Cagrilintide vs GHRP-2
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Cagrilintide
Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analog in development, showing promising results when combined with semaglutide (CagriSema). Amylin is a hormone co-secreted with insulin that promotes satiety.
Full details →GHRP-2
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2 (GHRP-2) is considered one of the most potent GHRPs available. It provides strong GH release with moderate hunger increase compared to GHRP-6.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Cagrilintide | GHRP-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 300 mcg–4.5 mg | 100 mcg–300 mcg |
| Frequency | Less than daily | 3x daily |
| Cycle Length | 26–68 weeks | 8–12 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Activates amylin receptors (calcitonin receptor with RAMP proteins) to slow gastric emptying, suppress glucagon secretion, and reduce food intake through central satiety mechanisms distinct from GLP-1. | Binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) to stimulate GH release from the pituitary. Also has some direct effects on the hypothalamus. Causes less appetite increase than GHRP-6. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical trials: 2.4mg weekly as monotherapy or in combination with semaglutide 2.4mg (CagriSema). Optimal dosing still being determined. | Typical dosing: 100-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily. Often stacked with GHRH peptides for enhanced GH release. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection once weekly. Currently only available in clinical trials - not yet FDA approved. | Subcutaneous injection on an empty stomach. Can be used at bedtime to enhance natural GH pulse during sleep. |
| Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation similar to other incretin-based therapies. Combination with semaglutide may increase GI effects initially. | Moderate hunger increase, water retention, potential prolactin and cortisol elevation (less than GHRP-6), tingling sensations. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Cagrilintide, GHRP-2 are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to GHRP-2:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Fat Loss: Cagrilintide has stronger research support.
| Goal | Cagrilintide | GHRP-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Loss | high | medium |
Key Studies
Cagrilintide
- Efficacy and safety of co-administered cagrilintide and semaglutide versus semaglutide alone in adults with overweight or obesity with or without type 2 diabetes in Japan and Taiwan (REDEFINE 5): a multicentre, randomised, active-controlled, phase 3a trial.
The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology, 2026
- A cross-species atlas of the dorsal vagal complex reveals neural mediators of the effects of cagrilintide on energy balance.
Nature metabolism, 2026
- Cagrilintide-Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.
The New England journal of medicine, 2025
GHRP-2
- On the road of dried blood spot sampling for antidoping tests: Detection of GHRP-2 abuse.
Drug testing and analysis, 2021
- Effects of GHRP-2 and Cysteamine Administration on Growth Performance, Somatotropic Axis Hormone and Muscle Protein Deposition in Yaks (Bos grunniens) with Growth Retardation.
PloS one, 2016
- Ghrelin receptor agonist, GHRP-2, produces antinociceptive effects at the supraspinal level via the opioid receptor in mice.
Peptides, 2014
Ready to Learn More?
Looking for trusted sources?