. For observation only — not a diagnostic protocol.

• Labs — IGF-1 and a clinician-monitored GH response if testing the GH axis
• InBody/DEXA — skeletal muscle mass and body-fat % over a defined baseline
• WHOOP — sleep stages and recovery score
• MyFitnessPal — calories and protein g/kg, since appetite stimulation can shift intake
• Subjective daily check-ins — hunger, energy, water retention

Sources & References

1. [1]List of drugs banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency — Wikipedia
2. [2]Pralmorelin — PubChem