Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide and selective growth hormone secretagogue studied for its ability to stimulate growth hormone release with relatively little effect on cortisol or prolactin. It is a research chemical, not an FDA-approved drug.
Key facts
- Category
- Growth hormone secretagogues
- Regulatory status
- Research chemical (not FDA-approved)
- Half-life
- Reported around 2 hours in early pharmacology studies
- Typical form
- Lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder for reconstitution
- Also known as
- NNC 26-0161
Ipamorelin is a synthetic five-amino-acid peptide and selective growth hormone secretagogue studied for stimulating growth hormone release with relatively little effect on cortisol or prolactin. It is a research chemical, not an approved drug, and nothing here is medical advice.
What is ipamorelin?#
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide that acts as a ghrelin-receptor agonist and growth hormone secretagogue. That means it signals the pituitary gland to release growth hormone (GH). It was first described in endocrinology research in the late 1990s and remains a common reference point in peptide literature. It is sold as a lyophilized research chemical and has not been approved as a medicine.
How does ipamorelin work?#
Ipamorelin binds the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (the ghrelin receptor) on the pituitary gland and prompts a pulse of growth hormone release. Its notable feature in early studies was relative selectivity: it raised GH with comparatively small effects on cortisol and prolactin, hormones that some other secretagogues stimulate more strongly. These observations come from pharmacology studies and do not establish a safe human protocol.
How is ipamorelin different from other GH secretagogues?#
| Feature | Ipamorelin | Some other secretagogues |
|---|---|---|
| Receptor target | Ghrelin / GH secretagogue receptor | Varies |
| Reported selectivity | Higher (less cortisol/prolactin in early studies) | Often lower |
| Peptide length | 5 amino acids | Varies |
| Approval status | Not FDA-approved | Generally not FDA-approved |
This is educational comparison only and not a recommendation to use any of these substances.
Is ipamorelin often paired with CJC-1295?#
In research discussions, ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are frequently mentioned together because they act through different but complementary pathways — CJC-1295 mimics growth-hormone-releasing hormone while ipamorelin works through the ghrelin receptor. Combining substances increases unknowns and potential risks, and any such decision is strictly a clinical one. WikiPeps does not provide combination protocols.
What is ipamorelin studied for?#
Published work on ipamorelin centers on growth hormone release and, historically, gastrointestinal motility after surgery. It is not an approved treatment for any condition, and human efficacy and safety data are limited. Animal and early pharmacology results do not reliably predict outcomes in people.
Is ipamorelin legal and approved?#
Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved and is not a recognized dietary supplement, so it cannot lawfully be marketed for human consumption in the U.S. It is prohibited at all times in sport by WADA. Rules differ by country, so verify local law and consult a licensed professional.
How is ipamorelin dosed in research?#
There is no validated human dose. Pharmacology studies use weight-scaled doses that do not translate directly to people. WikiPeps does not publish dosing protocols; quantity, timing, and route are clinical decisions for a licensed clinician.
How is ipamorelin reconstituted?#
Lyophilized ipamorelin is reconstituted by slowly adding bacteriostatic water down the vial wall and swirling gently until clear, as outlined above. See our reconstitution guide and mixing-math guide for full detail on volume selection and unit conversions.
What are the safety considerations?#
Because ipamorelin influences a hormonal axis, the unknowns are significant: long-term endocrine effects, interactions with other medications, and effects in people with underlying conditions have not been established. Research-chemical purity also varies. Sterile technique reduces infection risk but is not a substitute for medical supervision. Speak with a licensed clinician before considering it.
The bottom line#
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue studied mainly in pharmacology research. It is not FDA-approved, not validated in humans, and banned in sport. Treat this as education, confirm your local laws, and consult a licensed clinician before any health decision.
How to reconstitute lyophilized ipamorelin (educational overview)
What you'll need
- Vial of lyophilized ipamorelin
- Bacteriostatic water (or sterile water per product labeling)
- Sterile insulin or reconstitution syringe
- Alcohol prep pads
- Clean, flat work surface
Wash hands and prep the surface
Wash your hands thoroughly and clean a flat work surface. Let both vials reach room temperature before starting.
Disinfect the stoppers
Wipe both rubber stoppers with separate alcohol prep pads and allow them to air dry.
Measure your diluent
Draw the pre-calculated volume of bacteriostatic water. A round number makes per-dose math easier — see our mixing-math guide.
Add water gently
Direct the water slowly down the inside wall of the ipamorelin vial rather than onto the powder directly.
Dissolve by swirling
Gently swirl or roll until the solution is fully clear. Do not shake.
Label and refrigerate
Label with concentration and date, then refrigerate per product guidance and inspect before any use.
Frequently asked questions
What is ipamorelin?
- Ipamorelin is a synthetic five-amino-acid peptide classified as a growth hormone secretagogue and a ghrelin-receptor agonist. In studies it stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. It is sold as a research chemical and is not an approved medicine.
How does ipamorelin differ from other GH secretagogues?
- Ipamorelin is described as relatively selective: in early studies it stimulated growth hormone release with comparatively little increase in cortisol and prolactin versus some other secretagogues. That selectivity is a key reason it appears so often in peptide research discussions.
What is ipamorelin studied for?
- Ipamorelin has been investigated in pharmacology research for growth hormone release and, historically, for conditions like post-operative gut motility. It is not an approved treatment, and human data are limited.
Is ipamorelin FDA-approved?
- No. Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved for any indication. It is sold only as a research chemical, and the FDA has flagged several peptide growth hormone secretagogues as unsuitable for compounding.
Is ipamorelin banned in sports?
- Yes. Growth hormone secretagogues and their releasing peptides, including ipamorelin, are prohibited at all times in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
What are the reported side effects of ipamorelin?
- Reported anecdotal effects include water retention, headache, lightheadedness, and injection-site reactions. Human safety data are limited and long-term effects are unknown, so a licensed clinician should be consulted before any use.
How is ipamorelin reconstituted?
- Lyophilized ipamorelin is typically reconstituted with bacteriostatic water added slowly down the vial wall and gently swirled until the solution is clear. See the steps below and our full reconstitution guide.
References
- 1.Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue — European Journal of Endocrinology (PubMed-indexed) · 1998
- 2.Growth hormone secretagogues: history, mechanism of action, and clinical development — JCSM Rapid Communications / endocrinology literature (PubMed-indexed) · 2018
- 3.Prohibited List — Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors (S2) — World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) · 2024