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GHRP-6 — 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-6 is an early-generation synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist that stimulates growth hormone release and, uniquely for this class, also produces a marked increase in appetite via hypothalamic ghrelin circuits.

Key facts

Canonical nameGHRP-6
Alternate namesGrowth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6, SKF-110679
Drug classGrowth hormone releasing peptide (ghrelin receptor agonist)
CAS number87616-84-0
Molecular formulaC46H56N12O6
Molecular weight873.02 g/mol
SequenceHis-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂
COA pending

Historical significance

GHRP-6 was described by Bowers et al. in Endocrinology (1984) and was the compound that established the proof-of-concept that short synthetic peptides could act on the pituitary to release growth hormone independently of endogenous GHRH. Every subsequent GHRP (including GHRP-2, hexarelin, and ipamorelin) traces its lineage back to this work.

The appetite-stimulating effect of GHRP-6 was the first observation linking this class of compounds to ghrelin — the appetite hormone — and ultimately contributed to the identification of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) and its endogenous ligand in 1996–1999.

Research use

GHRP-6 remains a useful pharmacological tool for studying ghrelin-receptor biology in rodent models. It is rarely used as a standalone research agent today — newer analogues like ipamorelin offer cleaner selectivity profiles — but its historical position and well-characterised profile make it a frequent reference compound in the literature.

Storage

Store lyophilised GHRP-6 at −20°C. Reconstituted peptide is stable refrigerated at 2–8°C for 2–4 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

What is GHRP-6?
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6) is a synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist and one of the earliest members of the GHRP family developed at Tulane University by Bowers and colleagues. It stimulates pulsatile growth hormone release from the pituitary and, unlike other GHRPs, also produces a significant appetite-stimulating effect.
How is GHRP-6 different from GHRP-2 and ipamorelin?
All three are ghrelin receptor agonists. GHRP-6 is the only one that strongly stimulates appetite — this is a direct consequence of its activity at hypothalamic ghrelin circuits, not a side effect. GHRP-2 is more potent at GH release and has negligible appetite effect. Ipamorelin is the most selective, avoiding not only appetite effects but also prolactin and cortisol elevations.
Is GHRP-6 approved in Canada?
No. GHRP-6 has no approved clinical indication in Canada or any other major jurisdiction. It is sold in Canada strictly as a research chemical for non-clinical laboratory research only.
What is GHRP-6's molecular weight?
GHRP-6 has a molecular weight of 873.02 g/mol, a molecular formula of C46H56N12O6, and CAS number 87616-84-0. Its sequence is His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂.

References

  1. [1]Bowers CY, Momany FA, Reynolds GA, Hong A. On the in vitro and in vivo activity of a new synthetic hexapeptide that acts on the pituitary to specifically release growth hormone. Endocrinology, 1984. PMID: 6430610
  2. [2]Wikipedia contributors. Growth hormone secretagogue — Wikipedia, 2024
  3. [3]National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem CID 9919502 — GHRP-6, 2024

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