GHRP-2 Research Peptide — Scientific Overview
GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2; also known as KP 102 or Pralmorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide that functions as an agonist at the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) to stimulate growth hormone secretion. Developed following earlier GHRP research by Cyril Bowers and colleagues, GHRP-2 demonstrated superior GH-stimulatory potency compared to the original GHRP-1 compound. It has been studied extensively in pharmacological characterization studies and advanced into clinical trials by Kaken Pharmaceutical Company in Japan.
GHRP-2 is one of the most potent ghrelin receptor agonists in the GHRP class, producing strong GH secretion in both animal and human research subjects. Unlike Ipamorelin, which is highly selective for GH release, GHRP-2 also produces significant co-stimulation of cortisol and prolactin secretion — making it less selective but useful for research specifically investigating GHS-R1a pharmacology or comparing GHRP selectivity profiles across compounds. GHRP-2 has received regulatory approval in Japan (as Pralmorelin; Macimorelin precursor) as a diagnostic tool for GH deficiency testing.
Research Background
Published research with GHRP-2 includes extensive pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characterization, comparison studies with other GHRPs (GHRP-6, Ipamorelin, Hexarelin), combination studies with GHRH analogs, and clinical research in GH-deficient and elderly subjects. It is used as a diagnostic agent in Japan for GH deficiency assessment and has generated significant data on GHS-R1a biology.
Key Research Areas
- GHS-R1a Pharmacology: Ghrelin receptor binding, selectivity, and signaling pathway studies
- GH Secretion Research: Potent GH stimulation and pulse pharmacodynamics in research models
- GHRP Comparative Research: Selectivity comparison studies across GHRP class (GH vs cortisol vs prolactin)
- Pituitary Research: Somatotroph stimulation and GH secretion mechanism studies
- Diagnostic Research: GH deficiency provocative testing protocols
- GH/Cortisol Interplay Research: Co-stimulation of multiple pituitary hormones via GHS-R1a
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sequence | D-Ala-D-β-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 817.0 Da |
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC-verified) |
| Form | Lyophilized powder, sealed under argon |
| Storage | −20°C (long-term) |
| Documentation | Batch-specific COA (HPLC + Mass Spec) |
Storage & Handling (Research Laboratories)
Lyophilized GHRP-2 should be stored at −20°C for long-term preservation, protected from light and moisture. For short-term active research use, 4°C storage is acceptable for up to approximately 4 weeks. Minimize repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Follow standard laboratory peptide reconstitution and handling protocols for all experimental use.
