Follistatin 344 vs GHRP-2
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.
Follistatin 344
Follistatin 344 is a 344-amino acid isoform of follistatin — an endogenous glycoprotein that functions primarily as a myostatin and activin inhibitor. Myostatin (GDF-8) is the body's primary muscle growth suppressor; follistatin binds and neutralizes it with high affinity, removing this brake on muscle protein synthesis. Research and animal data show dramatic increases in muscle fiber size and strength when follistatin is elevated or myostatin is inhibited.
Full profileGHRP-2
GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide that acts as a ghrelin mimetic, stimulating the pituitary gland to secrete growth hormone (GH). It is one of the most potent GH secretagogues studied, producing stronger GH pulses than GHRP-6 with comparatively less appetite stimulation.
Full profile| Follistatin 344 | GHRP-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Performance & Growth Hormone | Performance & Growth Hormone |
| Also known as | FST-344, Follistatin isoform 344, FST | Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2, Pralmorelin, KP 102 |
| Evidence | Research-stage | Preclinical only |
| Dosing range | 50mcg–200mcg mcg, Once daily or every other day for 10–30 day cycles | 100mcg–300mcg mcg, 1–3 times daily, on an empty stomach |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection (into target muscle — local effect hypothesis) | Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection |
| Key side effects | Potential FSH suppression (reproductive effects in females — may affect menstrual cycle), Accelerated hair follicle cycling (Wnt pathway involvement — theoretical hair loss concern at high doses), Joint discomfort with rapid muscle tissue growth, Limited long-term human safety data | Increased hunger (less than GHRP-6), Elevated cortisol and prolactin at high doses, Water retention, Injection site irritation |
| Cited sources | 3 references | 3 references |
Key differences
- Evidence level differs: Follistatin 344 is research-stage, while GHRP-2 is preclinical only.
- Administration: Follistatin 344 — Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection (into target muscle — local effect hypothesis); GHRP-2 — Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection.
- Frequency: Follistatin 344 is typically Once daily or every other day for 10–30 day cycles; GHRP-2 is 1–3 times daily, on an empty stomach.
How each works
Follistatin 344
Follistatin's muscle effects were dramatically illustrated when mice and cattle with follistatin overexpression or myostatin knockouts developed 2–3x normal muscle mass. Human follistatin gene therapy trials (AAV-mediated) are ongoing for Becker Muscular Dystrophy, showing sustained myostatin inhibition and improved muscle function over years from a single injection. Follistatin also inhibits activin A and B (involved in muscle wasting during illness), FSH secretion (reproductive effects), and inflammatory cytokines. The 344 isoform has an extended heparin-binding domain that increases tissue retention compared to the shorter FST-288 isoform.
GHRP-2
GHRP-2 has been extensively studied in both animal and human subjects. Clinical trials have demonstrated significant GH elevation in healthy adults, with a peak GH pulse occurring 15–30 minutes post-injection. Studies show it increases IGF-1 levels with chronic use and may have mild cardioprotective properties. Unlike GHRP-6, it has a lower propensity to stimulate cortisol and prolactin at standard doses.
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.