System Entry • 4/5/2026
GHRP-6, GHRP-2, and Ipamorelin: GH Secretagogue Research Landscape
Ghrelin-receptor agonists vs selective secretagogues: how GHRP peptides and ipamorelin differ in receptor selectivity and research trade-offs.
### Ghrelin receptor pathway
GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 are synthetic **growth hormone–releasing peptides** that activate the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on pituitary somatotrophs, provoking GH release. Older GHRP generations may raise **prolactin** or **cortisol** in some models—researchers weigh those off-targets when designing studies.
### Ipamorelin’s selectivity
Ipamorelin is often described as a **more selective** secretagogue in literature, with reduced impact on prolactin and ACTH/cortisol axes compared with earlier GHRPs—making it a common comparator in pituitary research.
### Choosing a research tool
Selection depends on your model: pulse dynamics, off-target sensitivity, and pairing with GHRH analogs (see /blog/cjc-1295-ipamorelin-mechanism).
### RUO
Not for human consumption. Laboratory research only.
*GHRP-6, GHRP-2, and ipamorelin are listed in our catalog for research procurement.*


