vs
Molecular weight
711.85 g/mol
528.66 g/mol
Half-life
~2 hours
~4-6 hours (single oral dose); supports once-daily dosing
Research areas
Growth hormone optimizationBody compositionSleep qualityRecoveryPostoperative ileusAnti-emetic effectsBone density
GH/IGF-1 axis stimulationBody composition (fat-free mass)Bone turnover and bone mineral densityAppetite stimulationSleep architectureSarcopenia / frailty / catabolic states (hip fracture, dietary restriction)
Typical dosing
200–300 mcg · 1-3x daily · 8-12 weeks
1x daily · Commonly cited as 8-12 week blocks with breaks; long-term continuous use carries metabolic risk
FDA status
Not FDA-approved. Category 2 (under evaluation for 503A compounding)
research-only
WADA status
Prohibited (S2 — peptide hormones, growth factors, and related substances)
Prohibited at all times (WADA S2 — growth hormone secretagogues/mimetics, S2.2)
