Description
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide belonging to the class of growth hormone secretagogues (GHS). It was identified in the late 1990s as the first truly selective GH secretagogue: it triggers GH release via the GHS-R1a receptor (ghrelin receptor) without significantly affecting cortisol, prolactin or ACTH.
Compared to non-selective GHS such as GHRP-6 or GHRP-2, Ipamorelin is distinguished by two properties: first, selectivity without stress hormone interference, and second, the absence of significant appetite stimulation. Both make the compound interesting for research setups isolating the GH axis without confounding endocrine effects obscuring the data.
In preclinical studies, dose-dependent GH release through binding to the ghrelin receptor in hypothalamus and pituitary was observed. The half-life is short (approximately two hours), enabling pulsatile research application multiple times per day in many protocols.
In the community, Ipamorelin is frequently used in combination with a GHRH analog such as CJC-1295 without DAC. The combination addresses two distinct receptor systems in parallel and leads in studies to enhanced GH pulsatility compared to monotherapy.
You can order Ipamorelin in 10-vial packs at 5mg and 10mg per vial.
This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations.
Risks & Safety
Ipamorelin is considered well tolerated per study reports and the cleanest compound of the GH secretagogue class. As a selective ghrelin receptor agonist, it stimulates the body’s own GH secretion without significantly affecting cortisol, prolactin or ACTH.
Observed in research and user reports:
- Injection site: mild redness, pressure or transient irritation at the injection site is the most common observation with subcutaneous use.
- GH-typical effects: as is common with GH secretagogues, the literature describes transient water retention as well as numbness or tingling in the hands (carpal-tunnel-type symptoms), usually dose-dependent and reversible.
- Glucose metabolism: elevated GH levels can raise fasting blood glucose and transiently reduce insulin sensitivity in studies.
- Occasionally headache or brief fatigue shortly after application is reported. Unlike GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, the pronounced appetite stimulation is absent.
- No long-term data: robust long-term human studies for research use do not exist. The profile rests primarily on short-term studies and anecdotal experience.
This classification does not replace medical advice. Risk and responsibility for any actual use lie entirely with the buyer.
Studies
- Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue - European Journal of Endocrinology 1998: First publication on selectivity over cortisol and prolactin.
- Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin in human volunteers - Pharmaceutical Research 1999: PK/PD model for research applications.
- The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH-releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats - Journal of Endocrinology 2000, Svensson et al: Animal study on BMC and bone effects of GH stimulation by ipamorelin.
