CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin
Human trials (limited)GHRH analogue + selective GH secretagogue
CJC-1295 stimulates the pituitary GHRH receptor to raise growth hormone and IGF-1, shown in a small healthy-adult study; ipamorelin selectively activates the ghrelin receptor to release GH with fewer off-target hormonal effects in preclinical pharmacology. Long-term efficacy and safety data in humans, particularly for ageing-related use, do not exist.
Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂ (ipamorelin)
Neither compound is approved by FDA or EMA; both are sold as unapproved research chemicals and are prohibited in sport (WADA).
Primary sources
Ipamorelin
Human trials (limited)NNC 26-0161
A selective growth hormone secretagogue that triggers pulsatile GH release from pituitary somatotrophs. Early human pharmacokinetic work exists, but no long-term controlled outcome trials have been published.
Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Not approved by FDA or EMA. Prohibited in sport (WADA S2).
Primary sources
Sermorelin
Human RCTGRF(1-29)-NH2 · GHRH(1-29) · Geref
Binds the pituitary GHRH receptor to stimulate the body's own growth hormone synthesis and release. Controlled paediatric growth trials and ageing-adult endocrine studies were published in the 1980s and 1990s.
YADAIFTNSYRKVLGQLSARKLLQDIMSR-NH2
Formerly FDA-approved as Geref for growth hormone deficiency; discontinued in 2008. GHRH analogues are prohibited in sport (WADA S2).
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Hexarelin
Human trials (limited)Examorelin
A potent ghrelin-receptor agonist studied both for growth hormone release and for GH-independent protection of heart tissue in rodent ischaemia models. Human data are short-term endocrine studies only.
His-D-2-Me-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Not approved by FDA or EMA. Prohibited in sport (WADA S2).
Primary sources
GHRP-2
Human trials (limited)Pralmorelin · KP-102 · GPA-748
A ghrelin-mimetic secretagogue used diagnostically in Japan to provoke growth hormone release. Human studies also document a clear appetite-stimulating effect.
D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent for growth hormone stimulation testing only. Not FDA or EMA approved. Prohibited in sport (WADA S2).
Primary sources
GHRP-6
Human trials (limited)Growth hormone releasing peptide 6
The original synthetic hexapeptide secretagogue, still widely used as a pharmacological probe of the growth hormone axis. Human studies are short diagnostic and paediatric growth investigations from the 1990s.
His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Not approved by FDA or EMA. Prohibited in sport (WADA S2).
Primary sources
IGF-1 (mecasermin)
Approved drugrhIGF-1 · Increlex · somatomedin C
Recombinant human IGF-1, used when children cannot generate their own IGF-1 despite growth hormone. It is also the reference point for most claims about GH-related anabolic peptides.
GPETLCGAELVDALQFVCGDRGFYFNKPTGYGSSSRRAPQTGIVDECCFRSCDLRRLEMYCAPLKPAKSA
FDA-approved 2005 and EMA-approved (Increlex) for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency. Prohibited in sport (WADA S2).
Primary sources