GHRP-2 vs Mod GRF 1-29

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.

GHRP-2 (growth hormone-releasing peptide-2; pralmorelin; KP-102) is a synthetic hexapeptide (D-Ala-D-2Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) and potent ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist developed as a GH secretagogue with established efficacy in stimulating pulsatile GH release from pituitary somatotrophs, characterized by potent GH stimulation alongside non-selective co-stimulation of cortisol and prolactin secretion. As a first-generation GHRP, GHRP-2 achieves its GH-secretory effect through direct GHS-R1a agonism with amplification by endogenous GHRH; it is distinguished from later selective GHRPs such as ipamorelin by its non-selective endocrine profile, and synergistic GH stimulation is observed when combined with GHRH analogs in diagnostic protocols. GHRP-2 has been validated as a diagnostic agent for the GHRP-2 stimulation test used in Japan to assess GH secretion capacity in adults with suspected hypopituitarism or post-surgical pituitary dysfunction, with published human clinical data supporting its reliability as a GH stimulation tool in endocrine diagnostic practice. GHRP-2 has no FDA approval for any therapeutic or diagnostic indication in the United States; it is used diagnostically in Japan and as a research compound elsewhere, with no approved indication for GH enhancement, performance, or anti-aging applications, and its non-selective endocrine stimulation profile represents a relevant consideration versus more selective GH secretagogues. GHRP-2 dosage in research contexts: doses of 100–300 mcg per subcutaneous injection are documented across research protocols, typically administered 2–3 times daily. Co-administration with a GHRH analog (such as CJC-1295 or sermorelin) produces synergistic GH release and is studied in combination protocols for this reason. Administration is by subcutaneous injection following reconstitution with bacteriostatic water. GHRP-2 vs GHRP-6 vs ipamorelin: GHRP-2 produces potent GH release but with co-stimulation of cortisol and prolactin, similar to GHRP-6. The key distinguishing feature of GHRP-6 is stronger appetite stimulation (ghrelin-like effect); GHRP-2 produces less appetite stimulation with comparable or slightly greater GH output per dose. Both are non-selective compared to ipamorelin, which was developed specifically to achieve GH stimulation without the cortisol and prolactin co-elevation that characterizes first-generation GHRPs. For research contexts prioritizing GH selectivity, ipamorelin is generally preferred; GHRP-2 is used where its diagnostic validation and potent GH stimulation profile are the research objectives.

Modified GHRH analog; binds GHRH receptors with improved stability to produce physiological GH pulses when combined with a GHRP

Mod-GRF 1-29 (also designated CJC-1293 without DAC, or tetrasubstituted GHRH[1-29]) is a synthetic analogue of the first 29 amino acids of growth hormone-releasing hormone, modified at four positions including substitution of norleucine at position 27 to improve proteolytic stability and extend the effective half-life of native GHRH 1-29, thereby producing more sustained pituitary GH stimulation per dose. Like endogenous GHRH, it acts through GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs to stimulate cAMP-mediated GH synthesis and secretion, and is administered to mimic the hypothalamic pulse signal that drives GH release and downstream IGF-1 axis activity. Modified GHRH 1-29 analogues sharing the core amino acid substitutions of Mod-GRF 1-29, specifically [Nle27]GHRH(1-29)-NH2, have been administered to humans in controlled studies that documented sustained GH and IGF-1 axis effects with endocrine, metabolic, and immune endpoints characterized in age-advanced subjects. Mod-GRF 1-29 has not received FDA approval; the related compound sermorelin (unmodified GHRH 1-29) was previously FDA-approved for pediatric GH deficiency but was withdrawn by its manufacturer, and Mod-GRF 1-29 is an investigational compound not approved for any clinical indication. Naming note — Mod GRF 1-29 vs CJC-1295: the research compound marketplace uses several overlapping names for this compound. "Mod GRF 1-29" and "CJC-1295 without DAC" refer to the same tetrasubstituted GHRH(1-29) peptide. "CJC-1295 with DAC" (or simply "CJC-1295" in most clinical protocol contexts) is a different compound — it includes a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) linker that enables albumin binding and produces a dramatically extended half-life (~8 days vs ~30 minutes for Mod GRF 1-29). CJC-1295 with DAC is used as an infrequent injection (weekly or biweekly) while Mod GRF 1-29 / CJC-1295 without DAC is used at each injection session, typically immediately before or alongside a GHRP such as ipamorelin to maximally leverage the GH pulse window. Dosage in research protocols: Mod GRF 1-29 is typically used at 100 mcg per injection alongside ipamorelin or another GHRP, administered 2–3 times daily or immediately before sleep to align with natural GH secretion peaks. Subcutaneous injection after reconstitution with bacteriostatic water is the standard route. Provider availability for Mod GRF 1-29 and CJC-1295 compounds is listed in the PeptideBase directory.