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What Is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide that acts as a selective growth hormone secretagogue (GHS). Developed by Novo Nordisk, it's notable for being one of the most selective GH-releasing peptides, stimulating GH release without significantly affecting cortisol, prolactin, or other hormones.
Ipamorelin mimics ghrelin, the body's natural hunger hormone, by binding to the ghrelin receptor in the pituitary gland. However, its selectivity for GH release distinguishes it from other peptides in its class.
Key Characteristics
- Selectivity: Highly selective for GH release
- No Cortisol Spike: Doesn't significantly increase cortisol
- No Prolactin Effect: Minimal impact on prolactin
- No Appetite Increase: Less hunger stimulation than GHRP-6
Mechanism of Action
Ghrelin Receptor Activation
Ipamorelin works through the ghrelin receptor pathway:
- Binds to GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) on pituitary somatotrophs
- Triggers release of stored growth hormone
- Works synergistically with GHRH (different pathway)
- Maintains natural pulsatile GH secretion pattern
Why "Selective"?
Compared to other GHRPs (like GHRP-6 or GHRP-2):
- Produces cleaner GH release without cortisol elevation
- Doesn't significantly raise ACTH or prolactin
- Minimal ghrelin-like hunger stimulation
- More targeted physiological response
Dose-Response Relationship
Research has characterized ipamorelin's dose-response:
- Dose-dependent GH release up to a saturation point
- No additional benefit from very high doses
- Typical research doses: 100-300 mcg
- Effect amplified when combined with GHRH analogs
Research Findings
Growth Hormone Release
- Robust GH release comparable to GHRP-6
- Peak GH levels within 30-45 minutes of administration
- Duration of effect: approximately 3 hours
- Maintains efficacy with repeated administration
Body Composition Studies
- Potential increases in lean body mass in animal studies
- Fat mass reduction observed in some models
- Bone density improvements suggested
- Limited human clinical data available
Post-Operative Recovery
Ipamorelin has been studied for post-surgical recovery:
- Clinical trials in post-operative ileus (bowel function)
- Investigated for accelerating GI recovery after surgery
- Mixed results in Phase III trials
- Development discontinued for this indication
Combined with CJC-1295
A popular research combination:
- CJC-1295 (GHRH analog) + Ipamorelin (GHRP)
- Different mechanisms create synergistic effect
- Greater GH release than either peptide alone
- Commonly studied together in research settings
Comparison with Other GH Secretagogues
| Peptide | GH Release | Cortisol | Prolactin | Hunger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin | +++ | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal |
| GHRP-6 | ++++ | ++ | ++ | ++++ |
| GHRP-2 | ++++ | ++ | +++ | ++ |
| Hexarelin | +++++ | +++ | +++ | + |
Key Published Research
| Year | Focus | Key Finding | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Characterization | Defined selectivity profile | Raun et al. |
| 2005 | GH release | Comparable to GHRP-6 for GH | Johansen et al. |
| 2008 | Post-op recovery | Phase II results in ileus | Beck et al. |
| 2011 | Phase III trial | Post-operative ileus results | Greenwood et al. |
Potential Benefits Under Investigation
Research Areas
- Body composition optimization
- Recovery and healing support
- Age-related GH decline
- Sleep quality (GH released during sleep)
- Bone density maintenance
Administration in Research
Typical research parameters:
- Route: Subcutaneous injection
- Research doses: 100-300 mcg
- Frequency: Often 2-3 times daily in studies
- Timing: Pre-meal and/or before bed
- Half-life: Approximately 2 hours
Safety Considerations
Based on available research data:
- Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
- Common effects: injection site reactions, transient flushing
- No significant hormonal disruption (cortisol, prolactin)
- Long-term safety data limited
Research Status
Ipamorelin is not approved by the FDA for any indication. While it underwent clinical trials for post-operative ileus, development was discontinued. It remains available only as a research compound. All use should be under appropriate research protocols and oversight.
Summary
Ipamorelin stands out among growth hormone secretagogues for its selectivity and cleaner hormonal profile. By stimulating GH release without significantly affecting cortisol, prolactin, or appetite, it offers researchers a more targeted tool for studying GH-related effects. Its synergy with GHRH analogs has made the ipamorelin + CJC-1295 combination one of the most studied GH-enhancing protocols in research settings.