Skip to content

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
PreclinicalGrowth HormoneSubQ1–3x daily

GHRP-6

First-generation ghrelin-receptor hexapeptide that strongly stimulates GH and appetite, with modest cortisol/prolactin effects.

§ 01   Overview

Overview

First-generation ghrelin-receptor hexapeptide that strongly stimulates GH and appetite, with modest cortisol/prolactin effects.

Classic GHS. No FDA approval.

§ 02   Mechanism

Mechanism of action

GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide agonist of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). It produces robust GH release and notable hunger signaling via the same receptor.

  • 01GH pulse
  • 02Appetite stimulation (used for underweight patients anecdotally)

§ 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

Preclinical

Classic GHS. No FDA approval.

FDA Status

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

§ 06   News

In the news

1 article 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

Core Peptides

Broad catalog, widest payment range. Mid-credibility: Knoji 2.5/5 and one scam-impersonation report.

Third-Party Testing1 flag on record
Visit

Listings are informational, not endorsement. Verify credentials and flags against FDA and PCAB databases before purchasing. Full directory & how to verify →

§ 09   Safety

Safety & side effects

Side effects

  • 01Strong hunger
  • 02Cortisol and prolactin elevation
  • 03Flushing

Contraindications

None specified.

§ 10   Questions

GHRP-6 FAQ

What is GHRP-6?
First-generation ghrelin-receptor hexapeptide that strongly stimulates GH and appetite, with modest cortisol/prolactin effects. GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide agonist of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). It produces robust GH release and notable hunger signaling via the same receptor.
What is GHRP-6 used for?
Reported uses include gh pulse and appetite stimulation (used for underweight patients anecdotally). Evidence strength is rated Preclinical — see the evidence section for detail.
How is GHRP-6 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-6?
For GHRP-6, 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-6?
Commonly reported side effects include strong hunger, cortisol and prolactin elevation, and flushing. This list is not exhaustive.
Is GHRP-6 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..

§ 11   References

Selected references

  1. 01

    Bowers Endocrinology

    PMID: 6201310

  2. 02

    Smith Science — ghrelin receptor identification

    PMID: 8688086

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.