Informational only. Not medical advice.INFORMATIONAL PLATFORM ONLY — NOT MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT
Informational only. Not medical advice.INFORMATIONAL PLATFORM ONLY — NOT MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT
Head-to-head comparison of GHRP-2 and IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) — mechanism, side effects, legal status, and pricing.
GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist that stimulates pituitary growth hormone release. It is approved in Japan (Kaken Pharmaceutical, 2004) as a single-dose diagnostic agent for GH deficiency, but is NOT FDA-approved in the US and is research-only. Unlike ipamorelin, GHRP-2 is non-selective and modestly raises ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin.
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, a 70-amino-acid peptide hormone that mediates many of growth hormone's anabolic effects. Recombinant IGF-1 (mecasermin) is FDA-approved for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency; non-prescription 'research' use for muscle growth is off-label and unproven.
GHRP-2
IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)
Category
Legal Status
Mechanism
Half-life
Side Effects
COA-verified vendors · trust score ≥70 required · single-vial price — bulk/bundle deals may be lower
GHRP-2
IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)
No pricing data yet.
Check IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) prices →COA corpus from Disclosed Labs — independently tested batches only.
GHRP-2
13
COAs
99.3%
Avg purity
6
Labs
IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)
1
COAs
—
Avg purity
1
Labs
GHRP-2 is among peptides under FDA review for the Category 1 (503A) list; if added, it would require a prescription to be compounded by registered 503A/503B pharmacies — not yet authorized. IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) remains research-only. In April 2026 the FDA removed 12 peptides from Category 2, which does not place them on the Category 1 list or authorize compounding. The FDA's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee is advisory and meets July 23–24, 2026 to review nominations and make recommendations to the FDA.
GHRP-2 is approved in Japan (Kaken Pharmaceutical, 2004) as pralmorelin for single-dose diagnostic GH-stimulation testing; Chihara et al. (2007, PMID 17609397) validated a 100 mcg IV dose with a peak-GH <15 mcg/L cut-off against the insulin tolerance test. Arvat et al. (1997, PMID 9285939) showed GHRP-2 raises GH, prolactin, ACTH, and cortisol in healthy men, with hormonal effects similar to hexarelin. Laferrère et al. (2005, PMID 15699539) demonstrated that IV GHRP-2 significantly increases food intake in healthy men, consistent with its ghrelin-like activity. Pralmorelin review: Drugs R D 2004 (PMID 15230633). GHRP-2 is more potent than ipamorelin for raw GH output but is non-selective; grey-market anti-aging, muscle-gain, and performance use is not clinically validated in the US.
Key references
Strong endocrinology literature for deficiency states; performance/anti-aging use in healthy adults is not supported by controlled human trials and carries growth-signaling risk.
GHRP-2 and IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) are both in the Performance category and may have overlapping mechanisms. Researchers should review both profiles carefully, understand the mechanisms of action, and monitor the relevant biomarkers when combining compounds in the same class. As always, consult a licensed healthcare provider before making any decisions about combining research compounds.
This platform provides informational tools only, not medical advice. This comparison is for educational purposes only. Consult a licensed provider.
Contraindications
Lab Testing
Disclosed Labs