Comparison
Exenatide vs. GHRP-2
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Metabolic
Growth
CAS no.
141758-74-9
158861-67-7
Molecular weight
4186.6 g/mol
817.93 g/mol
Half-life
2.4 h
0.5 h
Sequence
HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPSD-Ala-D-2-Naphthyl-Ala-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2Mechanism of action
Exenatide
Exenatide is a 39-amino-acid peptide with about 53% sequence homology to human GLP-1. A glycine substitution at position 2 prevents dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV cleavage and extends the half-life from native GLP-1 (minutes) to about 2.4 hours. GLP-1 receptor activation glucose-dependently stimulates insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon and delays gastric emptying.
GHRP-2
GHRP-2 binds with high affinity to the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a) in the pituitary and hypothalamus. Activation leads to rapid release of pulsatile growth hormone. Unlike GHRH, GHRP-2 acts via a separate pathway and can be combined synergistically with GHRH to elicit maximal GH responses in provocation tests.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human trial
Studies
5
4
of which in humans
4
4
Effects recorded
3
3
Open conflicts
1
0
Documented adverse events
2
1