Exenatide vs GHRP-2
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- Exenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist derived from the Gila monster lizard peptide exendin-4, with 53% homology to human GLP-1 and natural resistance to DPP-4 degradation. Available as twice-daily (Byetta) or once-weekly (Bydureon) formulation, it is also being studied for Parkinson's disease neuroprotection.
- GHRP-2 is a potent synthetic hexapeptide that stimulates growth hormone release by activating ghrelin receptors in the pituitary and hypothalamus. It produces one of the strongest GH pulses among GHRPs, though unlike Ipamorelin it does cause modest increases in cortisol and prolactin.
- Half-Life
- ~2.4 hours (Byetta/twice-daily); Bydureon BCISE: weekly via microsphere release
- 15–60 minutes
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, Intranasal
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 5 mcg, titrate to 10 mcg
- 100–300 mcg
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- 2–3 times daily
- Key Benefits
- Blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes
- Weight loss (average 2–3 kg in clinical trials)
- Once-weekly extended-release formulation available
- Reduces appetite and food intake
- Possible neuroprotective in Parkinson's disease (Phase II trials)
- Reduces systemic inflammation
- May protect pancreatic beta cells
- Cardiovascular neutral or potentially protective
- Strong GH pulse stimulation
- Increased IGF-1 levels
- Enhanced muscle growth and recovery
- Improved fat metabolism
- Better sleep quality
- Increased bone density
- Enhanced appetite (less pronounced than GHRP-6)
- Anti-aging effects via GH axis optimization
- Side Effects
- Nausea (most common, especially initially)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- +4 more
- Increased appetite
- Water retention
- Elevated cortisol (modest)
- Elevated prolactin (modest)
- +2 more
- Stacks With
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