GHRP-2 vs IGF-1 LR3
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
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 →IGF-1 LR3
IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 Insulin-like Growth Factor-1) is a modified version of IGF-1 with extended half-life and enhanced potency. The modifications prevent binding to IGF binding proteins, increasing bioavailability.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | GHRP-2 | IGF-1 LR3 |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 100 mcg–300 mcg | 20 mcg–100 mcg |
| Frequency | 3x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 8–12 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | 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. | Binds to IGF-1 receptors to promote protein synthesis, muscle growth, and fat metabolism. The LR3 modification (13 amino acid extension and arginine substitution) extends half-life from minutes to 20-30 hours. |
| Typical Dosage | Typical dosing: 100-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily. Often stacked with GHRH peptides for enhanced GH release. | Research protocols typically use 20-100mcg daily, often divided into multiple injections or administered bilaterally to target muscles. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection on an empty stomach. Can be used at bedtime to enhance natural GH pulse during sleep. | Intramuscular injection (site-specific growth) or subcutaneous for systemic effects. Often cycled 4-6 weeks on, equal time off. |
| Side Effects | Moderate hunger increase, water retention, potential prolactin and cortisol elevation (less than GHRP-6), tingling sensations. | Hypoglycemia, joint pain, water retention, potential jaw/hand growth with extended use, and injection site reactions. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
GHRP-2, IGF-1 LR3 are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to GHRP-2:
Unique to IGF-1 LR3:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
| Goal | GHRP-2 | IGF-1 LR3 |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Growth | high | high |
| Fat Loss | medium | medium |
Key Studies
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
IGF-1 LR3
- IGF-1 LR3 does not promote growth in late-gestation growth-restricted fetal sheep.
American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2025
- Revolutionary decellularized Alstroemeria stem-based nerve conduit integrated with GelMA and controlled IGF-1 LR3 release for enhanced rat sciatic nerve regeneration.
International journal of biological macromolecules, 2025
- Attenuated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion during an acute IGF-1 LR3 infusion into fetal sheep does not persist in isolated islets.
Journal of developmental origins of health and disease, 2023
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