Comparison
GHRP-2 vs. Sermorelin
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Growth
Growth
CAS no.
158861-67-7
86168-78-7
Molecular weight
817.93 g/mol
3358 g/mol
Half-life
0.5 h
0.2 h
Sequence
D-Ala-D-2-Naphthyl-Ala-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2YADAIFTNSYRKVLGQLSARKLLQDIMSRMechanism of action
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.
Sermorelin
Synthetic analogue of the first 29 amino acids of human growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Stimulates pulsatile endogenous growth-hormone secretion from the pituitary via the GHRH receptor. Very short plasma half-life — pharmacodynamic effect lasts several hours nevertheless.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human RCT
Studies
4
5
of which in humans
4
3
Effects recorded
3
3
Open conflicts
0
1
Documented adverse events
1
3
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between GHRP-2 and Sermorelin?
- GHRP-2 is classified as "Growth", while Sermorelin is classified as "Growth". GHRP-2: Synthetic hexapeptide of the GH secretagogue family. Approved in Japan as GHRP Kaken as a diagnostic test for GH deficiency. Not available as a medicine outside Japan. Sermorelin: Synthetic analogue of the first 29 amino acids of human GHRH. Stimulates pulsatile growth-hormone secretion from the pituitary. Formerly FDA-approved as Geref Diagnostic, now withdrawn in many markets — compounding and research use dominate. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, GHRP-2 or Sermorelin?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for GHRP-2 and "Human RCT" for Sermorelin. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of GHRP-2 and Sermorelin in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: GHRP-2 — Unapproved, Sermorelin — Unapproved. United States: GHRP-2 — Unapproved, Sermorelin — Research only. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.