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Phase IIVendors pendingFacts verified · 2026-05-25

GHRP-6

Also known as ghrp-6, growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide, skf-110679 · Wikipedia

GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue, the first-generation GH-releasing peptide developed in the Bowers laboratory and a moderate-potency agonist at the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). It produces a pulse of pituitary GH release and characteristically marked appetite stimulation via central ghrelin pathways (Bowers et al.). Preclinical literature also reports cytoprotective effects in cardiac and hepatic ischaemia models. GHRP-6 has no approved therapeutic indication in any jurisdiction; early-phase clinical investigation for cachexia and GHD did not advance to registration. Sold globally as a research chemical. Synonyms include GHRP-6, growth-hormone-releasing hexapeptide, and SKF-110679.

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Mechanism of action

GHRP-6 (His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) was the first synthetic ghrelin-receptor agonist described, developed in the Bowers laboratory before ghrelin itself was isolated. It activates GHS-R1a on pituitary somatotrophs (Gq/11 -> PLC -> IP3 -> intracellular Ca2+) to trigger GH release, and engages central ghrelin-receptor pathways in the arcuate and ventromedial hypothalamus to produce a pronounced orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) effect, more marked than with GHRP-2 or ipamorelin (Smith et al.

GHRP-6 (His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) was the first synthetic ghrelin-receptor agonist described, developed in the Bowers laboratory before ghrelin itself was isolated. It activates GHS-R1a on pituitary somatotrophs (Gq/11 -> PLC -> IP3 -> intracellular Ca2+) to trigger GH release, and engages central ghrelin-receptor pathways in the arcuate and ventromedial hypothalamus to produce a pronounced orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) effect, more marked than with GHRP-2 or ipamorelin (Smith et al., Endocrine Reviews 1997; Howard et al., Science 1996). It modestly elevates cortisol and prolactin (less than hexarelin but more than ipamorelin). Preclinical studies also report cytoprotective effects in cardiac and hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion models through ghrelin-receptor and possibly CD36-mediated pathways.

Pharmacokinetic properties

Half-life

~15-60 minutes subcutaneous (commonly cited ~30 min)

Routes

subcutaneous · intravenous · intranasal

Bioavailability

Short-acting; multiple daily injections typical. Oral bioavailability poor.

Amino-acid sequence

His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2

Use & research dosing

GH ReleaseAppetite StimulationAppetite Control

There is no approved therapeutic dose for GHRP-6. In published research and self-experimentation protocols it is most often administered at 100-300 mcg subcutaneously 1-3 times per day, frequently paired with a GHRH analog such as CJC-1295 or sermorelin to amplify the GH pulse. Appetite stimulation is dose-dependent and is a feature for cachexia research models but a common unwanted effect in performance contexts. No FDA-approved label, no validated human PK studies, and no controlled dose-response data exist.

Research-use framing only. SavePeptides sells nothing for human consumption. Doses above reflect reported research / self-experimentation ranges, not clinical recommendations.

Editorial perspective

GHRP-6 is the historical prototype GH-releasing peptide and the molecule whose orphan receptor led to the discovery of ghrelin (Howard et al., Science 1996). In contemporary practice it has been largely superseded by ipamorelin (cleaner profile) and GHRP-2 (higher potency) for GH-release applications. Its niche remains cachexia and appetite-loss research where the orexigenic effect is wanted. No approved indication exists anywhere; all use outside research labs is gray-market self-experimentation.

— SavePeptides editorial desk · last updated 2026-05-25

Cautions & contraindications

Before researching this compound, note:

  • Not FDA-approved or approved in any major jurisdiction for any indication
  • Marked appetite stimulation - often unwanted (or sought, e.g., cachexia research)
  • Mild elevation of cortisol and prolactin per dose
  • Avoid in active or suspected malignancy (theoretical GH/IGF-1 mitogenic signal)
  • Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding (no safety data)
  • Common acute effects: flushing, head rush, lethargy, water retention, transient hyperglycaemia
  • Receptor desensitisation with chronic dosing; tachyphylaxis reported
  • Theoretical adrenal axis suppression with chronic high-dose use
  • Vendor purity highly variable; injection-site reactions common

Research foundation

The papers behind the page.

  1. [01]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11322495/
  2. [02]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7903313/

Facts verified

2026-05-25

Confidence

low

What this means

  • no approved indication in any jurisdiction
  • Phase II development for cachexia/GHD did not advance
  • chronic self-dosing protocols are not supported by controlled human data

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Research-use disclaimer.

SavePeptides surfaces vendor, pricing, and coupon information for research compounds. These products are not intended, approved, or recommended for human consumption. Our content is informational only and does not constitute medical advice.