GHRP2

GHRP-2

Growth Hormone Phase 1 / early human

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2, a synthetic ghrelin mimetic that stimulates GH release from the pituitary gland in humans; the response attenuated over 5 days of daily s.c. dosing.

Regulatory status (as of Sept 2026)

Not FDA-approved. Not among the peptides named in the 2026 PCAC actions.

See the FDA peptide regulatory tracker · Read our July 27, 2026 dispatch on the FDA PCAC peptide vote
Educational summary. Every effect described below is drawn from the cited published research and describes what was observed in research subjects — not a promise of results, a dose recommendation, or an endorsement for human use. Many peptides are not FDA-approved. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before making any health decision. Full disclaimer.

3 studies referenced · Last reviewed Oct 1, 2026 · Reviewed by The Peptide Dispatch Editorial Team · How we research & label content

TL;DR — GHRP-2 at a Glance

GHRP-2 is a compound with only early, small human studies so far. Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2, a synthetic ghrelin mimetic that stimulates GH release from the pituitary gland in humans; the response attenuated over 5 days of daily s.c. dosing.

Half-lifeNot established in published research
How it's given in studiesSubcutaneous injection
Research stagePhase 1 / early human
Dosing
Published research: Healthy young men: 100 µg subcutaneous once daily for 5 days (n=9)
detailsHealthy young men: 100 µg s.c. once daily for 5 days (n=9). The GH response attenuated and IGF-I did not rise (1998, Eur J Endocrinol). Continuous i.v. infusion was used in physiology studies (e.g., postmenopausal women, Norman 2013).
Community-reportedCommunity-reported: 100–300 mcg, subcutaneous injection

Published-research dosing is what was given in the cited studies (species and units as reported). Community-reported dosing is what users describe, not from clinical studies. Neither is a recommendation. Not medical advice.

Where each point comes from: Clinicalhuman trials and FDA labels   Lab / animalrodent, cell and ex vivo studies   Community-reporteduser experience and commonly used protocols, not from clinical studies

How It Works

In plain terms: It acts like the hunger hormone ghrelin to trigger growth hormone release. Ghrelin-receptor agonist (growth hormone secretagogue) that stimulates GH release in humans (Nijland 1998). In swine, GHRP-2 also raised ACTH and cortisol (Raun 1998).

Effects Reported in Research

How to read this: Each item below is an effect observed in research subjects in the cited studies — think of Dexter, our stand-in research subject. These are findings from the literature, not results you should expect, and not medical advice.

  • ClinicalStimulates GH release in humans; response attenuated over 5 days of daily s.c. dosing

What Users Report (Community, Not Clinical)

Commonly reported protocol

Community-reportedCommonly reported doses range from 100 to 300 mcg (subcutaneous injection). This is not a recommendation.

What users report

  • Community-reportedAppetite stimulation
  • Community-reportedImproved sleep
  • Community-reportedRecovery support
  • Community-reportedNeuroprotective

Side effects users report

  • Community-reportedIncreased hunger
  • Community-reportedProlactin increase
  • Community-reportedWater retention

Side effects reported in studies are listed separately below.

Community reports are anecdotal, vary widely in product quality and purity, and are not medical advice. Talk to a licensed provider.

Side Effects and Safety Notes

  • GH response attenuation with daily dosing (1998 Eur J Endocrinol, n=9)
  • Lab / animalIncreases ACTH/cortisol in animal models (Raun 1998, swine)

References

  1. A five day treatment with daily subcutaneous injections of growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 causes response attenuation and does not stimulate insulin-like growth factor-I secretion in healthy young men
    Nijland EA, Strasburger CJ, Popp-Snijders C, van der Wal PS, van der Veen EA. European journal of endocrinology. 1998. PMID: 9820615.
    Study type: Human, n=9, 100 µg s.c. daily x5 d.
    DOI: 10.1530/eje.0.1390395 · PubMed
  2. Estradiol regulates GH-releasing peptide's interactions with GH-releasing hormone and somatostatin in postmenopausal women
    Norman C, Rollene NL, Erickson D, Miles JM, Bowers CY, Veldhuis JD. European journal of endocrinology. 2014. PMID: 24114435.
    Study type: RCT, postmenopausal women n=24 (GHRP-2 i.v. infusion).
    DOI: 10.1530/EJE-13-0733 · PubMed
  3. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue
    Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, Thøgersen H, Madsen K, Ankersen M et al. European journal of endocrinology. 1998. PMID: 9849822.
    Study type: Rat/swine (GHRP-2 comparator).
    DOI: 10.1530/eje.0.1390552 · PubMed

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How GHRP-2 Compares

PeptideHalf-LifeRouteResearch Status
GHRP-2No published PK data foundSubcutaneous injectionPhase 1 / early human
CJC-1295 (no DAC)No published PK data foundSubcutaneous injectionPreclinical (animal)
CJC-1295 (with DAC)6-8 daysSubcutaneous injectionPhase 1 / early human
GHRP-6No published PK data foundSubcutaneous injectionPhase 1 / early human
HexarelinNo published PK data foundSubcutaneous injectionPhase 1 / early human

Values reflect figures reported in published research. Compare any peptides side-by-side →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GHRP-2?
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2, a synthetic ghrelin mimetic that stimulates GH release from the pituitary gland in humans; the response attenuated over 5 days of daily s.c. dosing.
How does GHRP-2 work?
In plain terms: It acts like the hunger hormone ghrelin to trigger growth hormone release. Ghrelin-receptor agonist (growth hormone secretagogue) that stimulates GH release in humans (Nijland 1998). In swine, GHRP-2 also raised ACTH and cortisol (Raun 1998).
What is the research status of GHRP-2?
GHRP-2 is at the following stage in the published literature: Phase 1 / early human. All information is for research and educational purposes only.
What is the half-life of GHRP-2?
Reported half-life: No published PK data found.
How is GHRP-2 administered in research?
Reported administration route in the literature: Subcutaneous injection. This is not a recommendation for human use.

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Category

This peptide belongs to the Growth Hormone category. View All Growth Hormone Peptides

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Sources & Methodology

Dosing, half-life figures, and mechanism descriptions on this page are compiled from peer-reviewed published research, with the species and study type stated where reported. Figures labeled “Dosing used in published research” describe what was given in those studies and do not constitute dosing recommendations for any human use. Each cited paper is listed with DOI and PubMed links in the References section above. Found an error? Contact us.

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