Forensic analysis of black market products revealed a modified growth hormone and three novel GHRP analogs (Gly-GHRP-6, Gly-GHRP-2, Gly-Ipamorelin) that had never been seen before.
4 novel compoundsOne modified growth hormone and three designer GHRP analogs discovered in black market products — none with any human safety data
What the researchers found
Researchers analyzing black market growth-promoting products discovered several previously unknown compounds. They found a modified form of human growth hormone with 192 amino acids instead of the normal 191 — it had an extra alanine added to one end, giving it a slightly different molecular mass (22,195 Da versus the normal 22,124 Da).
They also identified three novel GHRP analogs: Gly-GHRP-6, Gly-GHRP-2, and Gly-Ipamorelin. Each is a known growth hormone-releasing peptide with an extra glycine residue attached to the N-terminus. The identities of Gly-Ipamorelin and Gly-GHRP-2 were confirmed by synthesizing the peptides from scratch and comparing them. Preliminary in-vitro metabolism experiments were also conducted on these new analogs.
Why it matters
The black market for performance-enhancing peptides is constantly evolving. This study reveals that underground manufacturers are creating slightly modified versions of known peptides — likely to evade doping detection tests that look for specific molecular signatures. These designer analogs pose a double threat: they may escape standard drug testing, and their safety profiles are completely unknown since they've never been studied in humans.
The numbers in context
192-amino acid GH variant (vs normal 191) · mass 22,195 Da (vs 22,124 Da) · 3 novel GHRP analogs identified · Gly-GHRP-6, Gly-GHRP-2, Gly-Ipamorelin
How the study worked
The researchers obtained black market products and analyzed them using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution, high-accuracy mass spectrometry. They used both top-down approaches (analyzing whole molecules) and bottom-up approaches (breaking molecules into fragments) to characterize the compounds. For two of the novel peptides, they confirmed their structures by custom-synthesizing the peptides and comparing them to the black market samples. In-vitro metabolism experiments provided preliminary data on how these compounds might break down after administration.
Who was studied
Not applicable (analytical study of black market products, not a human study)
What this study cannot tell us
This study analyzed a limited number of black market products and cannot represent the full scope of what's being sold. The in-vitro metabolism experiments are preliminary and don't capture how these compounds would behave in a living human body. The study identifies the compounds but does not assess their biological activity, potency, or safety. The source and manufacturing conditions of the black market products are unknown.
How to read the evidence
This is a well-conducted forensic analytical study using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry with synthetic confirmation of findings. However, it characterizes compounds rather than testing their effects in humans, so it receives a 'Moderate' evidence grade appropriate for analytical/identification studies.
When this study was published
Published in 2018, this study captured the state of the black market at that time. The underground peptide market has likely continued to evolve, with potentially more designer analogs appearing since this analysis was conducted.
The bigger picture
The emergence of designer peptides on the black market mirrors what happened with designer steroids and stimulants — underground chemists make small structural modifications to evade detection while hoping the compounds retain their biological activity. This cat-and-mouse game between manufacturers and testing labs highlights the risks of unregulated peptide markets, where users may unknowingly inject compounds with zero safety data.
Questions still open
- Do these modified peptides (Gly-GHRP-6, Gly-GHRP-2, Gly-Ipamorelin) have the same biological activity as their parent compounds?
- What health risks do users face when injecting untested designer peptide analogs?
- How quickly can anti-doping laboratories adapt their screening methods to detect these novel compounds?
Common questions
Why would black market manufacturers modify peptides like GHRP-6 and Ipamorelin?
Are these designer peptides dangerous?
Read the original research
Analysis of new growth promoting black market products.
Growth hormone & IGF research : official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society, 41, 1-6
Citation
Krug, Oliver; Thomas, Andreas; Malerød-Fjeld, Helle; Dehnes, Yvette; Laussmann, Tim; Feldmann, Ingo; Sickmann, Albert; Thevis, Mario. (2018). Analysis of new growth promoting black market products.. Growth hormone & IGF research : official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society, 41, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ghir.2018.05.001