What is the difference between GHRP-2 and Ipamorelin?

GHRP-2: Synthetic hexapeptide that stimulates pulsatile growth hormone release from the anterior pituitary by acting on the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a). Ipamorelin: Ipamorelin binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a) and stimulates dose-dependent GH release with a clean hormonal profile.

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 Ipamorelin administered in research settings?

In research settings, Ipamorelin is typically administered via the subcutaneous route. PeptideBase does not provide dosing or administration instructions.

Home›Research›Compare›GHRP-2 vs Ipamorelin

Peptide Comparison

GHRP-2 vs Ipamorelin

Name: GHRP-2 vs Ipamorelin — 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 →

Ipamorelin

NNC 26-0161

PerformanceUnder clinical reviewResearch Only

Half-life: 2 hours

460 providers listed

Full Ipamorelin profile →

Bottom line

Ipamorelin carries stronger published evidence (RCT, 5 key studies) than GHRP-2 (Cohort study, 2); both are research compounds.

Quick Verdict

GHRP-2

Evidence

Observational

Half-life

15–60 minutes

Ipamorelin

Evidence

Emerging Clinical

Half-life

2 hours

Which One Should You Choose?

Your goal	Better option
Stronger clinical evidence	Ipamorelin
Less frequent dosing (longer half-life)	Ipamorelin
More provider options (41 vs 460)	Ipamorelin

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

Side-by-Side Comparison

GHRP-2

Ipamorelin

Mechanism Family

GH / IGF Axis

Half-life

15–60 minutes

2 hours

FDA Status

Under clinical review

Admin Routes

subcutaneous, intramuscular

subcutaneous

Availability

Research Only

Providers

41 listed

460 listed

FDA Update

Under clinical review

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.

Selective GH secretagogue pentapeptide. Phase 2 by Helsinn (postoperative ileus) discontinued for lack of efficacy. No FDA approval. Not on FDA 503A bulks list. Research chemical.

Research Evidence

GHRP-2

ObservationalCohort study · 2 key studies · most recent 2020

Ipamorelin

Emerging ClinicalRCT · 5 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

Ipamorelin

Review2026 · J Sports Med Phys Fitness

A new era of doping? Use of peptide and peptide-analog drugs in recreational and professional sport and bodyb…

Review2026 · Int J Mol Sci

Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications…

Review2026 · JBJS Rev

Injectable Peptides in Sports Medicine: A Structured Narrative Review of Evidence, Safety, and Antidoping Imp…

RCT2014 · International Journal of Colorectal Disease

Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the managem…

+1 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 Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a) and stimulates dose-dependent GH release with a clean hormonal profile. Unlike GHRP-6 or hexarelin, it does not significantly stimulate appetite-related pathways or cortisol secretion at standard research doses. This selectivity makes it a frequently studied peptide for protocols where hormonal side-effect profiles are a consideration.

Research Areas

selective GH release without cortisol or prolactin co-stimulationpulsatile GH secretion — synergistic with CJC-1295 in combination protocolslean mass support and fat metabolism via GH/IGF-1 axis modulationsubcutaneous injection 100–300 mcg; minimal receptor desensitization vs other GHRPs

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.

Ipamorelin

Absolute Contraindications

Under clinical review

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

Suggested Monitoring

IGF-1Fasting glucoseHbA1cInsulin

Research protocols routinely measure IGF-1 to track GH axis activity before and during use. Fasting glucose and insulin are monitored because GH elevation can reduce insulin sensitivity over time.

Regulatory Notes

global — WADA

This compound falls under WADA Prohibited List category S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics), prohibited at all times for competing athletes.

source

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.

Ipamorelin

CJC-1295
Research suggests Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 may produce enhanced growth hormone release effects when combined. CJC-1295 provides sustained GHRH receptor stimulation while Ipamorelin provides pulsatile ghrelin receptor stimulation — complementary pathways studied in GH secretion research.
Sermorelin
Research suggests Sermorelin and Ipamorelin may produce complementary growth hormone release effects when combined. Sermorelin acts as a GHRH analogue via pituitary receptors, while Ipamorelin acts via ghrelin receptors — dual-pathway stimulation studied in GH optimization research.
GLP-1 agonists
Research notes metabolic pathway overlap between growth hormone-releasing peptides and GLP-1 agonists. Both compound classes influence metabolic signaling; limited research has studied their combined effects. 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 →

Ipamorelin

$6.65/mg

$5.35 – $8.82 range

40 vendors

View price index →Find providers →

Find Providers

Where to source these peptides

Providers offering

GHRP-2

41 listed

Browse directory →

Providers offering

Ipamorelin

460 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 Ipamorelin — Per-mg Price Comparison. Retrieved July 29, 2026, from https://peptidebase.io/peptides/compare/ghrp-2/ipamorelin

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