Synthetic hexapeptide acting via GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor). Stimulates GH release with concurrent cortisol and prolactin co-stimulation (unlike selective ipamorelin). Functions as ghrelin mimetic.
Research/pharmacology reference only. No FDA-approved therapeutic indication. WADA prohibited.
WADA-banned substance. Co-stimulates cortisol and prolactin. Patients with hypothalamic GHRH deficiency may have blunted responses.
Human pharmacology data confirmed. Total sample sizes very small (n=7, n=15, n=9). Benchmark for ipamorelin selectivity comparisons.
- 1.Laferrere et al., JCEM 2005 — GH plateau 36.4 mcg/L at 60 min. Food intake increased 35.9% (p=0.008). n=7, human pharmacology
- 2.Mericq et al., J Endocrinol 1997 — intranasal GHRP-2 in short-stature children: height velocity 3.7-6.1 cm/year at 6 months. n=15, human pharmacology
- 3.Pandya et al., JCEM 1998 — GHRH antagonist eliminated 82% of GH response (demonstrates GHRH dependence). n=9, human pharmacology
Total human sample sizes very small (max n=15). No therapeutic-intent Phase II/III. Cardioprotection data entirely preclinical.
Historical benchmark — largely superseded by ipamorelin for clinical use due to superior selectivity.