GHRP-2 vs Setmelanotide
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 →Setmelanotide
Setmelanotide (Imcivree) is an FDA-approved MC4R agonist for chronic weight management in patients with obesity due to specific genetic conditions (POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency).
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | GHRP-2 | Setmelanotide |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Selective agonist of melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) in the hypothalamus, restoring the satiety signaling pathway that is disrupted in certain genetic obesity syndromes. |
| Typical Dosage | Typical dosing: 100-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily. Often stacked with GHRH peptides for enhanced GH release. | Adults: Start 2mg daily, titrate based on tolerability up to 3mg daily. Pediatrics (6+): Weight-based dosing starting at 1mg daily. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection on an empty stomach. Can be used at bedtime to enhance natural GH pulse during sleep. | Subcutaneous injection once daily. Requires genetic testing to confirm eligible mutations before prescribing. |
| Side Effects | Moderate hunger increase, water retention, potential prolactin and cortisol elevation (less than GHRP-6), tingling sensations. | Injection site reactions, skin hyperpigmentation, spontaneous penile erections, depression, and suicidal ideation (boxed warning). GI effects less common than GLP-1s. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both GHRP-2 and Setmelanotide are commonly used for: