Ipamorelin: Selective Growth Hormone Secretagogue
The cleanest GHRP available, producing potent GH release without affecting cortisol, prolactin, or appetite.
Quick Reference
| Research Dosage | 100-300mcg per administration |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 1-3 times daily |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection |
| Optimal Timing | Pre-sleep, morning (fasted), post-exercise |
| Reconstitution | 2-3mL bacteriostatic water per 10mg vial |
| Storage | Refrigerate after reconstitution, use within 4-6 weeks |
Ipamorelin stands apart from other growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs) due to its exceptional selectivity. While all GHRPs stimulate growth hormone release, most also increase cortisol, prolactin, and appetite – unwanted effects that complicate research and limit applications. Ipamorelin triggers potent GH release without significantly affecting these other hormones, even at doses far exceeding normal research ranges.
This selectivity makes Ipamorelin the "cleanest" GH secretagogue available, producing the desired growth hormone elevation without the hormonal noise that accompanies other GHRPs like GHRP-6 and GHRP-2.
Developed by Novo Nordisk (research code NNC 26-0161), Ipamorelin has undergone human clinical trials examining post-operative recovery applications, generating safety and efficacy data beyond typical research peptides.
Research Applications
Ipamorelin is studied for its selective growth hormone releasing properties across multiple research areas:
Growth Hormone Physiology
Selective GH Release
- Potent GH release without cortisol elevation
- No significant prolactin increase
- Minimal appetite stimulation
- Maintains selectivity even at very high doses
Pulsatile Secretion
- Mimics natural GH release patterns
- Each dose produces a discrete GH pulse
- Returns to baseline between administrations
- Preserves physiological pulsatility
Dose-Response Studies
- Clear dose-dependent GH release
- Well-characterised pharmacology
- Consistent and reproducible effects
Body Composition Research
- Lean mass effects of elevated GH
- Fat metabolism and lipolysis studies
- Age-related body composition changes
- GH-IGF-1 axis effects on tissue composition
Recovery and Tissue Repair
- Post-operative recovery (clinical trial application)
- Tissue healing with elevated GH
- Sleep quality and nocturnal GH release
- Exercise recovery research
Clinical Trial History
Ipamorelin has human clinical trial data:
- Post-operative ileus (bowel function recovery)
- Safety and tolerability extensively documented
- Pharmacokinetic profiles established
- Provides confidence beyond typical research peptides
Dosage Information
Research Dosages
Dosages commonly referenced in literature range from 100-300mcg per administration, typically administered 1-3 times daily.
Dosing Protocols
Conservative: 100mcg, 1-2 times daily
Standard: 200mcg, 2-3 times daily
Higher range: 300mcg, 2-3 times daily
Timing Considerations
Growth hormone release is influenced by various factors, and timing of Ipamorelin administration can affect results:
Pre-Sleep Administration (Most Common)
- Aligns with natural nocturnal GH surge
- GH is primarily released during deep sleep
- Evening administration complements natural physiology
- Typical timing: 30-60 minutes before bed
Morning (Fasted) Administration
- Fasted state optimises GH release
- Food (especially carbohydrates) can blunt GH response
- Typical timing: Upon waking, before breakfast
Post-Exercise Administration
- Exercise naturally stimulates GH release
- Ipamorelin may enhance post-exercise GH elevation
- Typical timing: Within 30 minutes of training
Multiple Daily Dosing
- Creates multiple GH pulses throughout the day
- Common timing: Morning (fasted), post-workout, pre-sleep
Reconstitution Guide
Required Materials
- Ipamorelin lyophilised powder (5mg or 10mg vial)
- Bacteriostatic water (water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol)
- Sterile insulin syringe for reconstitution
- Alcohol swabs for sterile technique
Reconstitution Steps
- Allow the Ipamorelin vial to reach room temperature before reconstitution
- Draw the appropriate volume of bacteriostatic water into the syringe:
- For 10mg vial: 2-3mL bacteriostatic water
- For 5mg vial: 1-2mL bacteriostatic water
- Insert the needle into the Ipamorelin vial and direct the stream of water down the inside wall of the vial – do not spray directly onto the powder
- Allow the powder to dissolve naturally without shaking. Ipamorelin dissolves readily. The solution should be clear with no visible particles.
