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All peptides
HormoneResearch Phase

GHRP-1

Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous
Written by Peptide Association Editorial TeamMedically reviewed by Ian Justl Ellis, MD, CPTLast reviewed Editorial policy

Overview

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-1 is a synthetic hexapeptide belonging to the growth hormone secretagogue family. It acts as a weak agonist at the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) to stimulate pulsatile growth hormone release from the anterior pituitary.

Mechanism of Action

GHRP-1 has limited potency compared to later-generation secretagogues and served primarily as a prototype for subsequent drug development.

Research Summary & Key Findings

Early pharmacological studies in healthy volunteers demonstrated modest growth hormone release with reduced potency relative to GHRP-2 and GHRP-6. The compound has not advanced to pivotal clinical trials due to its limited efficacy and the availability of more potent analogs. It remains a research tool for studying growth hormone secretion pathways.

Clinical Status

Research Phase

GHRP-1 is in the research phase with limited clinical data in humans. Current evidence is primarily derived from preclinical (animal or in vitro) studies.

Administration Routes

Subcutaneous injectionIntravenous

References

Primary literature

Study-level citations for this compound are being verified against the primary sources before publication. The database queries above return the current indexed literature in the meantime.

Related Peptides in Hormone

No lawful pathway today

GHRP-1 is not FDA-approved and does not currently have a lawful prescription or compounding pathway in the United States, so there is nothing for us to sell you here and no consultation to book. That can change: eight peptides moved back to a lawful pathway in February 2026.

Tell me if the status changes

One email, only if this compound's regulatory standing actually moves. Not a newsletter, not a sales sequence.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. The Peptide Association does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment protocol. See our editorial policy for how this content is produced and reviewed.