First synthetic GH-releasing peptide (His-DTrp-Ala-Trp-DPhe-Lys-NH2). Acts via GHS-R1a receptor. Discovery led to cloning of the ghrelin receptor and identification of ghrelin as its endogenous ligand.
Diagnostic use (GHRH+GHRP-6 test for adult GHD). Investigational stroke (Cuban CIGB program). Not for routine clinical use.
WADA-banned. Significant appetite stimulation. Cortisol and prolactin co-release.
Discovery compound for the entire GHS class. GHRH+GHRP-6 diagnostic test validated in multicenter studies. Cuban Phase I/II stroke trial is unique therapeutic-intent data.
- 1.Howard et al., Science 1996 / Kojima et al., Nature 1999 — foundational: first GHRP (Bowers), led to GHS-R1a cloning and ghrelin identification. Discovery
- 2.Popovic et al. — GHRH + GHRP-6 diagnostic test validated for adult GH deficiency diagnosis. Multicenter validation
- 3.Berlanga-Acosta et al., CIGB — IV dose-escalation Phase I: safe, no serious AEs. Oral bioavailability confirmed
- 4.Garcia del Barco et al., CIGB Phase I/II Stroke 2024 — GHRP-6 + EGF for acute ischemic stroke. Only therapeutic-intent human trial in GHRP family
No FDA-regulated therapeutic trials. All advanced therapeutic work conducted in Cuba (CIGB). Phase I/II stroke data not in top-tier Western journals.
Cuban CIGB Phase I/II stroke program (GHRP-6 + EGF) — only therapeutic-intent human trial in the GHRP family.