What is the difference between GHRP-2 and IGF-1?

GHRP-2: Synthetic hexapeptide that stimulates pulsatile growth hormone release from the anterior pituitary by acting on the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a). IGF-1: Binds IGF-1R with high affinity, activating PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways promoting protein synthesis, satellite cell activation, and glucose uptake.

Is IGF-1 FDA approved?

IGF-1 is FDA approved (FDA status current as of 2005-08-30). This regulatory status is provided for research and educational context only.

How is GHRP-2 administered in research settings?

In research settings, GHRP-2 is typically administered via the subcutaneous or intramuscular routes. PeptideBase does not provide dosing or administration instructions.

How is IGF-1 administered in research settings?

In research settings, IGF-1 is typically administered via the subcutaneous or intramuscular routes. PeptideBase does not provide dosing or administration instructions.

Home›Research›Compare›GHRP-2 vs IGF-1

Peptide Comparison

GHRP-2 vs IGF-1

Name: GHRP-2 vs IGF-1 — Per-mg Price Comparison
Creator: PeptideBase
License: https://peptidebase.io/terms

Both are GH / IGF Axis peptides.

GHRP-2

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2

PerformanceUnder clinical reviewResearch Only

Half-life: 15–60 minutes

41 providers listed

Full GHRP-2 profile →

IGF-1

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1

PerformanceFDA ApprovedResearch Only

21 providers listed

Full IGF-1 profile →

Bottom line

IGF-1 is FDA-approved, while GHRP-2 is banned from compounding — the clearest structural difference between them.

Quick Verdict

GHRP-2

Evidence

Observational

Half-life

15–60 minutes

IGF-1

Evidence

Emerging Clinical

Half-life

—

Which One Should You Choose?

Your goal	Better option
Stronger clinical evidence	IGF-1
Further along in FDA review	IGF-1
More provider options (41 vs 21)	GHRP-2

Research summary only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified provider before making any decisions.

Side-by-Side Comparison

GHRP-2

IGF-1

Mechanism Family

GH / IGF Axis

Half-life

15–60 minutes

—

FDA Status

Under clinical review

approved

Admin Routes

subcutaneous, intramuscular

Availability

Research Only

Providers

41 listed

21 listed

FDA Update

Under clinical review

Aug 2005

Avail. Notes

Approved for diagnostic GH stimulation testing in Japan (Kaken Pharma) but NOT FDA-approved. Listed on the FDA Category 2 'significant safety risks' bulk-substances list (503B designation, added September 2023). WADA prohibited. Research chemical in US.

FDA-approved: Increlex (mecasermin, recombinant human IGF-1), Drugs@FDA application 021839.

Research Evidence

GHRP-2

ObservationalCohort study · 2 key studies · most recent 2020

IGF-1

Emerging ClinicalCohort study · 6 key studies · most recent 2026

Research Citations

GHRP-2

Cohort2020 · Endocrine Journal

Preoperative growth hormone (GH) peak values during a GH releasing peptide-2 test reflect the severity of hyp…

Review2014 · Neurologia Medico-Chirurgica

Adult growth hormone deficiency: current concepts

IGF-1

Cohort2007 · Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism

Long-term treatment with recombinant insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I in children with severe IGF-I deficie…

Cohort2026 · World J Microbiol Biotechnol

Efficient in vivo removal of solubility tag to improve the bacterial production of soluble, bioactive human I…

Cohort2026 · World J Microbiol Biotechnol

Efficient in vivo removal of solubility tag to improve the bacterial production of soluble, bioactive human I…

Cohort2026 · Pituitary

Speckle-tracking echocardiography reveals the synergistic impact of GH/IGF-1 excess and metabolic dysregulati…

+2 more

About GHRP-2

Synthetic hexapeptide that stimulates pulsatile growth hormone release from the anterior pituitary by acting on the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a). Commonly stacked with GHRH analogs such as CJC-1295 or Sermorelin to amplify GH output synergistically.

Research Areas

potent GH release via GHS-R1a agonismco-stimulation of cortisol and prolactin (non-selective profile)synergistic GH amplification when combined with GHRH analogsvalidated diagnostic GH stimulation agent (Japan clinical use)

About IGF-1

Binds IGF-1R with high affinity, activating PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways promoting protein synthesis, satellite cell activation, and glucose uptake. Much shorter half-life (~15 min) than the LR3 analog (~20-30 hr) due to binding protein interactions.

Research Areas

muscle growthrecoveryfat metabolismtissue repairGH axis

Safety Profile

Information below reflects published research data only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified provider before use.

GHRP-2

Absolute Contraindications

Under clinical review

Being verified by our medical team before we display contraindications for this peptide.

Suggested Monitoring

IGF-1Fasting glucoseHbA1cCortisolInsulin

GHRP-2 stimulates GH and cortisol release. Research protocols measure IGF-1 for GH axis response and baseline cortisol given the compound's adrenal stimulation. Glucose markers are standard given GH's effect on insulin sensitivity.

IGF-1

Absolute Contraindications

Under clinical review

Being verified by our medical team before we display contraindications for this peptide.

Suggested Monitoring

Under clinical review

Being verified by our medical team before we display monitoring guidance for this peptide.

Used Together?

GHRP-2

Corticosteroids
Research notes that GHRP-2 stimulates cortisol and ACTH release via the HPA axis. Combined use with corticosteroid medications may affect glucocorticoid regulation. Consult your prescriber before combining.

Price (per mg)

GHRP-2

$6.00/mg

$4.00 – $9.00 range

12 vendors

View price index →Find providers →

IGF-1

Not enough vendor pricing yet.

Find Providers

Where to source these peptides

Providers offering

GHRP-2

41 listed

Browse directory →

Providers offering

IGF-1

21 listed

Browse directory →

PeptideBase lists providers for educational research purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before obtaining or using any peptide.

More GH / IGF Axis Comparisons

Browse all peptides →

Educational research tools — not medical advice.

Cite this page

Data last updated July 27, 2026

Free to reference and republish with attribution to PeptideBase. Choose a format:

PeptideBase. (2026). GHRP-2 vs IGF-1 — Per-mg Price Comparison. Retrieved July 29, 2026, from https://peptidebase.io/peptides/compare/ghrp-2/igf-1

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