GHRP-2 (pralmorelin)

Not FDA-approved Evidence grade B — human randomised trials, not approved for that use Updated 2026-10-20

This page describes published research and public regulatory records. It is not medical advice. SoluneFit does not sell, supply, or recommend any compound. The SoluneFit app includes a private, on-device tracker for people who want a record of what they and their clinician have already decided — the app neither suggests compounds nor doses.

Also known as: pralmorelin, KP-102, GHRP Kaken 100, growth hormone releasing peptide-2.

Regulatory status

Not approved in the US (approved in Japan only as a single-use IV diagnostic for GH deficiency [1]). In 503A category 3 (nominated without adequate support) [5], so not compoundable from bulk under 503A; in 503B category 2 (significant safety risks) since 29 Sep 2023 for injectable and nasal routes [6]. FDA cited GHRP-2 in a 2019 compounding warning letter [7].

What it is

Growth hormone-releasing peptide; ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist; synthetic hexapeptide.

A synthetic six-amino-acid ghrelin-receptor agonist that strongly releases growth hormone. In Japan it is an approved prescription injection used once, IV, to diagnose GH deficiency. It is not approved in the US.

What the published research shows

Regulator-approved in Japan as a diagnostic (89 healthy subjects, 60 severe GHD patients in registration data); otherwise small human physiology studies (6-10 subjects).

Published human studies and reports (these describe trial populations, not SoluneFit claims):

Diagnosis of GH deficiency (Japanese label): Label: dissolve in 10 mL saline; adults 18+ 100 µg IV slowly, fasting; ages 4-17 2 µg/kg (100 µg above 50 kg). Blood GH sampled at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 min.
Endocrine profile in healthy adults (Arvat 1997): 1 and 2 µg/kg IV in 6 young adults: GH response larger than to GHRH; ACTH/cortisol release similar to CRH; prolactin release lower than TRH.
Food intake in healthy men (Laferrère 2005): SC infusion of 1 µg/kg/h for 270 min in 7 lean men: 35.9 % more eaten at a buffet meal than with saline.

Mechanism, as reported

Activates the ghrelin receptor, releasing GH (synergistically with GHRH) and, less selectively than ipamorelin, also raising ACTH/cortisol and prolactin. Like ghrelin it increases appetite.

Practical record

Elimination half-life: 0.5 h (confidence: medium). Elimination half-life (T1/2β) about 0.42-0.69 h after IV doses of 0.3-3.0 µg/kg in 18 healthy men (Japanese label); the app uses 0.5 h.
Studied routes: intravenous, subcutaneous, intranasal.
Typical supply: Japan: 100 µg vial for injection (Rx). Elsewhere sold as research-market lyophilised vials.
Reconstitution: Japanese label: dissolve in 10 mL normal saline just before use; stability confirmed for 24 h at room temperature after dissolving.

Safety signals on record

Reported adverse events: Label lists a feeling of warmth (16 %) as the most common reaction, plus nausea, abdominal discomfort, drowsiness, dizziness, sweating, hunger, headache, facial flushing and raised white-cell count. FDA cites reports of increased insulin needs, pancreatitis, infection and deaths in critically ill study subjects (causality not established).
Contraindications: Japanese label: contraindicated in pregnancy or possible pregnancy.
Interactions: Raises cortisol and may reduce insulin sensitivity; not studied together with other pituitary test agents (CRH, LH-RH, TRH).
Notes: WADA Prohibited List 2026 (in force 1 Jan 2026), S2.2.4 names 'GHRP-2 (pralmorelin)' among GH-releasing peptides, prohibited at all times (in and out of competition), non-specified. Increases hunger markedly.

Sources

General wellness education, not medical advice. Unapproved compounds have no established dosing, purity standard, or safety profile.

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