ACE-031 vs Ghrelin
A neutral, side-by-side comparison of two performance & growth hormone peptides — their mechanisms, dosing ranges, administration routes, side effects, and research evidence. For research and educational purposes only.
ACE-031
Soluble form of activin type IIB receptor (ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein) that acts as a myostatin and activin trap. Blocks the primary signals that limit muscle growth by sequestering myostatin, activin, and related ligands before they reach cell surface receptors. Phase 2 trials in Duchenne muscular dystrophy demonstrated significant lean mass increases.
Full profileGhrelin
Endogenous 28-amino acid peptide secreted primarily by the stomach that functions as both the primary hunger signal and a potent growth hormone secretagogue. The n-octanoyl modification at Ser-3 (acylated form) is required for GHS-R1a receptor binding and GH-stimulating activity. Understanding ghrelin explains the mechanism behind the entire GHRP class of research peptides.
Full profile| ACE-031 | Ghrelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Performance & Growth Hormone | Performance & Growth Hormone |
| Also known as | ACVR2B-Fc, ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein | GHRL, growth hormone-releasing peptide endogenous, ghrelinergic peptide, acyl ghrelin |
| Evidence | Investigational (in trials) | Investigational (in trials) |
| Dosing range | 0.3mg/kg–3mg/kg mg/kg, every 2–4 weeks (subcutaneous injection) | 0.5mcg/kg–2mcg/kg mcg/kg, IV or SC bolus; endogenous levels peak pre-meal |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection | Intravenous (research), Subcutaneous injection |
| Key side effects | Nosebleeds (epistaxis — most common reported AE), Telangiectasia (visible small blood vessel dilation), Gum bleeding, Elevated hemoglobin | Appetite stimulation, Transient hyperglycemia, Water retention, GH pulse stimulation |
| Cited sources | 2 references | 2 references |
Key differences
- Administration: ACE-031 — Subcutaneous injection; Ghrelin — Intravenous (research), Subcutaneous injection.
- Dosing units differ: ACE-031 is dosed in mg/kg, Ghrelin in mcg/kg — they operate at different scales.
- Frequency: ACE-031 is typically every 2–4 weeks (subcutaneous injection); Ghrelin is IV or SC bolus; endogenous levels peak pre-meal.
How each works
ACE-031
ACE-031 functions as a decoy receptor, binding myostatin, activin A/B, GDF-11, and BMP-9 in circulation before they can activate cellular ActRIIB receptors. In the Duchenne muscular dystrophy Phase 2 trial, ACE-031 produced meaningful lean body mass increases but was halted due to vascular side effects (epistaxis, telangiectasia) requiring dose and safety optimization.
Ghrelin
Ghrelin was discovered in 1999 as the endogenous ligand for the GHS-R1a receptor. Its acylated form activates GH release from the pituitary, stimulates appetite via NPY/AgRP hypothalamic neurons, and modulates energy homeostasis and fat storage. The des-acyl form (majority of circulating ghrelin) lacks GHS-R1a activity but has independent cardiovascular and cellular effects.
This comparison aggregates public research and structured profile data for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not recommend either compound for human use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any peptide.