- Store reconstituted solution refrigerated at 2-8°C immediately after reconstitution
Concentration Reference Table
| Vial Size | Water Added | Concentration | 100mcg Dose | 200mcg Dose | 300mcg Dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 2mL | 2.5mg/mL | 4 units (0.04mL) | 8 units (0.08mL) | 12 units (0.12mL) |
| 10mg | 2mL | 5mg/mL | 2 units (0.02mL) | 4 units (0.04mL) | 6 units (0.06mL) |
Storage Guidelines
Lyophilised (Powder) Form
- Stable at room temperature for several weeks without significant degradation
- Refrigeration (2-8°C) extends stability to 12+ months
- Freezing (-20°C) extends stability to 24+ months
- Protect from light and moisture
- Keep vial sealed until ready for reconstitution
Reconstituted Solution
- Must be refrigerated at 2-8°C
- Stable for 4-6 weeks when stored correctly
- Do not freeze after reconstitution – freezing can damage the peptide structure
- Avoid repeated temperature fluctuations
- Use sterile technique when drawing doses to prevent contamination
- If solution becomes cloudy or contains particles, discard and reconstitute a fresh vial
Why Ipamorelin is "Clean": GHRP Selectivity Comparison
Ipamorelin's key advantage is its selectivity – it stimulates GH without affecting other hormones that other GHRPs influence:
| Peptide | GH Release | Cortisol Increase | Appetite Increase | Prolactin Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin | Strong | None | Minimal | None |
| GHRP-6 | Strong | Moderate | Strong | Slight |
| GHRP-2 | Very Strong | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Hexarelin | Very Strong | Significant | Moderate | Significant |
| MK-677 | Strong | Slight | Strong | Slight |
Research Significance
This selectivity means:
- Cleaner experimental results without confounding hormonal changes
- More applicable to populations where cortisol/appetite/prolactin effects are problematic
- Longer-term use potential without hormonal disruption
- Studies have shown selectivity maintained even at 200x effective doses
Combination with CJC-1295
Ipamorelin is frequently studied with CJC-1295 (No DAC), known as the "CJC + Ipa" stack. The combination activates both GHRH and GHRP pathways simultaneously:
- CJC-1295 (No DAC): Activates GHRH receptors – tells pituitary to release GH
- Ipamorelin: Activates ghrelin/GHS receptors – amplifies the release signal
When both pathways activate together, research suggests synergistic GH release exceeding what either achieves alone.
Why They Work Together
- CJC-1295: "Press the GH release button" (GHRH receptors)
- Ipamorelin: "Turn up the volume" (GHS receptors)
- Combined: Potentially synergistic effect greater than either alone
A pre-blended CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin formulation is available for research convenience, providing accurate ratios and simplified reconstitution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ipamorelin research
What is the difference between Ipamorelin and other GHRPs?
Ipamorelin is the most selective GHRP available. While all GHRPs stimulate growth hormone release, others (GHRP-6, GHRP-2, Hexarelin) also increase cortisol, appetite, and/or prolactin. Ipamorelin produces potent GH release without these additional hormonal effects.
Why combine Ipamorelin with CJC-1295?
They work through different receptor systems: Ipamorelin activates Ghrelin/GHS receptors (GHS-R1a) while CJC-1295 activates GHRH receptors. Simultaneous activation of both pathways may produce synergistic GH release greater than either peptide alone.
What does "Ipa" mean?
"Ipa" is shorthand for Ipamorelin, commonly used in research communities.
Does Ipamorelin increase appetite like GHRP-6?
No. Unlike GHRP-6, Ipamorelin has minimal appetite effects due to its selective receptor activity.
Does Ipamorelin increase cortisol?
No. Ipamorelin does not significantly affect cortisol levels, even at high doses. This selectivity is maintained even at doses up to 200 times the effective dose.
What is the best time to take Ipamorelin?
Pre-sleep administration is most common, aligning with natural nocturnal GH release. Morning fasted and post-exercise timing are also used. When dosing multiple times daily, common timing is morning (fasted), post-workout, and pre-sleep.
What is the molecular weight of Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin has a molecular weight of 711.85 Da (Daltons).
Does Ipamorelin have human clinical trial data?
Yes. Ipamorelin has been studied in human clinical trials examining post-operative ileus (bowel function recovery). Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profiles have been extensively documented, providing confidence beyond typical research peptides.
