What is GHRP-2?
GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue, known by the international non-proprietary name pralmorelin, with the sequence D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2. It is an agonist at the ghrelin receptor (growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHSR-1a) and was developed under the codes KP-102 and GPA-748.
Among the GHRP family, GHRP-2 is reported to produce one of the strongest GH release responses in animal and published clinical models, and pralmorelin has been used in the published literature as a diagnostic agent for the GH axis. It is studied alongside GHRP-6, hexarelin and ipamorelin to compare potency, selectivity and receptor pharmacology.
GenoPept supplies GHRP-2 in the UK as a lyophilised research peptide in 5mg, 10mg and 15mg vials. Every batch is verified by independent HPLC and LC-MS testing and supplied with a Certificate of Analysis for laboratory research only.
GHRP-2 research applications
GH secretagogue potency studies
GHRP-2 is used as a high-potency reference agonist in pituitary cell and animal models of GH release, often benchmarked against GHRP-6 and ipamorelin.
Ghrelin receptor signalling
Receptor binding and functional assays use it to characterise GHSR-1a activation, calcium signalling and receptor desensitisation.
Diagnostic axis research
Published literature on pralmorelin describes its use as a stimulation test compound for studying somatotroph reserve, making it a translational reference in the class.
Appetite and energy balance models
As a ghrelin mimetic, the peptide is investigated in rodent feeding behaviour and energy homeostasis research.
Synergy with GHRH analogues
Research explores the additive GH response when GHRP-2 is combined with GHRH analogues such as modified GRF (1-29), reflecting the two independent receptor pathways.
Mechanism of action (preclinical)
GHRP-2 activates the ghrelin receptor GHSR-1a on pituitary somatotrophs and hypothalamic neurons. This Gq-coupled receptor signals through phospholipase C and intracellular calcium mobilisation to trigger GH release, and hypothalamic activation also increases GHRH output while reducing somatostatin inhibition.
Compared with GHRP-6, the D-2-naphthylalanine substitution in GHRP-2 increases receptor potency in preclinical assays. Like other early GHRPs, it also stimulates cortisol and prolactin secretion in animal models, a feature that distinguishes it from the more selective ipamorelin.
GHRP-2 product specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compound | GHRP-2 |
| Also known as | Pralmorelin, Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2, KP-102, GPA-748 |
| Sequence / class | Synthetic hexapeptide (D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2), ghrelin receptor agonist |
| CAS number | 158861-67-7 |
| Molecular formula | C45H55N9O6 |
| Molecular weight | 818.0 g/mol |
| Form | Lyophilised powder in sealed sterile glass vial |
| Available sizes | 5mg, 10mg, 15mg |
| Purity | 99% or higher (HPLC) |
| Verification | Independent HPLC (purity) and LC-MS (identity) with batch COA |
| Storage (unopened) | Lyophilised powder at -20 °C long term; 2-8 °C short term, protected from light |
| Intended use | In-vitro laboratory research only; not for human or veterinary use |
Available sizes
- 5mg vial
- 10mg vial
- 15mg vial
Laboratories running larger studies can order bulk boxes of 10 vials, which save 20-50% against single-vial pricing; see the bulk and wholesale page. Orders over £200 ship free by tracked Royal Mail Special Delivery within the UK.
Reconstitution, handling and storage (laboratory)
GHRP-2 is supplied as a lyophilised powder that is stable for long-term storage at -20 °C. Unopened vials may be kept at 2-8 °C for short periods, protected from light. Allow a vial to reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation on the powder.
For reconstitution, add bacteriostatic water or a sterile diluent slowly down the inside wall of the vial, then swirl gently until the powder dissolves. Never shake a peptide vial, because mechanical stress can damage the molecule and reduce measured purity.
After reconstitution, keep the solution at 2-8 °C and use it within the period stated in your laboratory protocol. Full guidance is available in our articles on how to reconstitute research peptides and how to store research peptides.
Quality assurance and Certificate of Analysis
Every batch of GHRP-2 sold by GenoPept is tested by an independent ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory (Puralytix). HPLC confirms purity of 99% or higher and LC-MS confirms molecular identity, so the compound in the vial matches the label.
Each product page carries a “View Certificate of Analysis” button, and the complete library is published at genopept.co.uk/coa-certificates. Vials are batch-identified with lot number and expiry date, and our guide to what a Certificate of Analysis shows explains how to read the report.
Related research compounds
- GHRP-6: the original hexapeptide secretagogue, useful as a lower-potency comparator.
- Ipamorelin: a selective GHSR agonist without the cortisol and prolactin response seen with GHRP-2 in models.
- Hexarelin: a stable GHRP-6 analogue studied in cardiac and GH release research.
- CJC-1295 No DAC (Modified GRF 1-29): the GHRH analogue most often co-investigated with GHRP-2.
GHRP-2 frequently asked questions
What is GHRP-2 used for in research?
GHRP-2 is used in laboratory research as a potent ghrelin receptor agonist. Common applications include GHSR-1a binding and signalling assays, pituitary and animal models of GH secretion, comparisons of secretagogue potency and selectivity, and rodent studies of appetite and energy balance. Its published clinical literature as pralmorelin also makes it a translational reference compound. Supplied for in-vitro research only.
How is GHRP-2 supplied and what purity does GenoPept provide?
GenoPept GHRP-2 is supplied as a lyophilised powder in sealed, sterile glass vials of 5mg, 10mg or 15mg. Each batch is tested by an independent ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory, with HPLC confirming purity of 99% or higher and LC-MS confirming identity. The Certificate of Analysis is accessible from the product page and from our online COA library.
How should GHRP-2 be stored?
Unopened lyophilised GHRP-2 should be stored at -20 °C for long-term stability, or at 2-8 °C for short periods, protected from light. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, keep the solution at 2-8 °C and use it within the period set out in your laboratory protocol. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and never shake the vial.
Is GHRP-2 for human use?
No. GHRP-2 from GenoPept is a research compound for in-vitro laboratory use only. It is not a medicine, is not for human or veterinary use, and is not for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. GenoPept provides no dosing or administration information, and all purchasers must be buying for legitimate research use in the UK.
What is the difference between GHRP-2 and ipamorelin?
GHRP-2 and ipamorelin are both ghrelin receptor agonists, but they differ in selectivity. GHRP-2 produces a strong GH release in preclinical models while also raising cortisol, prolactin and appetite signalling. Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide designed for selectivity, stimulating GH with little effect on cortisol or prolactin in animal studies. Researchers choose between them depending on whether broad or selective secretagogue activity is required.
Research use only. This product is supplied for in-vitro laboratory research only. It is not for human or veterinary use, not a medicine, and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. See our research use only policy and UK legal guide.
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