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GH Secretagogues Research Guide

Ipamorelin: Mechanism, Handling & Research Guide

Also known as: NNC 26-0161

Key Facts

Ipamorelin is a gh secretagogues research peptide (C38H49N9O5, MW 711.87 g/mol). Highly selective synthetic pentapeptide GH secretagogue for research. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory and in-vitro research use only — not for human consumption.

Classification Selective growth-hormone secretagogue (ghrelin-receptor agonist)
Molecular Formula C38H49N9O5
Molecular Weight 711.87 g/mol
CAS Number 170851-70-4
Research Half-Life ~2 hours in preclinical models
Form Lyophilized powder
Research Category GH Secretagogues

What is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that acts as a selective agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a/ghrelin receptor). Its mechanism involves binding the ghrelin receptor on anterior pituitary somatotrophs to trigger calcium influx and GH granule exocytosis. What distinguishes ipamorelin from earlier ghrelin mimetics is its remarkable selectivity: clinical studies by Raun et al. (European Journal of Endocrinology, 1998) demonstrated that ipamorelin stimulates GH release in a concentration-dependent manner without significantly affecting cortisol, prolactin, FSH, LH, or TSH levels, even at high concentrations. This selectivity profile makes it one of the cleanest GH secretagogues available for research. In bone metabolism research, Anderson et al. (Bone, 2001) showed that ipamorelin use in ovariectomized rat models increased bone mineral content and bone formation markers, suggesting anabolic effects on skeletal tissue independent of IGF-1 elevation. The peptide has also been studied in post-operative recovery models, where it demonstrated prokinetic effects on gastric motility. Compared to GHRP-6 and GHRP-2, which also activate the ghrelin receptor but additionally stimulate appetite and affect cortisol/prolactin levels, ipamorelin provides a more isolated GH response. Store lyophilized powder at -20C; reconstitute with bacteriostatic water and refrigerate at 2-8C for up to 28 days. Ipamorelin is investigated by endocrinology labs, bone metabolism research centers, orthopedic research departments, and gastrointestinal motility researchers.

Ipamorelin Research Applications

In published and preclinical research, Ipamorelin has been studied across the following areas:

  • Bone metabolism and structural integrity
  • Muscle preservation and anabolism
  • Glucose regulation studies
  • Tissue-repair models

Ipamorelin in Research: Study Context

Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide growth-hormone secretagogue noted in research for selectivity — stimulating GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin. It is frequently studied alongside GHRH analogs such as CJC-1295. The lyophilized peptide is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water; research concentration is model-specific.

How Ipamorelin Compares

Researchers frequently evaluate Ipamorelin alongside related compounds:

Ipamorelin — Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ipamorelin legal to buy for research?
Ipamorelin is sold in the United States as a research chemical for laboratory and in-vitro use only. It is not approved by the FDA for human use and is not sold for human consumption. Researchers are responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations.
Does Ipamorelin come with a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Every batch of Ipamorelin from Elyte Peptides ships with a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting identity and HPLC purity (≥98%), so research results can be traced to a verified lot.
What is Ipamorelin and how does it work?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that acts as a highly selective agonist of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). Unlike other GH secretagogues, ipamorelin stimulates growth hormone release from the pituitary with minimal effects on ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, or appetite. This selectivity makes it a valuable tool for studying GH-specific signaling pathways without confounding hormonal variables.
What research has been done on Ipamorelin?
Research published in the European Journal of Endocrinology demonstrated ipamorelin's selective GH-releasing properties with a favorable safety profile. Studies in Growth Hormone & IGF Research showed concentration-dependent GH secretion without significant desensitization over repeated uses. Additional research has explored its effects on bone mineral density (orthopedic surgery recovery models), post-operative ileus, and glucose metabolism.
How does Ipamorelin compare to GHRP-2 and GHRP-6?
Ipamorelin is the most selective of the three GH secretagogues. GHRP-6 strongly stimulates hunger and elevates cortisol and prolactin. GHRP-2 is moderately selective with some cortisol and prolactin effects. Ipamorelin releases GH in a concentration-dependent manner with negligible impact on other pituitary hormones, making it the preferred tool compound for research requiring clean GH signaling data.

Research References

  1. Raun K et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol 1998.
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