GHRP-2 vs Ipamorelin
Both act on the ghrelin receptor to release GH. Ipamorelin was developed as the selective member of the family, with little effect on cortisol and prolactin in early studies; GHRP-2 is more potent but less selective.
GHRP-2
A synthetic hexapeptide growth-hormone-releasing peptide that acts on the ghrelin receptor and is used in some countries as a diagnostic test of GH reserve.
BEST STUDIED FOR
GH secretagogues
Read the cited profile →
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide that selectively binds the growth-hormone-secretagogue receptor (the ghrelin receptor).
BEST STUDIED FOR
Selective GH-pulse research
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Side by side · to buy
Price, purity and dispatch
| Compare | GHRP-2 | Ipamorelin10mg |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — | R489 |
| Cost per mg | — | R48.9 / mg |
| Purity (Janoshik) | — | 99.763%HPLC, published |
| Stock | — | Restocking |
| Dispatch | — | When restocked |
| Certificate | — | View CoA → |
| Literature | — | 3 papers → |
| Research focus | GH secretagogues | Selective GH-pulse research |
| Read the cited profile | Notify me |
Prices are read live from the catalogue. Cost per mg is the vial price over its stated mg. Purity is shown only where the certificate is published. Every compound is supplied for laboratory research only.
SIDE BY SIDE
| GHRP-2 | Ipamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| The key difference | Also raises cortisol and prolactin | Selective — little effect on cortisol or prolactin |
| Class | GH secretagogues | GH secretagogues |
| Mechanism | GHRP-2 (D-Ala-D-β-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) is a ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist with no structural homology to GHRH. | Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide that selectively binds the growth-hormone-secretagogue receptor (the ghrelin receptor). |
| Status | Used clinically in Japan as a GH-reserve stimulation test; otherwise unapproved. Detected and banned in sport. | Investigational ghrelin-receptor agonist; reached clinical trials for post-operative ileus but was not approved. |
| Reported safety signals | Diagnostic-test literature reports it as well tolerated in single-dose testing. It is not selective: secondary rises in cortisol and prolactin are documented across the GHRP class. | Clinical-trial exposure is limited to short courses; no long-term human safety data. |
| A key study | A development profile of pralmorelin, a synthetic growth-hormone-releasing peptide developed by Polygen and Tulane University. (Drugs R D 2004, PMID 15230633) | The characterisation study describing ipamorelin as the first GH secretagogue to release growth hormone with a selectivity comparable to GHRH in animals. (Eur J Endocrinol 1998, PMID 9849822) |
WHEN TO RESEARCH WHICH
Choose GHRP-2 where maximal GH release is the variable; ipamorelin where off-target ACTH/cortisol and prolactin effects would confound results. Both are discussed here strictly as research compounds; nothing on this page is medical advice or a dosing guide.
REFERENCES (PUBMED)
- [GHRP-2] Pralmorelin: GHRP 2, GPA 748, growth hormone-releasing peptide 2, KP-102 D, KP-102 LN, KP-102D, KP-102LN — Drugs R D 2004. PMID 15230633
- [GHRP-2] Clinical Usefulness of the Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide-2 Test for Hypothalamic-Pituitary Disorder — J Endocr Soc 2022. PMID 35795807
- [GHRP-2] Determination of growth hormone secretagogue pralmorelin (GHRP-2) and its metabolite in human urine by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry — Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2010. PMID 20552695
- [Ipamorelin] Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue — Eur J Endocrinol 1998. PMID 9849822
- [Ipamorelin] The growth hormone secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decrease in bone formation — Growth Horm IGF Res 2001. PMID 11735244
- [Ipamorelin] Growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a agonists, anamorelin and ipamorelin, inhibit cisplatin-induced weight loss — Physiol Behav 2024. PMID 39043357
FREQUENTLY ASKED
What is the difference between GHRP-2 and Ipamorelin?
Both act on the ghrelin receptor to release GH. Ipamorelin was developed as the selective member of the family, with little effect on cortisol and prolactin in early studies; GHRP-2 is more potent but less selective.
What is the regulatory status of GHRP-2 and Ipamorelin?
GHRP-2: Used clinically in Japan as a GH-reserve stimulation test; otherwise unapproved. Detected and banned in sport. Ipamorelin: Investigational ghrelin-receptor agonist; reached clinical trials for post-operative ileus but was not approved.
What safety signals have been reported?
GHRP-2: Diagnostic-test literature reports it as well tolerated in single-dose testing. It is not selective: secondary rises in cortisol and prolactin are documented across the GHRP class. Ipamorelin: Clinical-trial exposure is limited to short courses; no long-term human safety data.
Which studies is this comparison based on?
For GHRP-2: “Pralmorelin: GHRP 2, GPA 748, growth hormone-releasing peptide 2, KP-102 D, KP-102 LN, KP-102D, KP-102LN” (PMID 15230633); “Clinical Usefulness of the Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide-2 Test for Hypothalamic-Pituitary Disorder” (PMID 35795807); “Determination of growth hormone secretagogue pralmorelin (GHRP-2) and its metabolite in human urine by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry” (PMID 20552695). For Ipamorelin: “Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue” (PMID 9849822); “The growth hormone secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decrease in bone formation” (PMID 11735244); “Growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a agonists, anamorelin and ipamorelin, inhibit cisplatin-induced weight loss” (PMID 39043357).
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