What is the difference between GHRP-6 and IGF-1?

GHRP-6: Ghrelin receptor agonist; stimulates pituitary GH release and increases appetite via hypothalamic ghrelin pathways 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-6 administered in research settings?

In research settings, GHRP-6 is typically administered via the subcutaneous or intranasal 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-6 vs IGF-1

Peptide Comparison

GHRP-6 vs IGF-1

Name: GHRP-6 vs IGF-1 — Per-mg Price Comparison
Creator: PeptideBase
License: https://peptidebase.io/terms

Both are GH / IGF Axis peptides.

GHRP-6

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6

PerformanceUnder clinical reviewResearch Only

Half-life: 15-60 minutes

39 providers listed

Full GHRP-6 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-6 is banned from compounding — the clearest structural difference between them.

Quick Verdict

GHRP-6

Half-life

15-60 minutes

IGF-1

Half-life

—

Which One Should You Choose?

Your goal	Better option
Stronger clinical evidence	IGF-1
Further along in FDA review	IGF-1
Lower typical price per mg	GHRP-6
More provider options (39 vs 21)	GHRP-6

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

Side-by-Side Comparison

GHRP-6

IGF-1

Mechanism Family

GH / IGF Axis

Half-life

15-60 minutes

—

FDA Status

Under clinical review

approved

Admin Routes

subcutaneous, intranasal

subcutaneous, intramuscular

Availability

Research Only

Providers

39 listed

21 listed

FDA Update

Under clinical review

Aug 2005

Avail. Notes

Hexapeptide GH secretagogue. No FDA approval. Listed on the FDA Category 2 'significant safety risks' bulk-substances list (503B designation, added September 2023). WADA prohibited. Historical Phase 2 trials (Theratechnologies) but abandoned. Research chemical.

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

Research Evidence

GHRP-6

Review · 1 key study · dated evidence base — most recent 1997

IGF-1

Cohort study · 1 key study · most recent 2026

Research Citations

GHRP-6

Review1997 · European Journal of Endocrinology

Growth hormone-releasing peptides

IGF-1

Cohort2026 · Pituitary

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

About GHRP-6

Ghrelin receptor agonist; stimulates pituitary GH release and increases appetite via hypothalamic ghrelin pathways

Research Areas

GH release via GHS-R1a agonism — synergistic with GHRHpronounced appetite stimulation (ghrelin-mimetic effect)muscle recovery and GH pulse amplificationco-stimulation of cortisol and prolactin — less selective than ipamorelin

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-6

Absolute Contraindications

Under clinical review

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

Suggested Monitoring

IGF-1Fasting glucoseHbA1cCortisolInsulin

GHRP-6 produces stronger cortisol and prolactin stimulation than selective GH peptides. Research protocols measure IGF-1 for GH axis response and baseline cortisol. 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-6

Corticosteroids
Research notes that GHRP-6 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-6

$4.60/mg

$3.18 – $6.65 range

20 vendors

View price index →Find providers →

IGF-1

$54.33/mg

$29.30 – $73.44 range

8 vendors

View price index →Find providers →

Find Providers

Where to source these peptides

Providers offering

GHRP-6

39 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 August 26, 2026

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

PeptideBase. (2026). GHRP-6 vs IGF-1 — Per-mg Price Comparison. Retrieved September 12, 2026, from https://peptidebase.io/peptides/compare/ghrp-6/igf-1

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