OVIOPEPTIDES

Exclusive Offer

Free Bacteriostatic Water

Sign up and get a free bacteriostatic water added to your next order, automatically.

Research Use OnlyGet free bacteriostatic water added to your next order when you join the list.

GHRP-2 — Canada Research Brief

By Dr. Elena Morozova, PhDReviewed by Dr. Elena Morozova, PhDPublished April 11, 2026Last reviewed April 11, 20261 min read
Quick answer

GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist used clinically in Japan as a diagnostic agent for growth hormone deficiency and studied in research as a GH secretagogue.

Key facts

Canonical nameGHRP-2
Alternate namesPralmorelin, KP-102, GPA-748
Drug classGrowth hormone releasing peptide (ghrelin receptor agonist)
CAS number158861-67-7
Molecular formulaC45H55N9O6
Molecular weight817.95 g/mol
SequenceD-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂
COA pending

Mechanism and context

GHRP-2 belongs to the family of growth hormone releasing peptides originally developed by Cyril Bowers at Tulane University in the late 1970s and 1980s. The family was built on the observation that a short modification of met-enkephalin could unexpectedly release growth hormone — independent of the classical GHRH pathway.

GHRP-2 binds the ghrelin receptor GHS-R1a on pituitary somatotrophs and triggers a growth hormone pulse. In humans it produces a reliable dose- dependent GH rise, which is the basis for its clinical use as a diagnostic test for GH deficiency: administer GHRP-2, measure the GH response, compare against a reference range.

Clinical and research use

  • Diagnostic use in Japan. Pralmorelin (KP-102) is approved by the Japanese PMDA as a single-dose diagnostic test for adult GH deficiency. It is not approved in Canada, the U.S., or the EU.
  • Research tool. Outside Japan, GHRP-2 is used in endocrinology research as a pharmacological probe of the ghrelin/GH axis.

Comparisons

Storage

Store lyophilised GHRP-2 at −20°C. Reconstituted peptide is stable refrigerated at 2–8°C for 2–4 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

What is GHRP-2?
GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2), known by the INN pralmorelin, is a synthetic hexapeptide and a ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist. It stimulates endogenous growth hormone release from the pituitary and is marketed in Japan as a diagnostic test for growth hormone deficiency under the brand KP-102.
Is GHRP-2 approved in Canada?
No. GHRP-2 is not approved by Health Canada for any indication. Pralmorelin's approval in Japan does not extend to Canada. It is sold in Canada strictly as a research chemical for non-clinical laboratory research only.
How does GHRP-2 compare to ipamorelin and GHRP-6?
All three are ghrelin receptor agonists. GHRP-2 is more potent than GHRP-6 at GH release, and unlike GHRP-6 it does not produce strong appetite stimulation. Unlike ipamorelin, GHRP-2 can modestly raise prolactin and cortisol at higher doses, which is why ipamorelin is often preferred when selectivity is a priority.
What is GHRP-2's molecular weight?
GHRP-2 has a molecular weight of 817.95 g/mol, a molecular formula of C45H55N9O6, and CAS number 158861-67-7. Its sequence is D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂.

References

  1. [1]Wikipedia contributors. Pralmorelin — Wikipedia, 2024
  2. [2]Bowers CY, Reynolds GA, Durham D, et al.. Effects of GHRP-2 on growth hormone secretion in humans. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 1998. PMID: 9506738
  3. [3]National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem CID 9919474 — GHRP-2, 2024

Related research