The Science: How Ipamorelin Works
The GH Release System
Growth hormone release is controlled by opposing signals:
Stimulatory
- GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone) → GHRH receptors
- Ghrelin → GHS-R1a receptors
Inhibitory
- Somatostatin → Somatostatin receptors
Ipamorelin works on the ghrelin/GHS-R1a pathway.
Ghrelin Receptor (GHS-R1a) Activation
Ipamorelin is a ghrelin mimetic binding to GHS-R1a:
- Binds GHS-R1a receptor on pituitary somatotrophs
- G-protein activation
- Intracellular calcium signalling
- GH release from storage granules
Why Ipamorelin is Selective
Other GHRPs activate multiple systems (ACTH, prolactin, appetite centres). Ipamorelin's specific receptor interaction avoids these – maintaining selectivity even at 200x effective doses.
Pulsatile vs Sustained Release
Unlike sustained GH elevation approaches, Ipamorelin triggers discrete pulses mimicking natural physiology. This pulsatility may carry biological significance for downstream signalling and receptor sensitivity.
Amino Acid Sequence and Structure
Sequence: Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (5 amino acids) containing non-natural amino acids:
- Aib: Aminoisobutyric acid – provides metabolic stability
- D-2-Nal: D-2-Naphthylalanine – contributes to receptor binding
- D-Phe: D-Phenylalanine – enhances stability and activity
The inclusion of D-form amino acids and the C-terminal amidation contribute to Ipamorelin's stability and receptor selectivity.
Technical Specifications
| Systematic Name | Ipamorelin |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Ipa, Ipam, NNC 26-0161, Ipamorelin Acetate |
| Amino Acid Count | 5 |
| Sequence | Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 |
| Molecular Formula | C38H49N9O5 |
| Molecular Weight | 711.85 Da |
| CAS Number | 170851-70-4 |
| Appearance | White to off-white lyophilised powder |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water and aqueous buffers |
| Purity (PurposeLabs) | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Storage (Lyophilised) | -20°C long-term, 2-8°C short-term |
| Storage (Reconstituted) | 2-8°C, use within 4-6 weeks |
Quality: Australian University Testing
Why Peptide Quality Matters
The research peptide market contains products of highly variable quality. Independent testing of products from various suppliers has revealed significant issues:
- Purity levels as low as 50% in products claiming "99% purity"
- Incorrect amino acid sequences (entirely wrong peptides)
- Truncated sequences (missing amino acids)
- Bacterial endotoxin contamination
- Oxidised or degraded peptides with reduced activity
Our Testing Protocol
Every batch of Ipamorelin from PurposeLabs undergoes comprehensive testing at a leading proteomics laboratory based at an Australian university in Sydney – one of Australia's premier analytical facilities.
Confirms purity levels of ≥99%, identifies any impurities or degradation products.
Verifies exact molecular weight, confirms correct amino acid sequence.
Determines actual peptide content versus salt, moisture, and counter-ions.
Why Australian University Testing?
Our testing partner is an established, verifiable proteomics facility at a major Australian university, with published research credentials, transparent methodology, and no commercial conflict of interest. This contrasts with overseas "certificates of analysis" from unknown or unverifiable laboratories.
Shop Ipamorelin
Australian university tested. 99%+ purity verified by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Fast shipping from Sydney.
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References
Key studies for researchers seeking primary literature:
- Raun K, et al. "Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue." European Journal of Endocrinology, 1998.
- Johansen PB, et al. "Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats." Growth Hormone & IGF Research, 1999.
- Beck DE, et al. "Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the safety and efficacy of ipamorelin for postoperative ileus." Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, 2014.
- Jimenez-Reina L, et al. "Influence of growth hormone secretagogues on feeding behaviour and energy metabolism." Endocrine, 2002.
- Anderson LL, et al. "Oral activity of a growth hormone secretagogue, ipamorelin, in swine." Journal of Endocrinology, 2001.
- Gobburu JV, et al. "Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers." Pharmaceutical Research, 1999.
Disclaimer
All products sold by PurposeLabs are intended for laboratory and research use only. They are not intended for human or animal consumption. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with qualified healthcare professionals for any health-related decisions.
Ipamorelin is not approved by the TGA for therapeutic use in Australia. Products are sold strictly for research purposes in accordance with Australian regulations.