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FDA Category 2 · restricted from compounding

This compound is on the FDA’s interim Section 503A Category 2 bulks list and cannot be legally compounded by US pharmacies. An HHS announcement in February 2026 signaled intent to restore several peptides to Category 1, but no Federal Register action has been published. Check the FDA PCAC schedule for updates.

Read the full regulatory context
ClinicalGrowth HormoneSubQ1–3x daily

GHRP-2

Pralmorelin · KP-102

Potent synthetic ghrelin receptor agonist hexapeptide approved in Japan (2006) as a GH-deficiency diagnostic.

§ 01   Overview

Overview

Potent synthetic ghrelin receptor agonist hexapeptide approved in Japan (2006) as a GH-deficiency diagnostic.

Approved in Japan for GHD diagnosis. Extensive PK studies.

§ 02   Mechanism

Mechanism of action

GHRP-2 is a GHS-R1a agonist that triggers a robust GH pulse from the pituitary. It also raises appetite via central ghrelin signaling and has modest prolactin/cortisol effects.

  • 01Strong GH pulse
  • 02Approved in Japan as diagnostic for GH deficiency

§ 03   Dosing

Dosing protocol

Standard Protocol

Vial
5 mg
BAC Water
2 ml BAC water
Dose Range
100 – 300 mcg per dose
Route
SubQ
Frequency
1–3x daily
Cycle
8–12 weeks

§ 04   Evidence

Evidence & research

Clinical

Approved in Japan for GHD diagnosis. Extensive PK studies.

FDA Status

Not FDA-approved. On FDA 503A Category 2 bulks list (2023).

§ 06   News

In the news

3 articles from the last 12 months · updates hourly

§ 07   Sourcing

Sourcing & supply

Regulatory status

Restricted from compounding

Placed on the FDA's 503A Category 2 list and cannot be lawfully compounded in the US. No brand pharmacy alternative exists. US buyers encounter only research-use-only (RUO) channels, which the FDA's Intended Use Doctrine treats as unapproved drug sales.

Research-use-only · 1

Research-use-only

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§ 09   Safety

Safety & side effects

Side effects

  • 01Hunger / appetite increase
  • 02Mild cortisol and prolactin elevation
  • 03Flushing

Contraindications

None specified.

§ 10   Questions

GHRP-2 FAQ

What is GHRP-2?
Potent synthetic ghrelin receptor agonist hexapeptide approved in Japan (2006) as a GH-deficiency diagnostic. GHRP-2 is a GHS-R1a agonist that triggers a robust GH pulse from the pituitary. It also raises appetite via central ghrelin signaling and has modest prolactin/cortisol effects.
What is GHRP-2 used for?
Reported uses include strong gh pulse and approved in japan as diagnostic for gh deficiency. Evidence strength is rated Clinical — see the evidence section for detail.
How is GHRP-2 dosed?
Commonly referenced dosing is 100 – 300 mcg per dose, typically 1–3x daily, administered SubQ. This is educational reference only; consult a licensed clinician before use.
How do you reconstitute GHRP-2?
For GHRP-2, vials commonly come in 5 mg and a common reconstitution is 2 ml BAC water. Use the reconstitution calculator to convert any vial size and water volume into exact insulin-syringe units.
What are the side effects of GHRP-2?
Commonly reported side effects include hunger / appetite increase, mild cortisol and prolactin elevation, and flushing. This list is not exhaustive.
Is GHRP-2 legal?
Placed on the FDA's 503A Category 2 list and cannot be lawfully compounded in the US. No brand pharmacy alternative exists. US buyers encounter only research-use-only (RUO) channels, which the FDA's Intended Use Doctrine treats as unapproved drug sales. FDA status: Not FDA-approved. On FDA 503A Category 2 bulks list (2023)..

§ 11   References

Selected references

  1. 01

    Bowers Endocrinology

    PMID: 6201310

  2. 02

    Laferrère — meal and GHRP-2

    PMID: 15705920

This site is for educational and research purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide or supplement.