What is the difference between GHRP-2 and MGF?

GHRP-2: Synthetic hexapeptide that stimulates pulsatile growth hormone release from the anterior pituitary by acting on the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a). MGF: Splice variant of IGF-1; acts locally at site of muscle damage to activate satellite cells (muscle stem cells) for repair and hypertrophy

Is GHRP-2 FDA approved?

GHRP-2 is not FDA approved and restricted from compounding. It is discussed for research and educational purposes only, not as medical guidance.

MGF is not evaluated or approved by the FDA. It is discussed for research and educational purposes only, not as medical guidance.

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 MGF administered in research settings?

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

Home›Research›Compare›GHRP-2 vs MGF

Peptide Comparison

GHRP-2 vs MGF

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

Both are GH / IGF Axis peptides.

GHRP-2

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2

PerformanceBanned from CompoundingResearch Only

Half-life: 15–60 minutes

42 providers listed

Full GHRP-2 profile →

MGF

Mechano Growth Factor

PerformanceNot EvaluatedResearch Only

Half-life: Minutes (rapidly degraded; PEG-MGF for extended action)

15 providers listed

Full MGF profile →

Bottom line

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

Quick Verdict

GHRP-2

Evidence

Observational

Half-life

15–60 minutes

MGF

Evidence

Preclinical

Half-life

Minutes (rapidly degraded; PEG-MGF for extended action)

Which One Should You Choose?

Your goal	Better option
Stronger clinical evidence	GHRP-2
More provider options (42 vs 15)	GHRP-2

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

Side-by-Side Comparison

GHRP-2

MGF

Mechanism Family

GH / IGF Axis

Half-life

15–60 minutes

Minutes (rapidly degraded; PEG-MGF for extended action)

FDA Status

banned from compounding

not evaluated

Admin Routes

subcutaneous, intramuscular

intramuscular

Availability

Research Only

Providers

42 listed

15 listed

FDA Update

Sep 2023

—

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.

Non-PEGylated IGF-1 splice variant (Mechano Growth Factor). No FDA approval. WADA prohibited. Not on any FDA list. Research chemical only.

Research Evidence

GHRP-2

ObservationalCohort study · 2 key studies · most recent 2020

MGF

PreclinicalReview · 2 key studies · dated evidence base — most recent 2011

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

MGF

In vitro2011 · Mechanisms of Ageing and Development

Mechano Growth Factor E peptide (MGF-E), derived from an isoform of IGF-1, activates human muscle progenitor…

Review2010 · Endocrinology

Minireview: Mechano-growth factor: a putative product of IGF-I gene expression involved in tissue repair and…

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 MGF

Splice variant of IGF-1; acts locally at site of muscle damage to activate satellite cells (muscle stem cells) for repair and hypertrophy

Research Areas

muscle satellite cell activation following mechanical loadingautocrine/paracrine local muscle repair signal (distinct from systemic IGF-1)progenitor cell proliferation and fusion enhancement in vitroPEG-MGF variant extends half-life for research applications — no human clinical data for either form

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.

MGF

Absolute Contraindications

Under clinical review

Being verified by our medical team before we display contraindications 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

$5.90/mg

$3.90 – $8.00 range

27 vendors

View price index →Find providers →

MGF

Not enough vendor pricing yet.

Find Providers

Where to source these peptides

Providers offering

GHRP-2

42 listed

Browse directory →

Providers offering

MGF

15 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 22, 2026

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

PeptideBase. (2026). GHRP-2 vs MGF — Per-mg Price Comparison. Retrieved July 22, 2026, from https://peptidebase.io/peptides/compare/ghrp-2/mgf

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