Ipamorelin
A selective growth-hormone secretagogue studied for its clean pulsatile GH-release profile.
Overview
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide growth-hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) developed as a more selective alternative to earlier secretagogues like GHRP-6. It’s frequently studied in combination with GHRH analogs like CJC-1295 or Tesamorelin, but has its own distinct standalone research profile worth understanding.
Mechanism of Action
Ipamorelin acts as a selective agonist at the ghrelin receptor (GHSR), stimulating growth-hormone release from the pituitary. Its research-defining feature is selectivity: compared to older GHRPs, it shows minimal activity on cortisol, prolactin, or acetylcholine pathways, which is why it’s been studied as a “cleaner” secretagogue with a more targeted hormonal signature.
Cited Research
Receptor selectivity studies
Characterized Ipamorelin’s selective ghrelin-receptor activity relative to older-generation secretagogues.
GH pulse-amplitude research
Studied for its dose-dependent effect on growth-hormone pulse amplitude without disrupting natural pulsatility.
Gastrointestinal motility research
Ghrelin-receptor agonists including Ipamorelin have also been studied for effects on GI motility, a secondary research area for this receptor class.
This is a summary, not an exhaustive review. Search the primary literature yourself: Ipamorelin on PubMed →
Safety & Handling
Ipamorelin should be handled only by qualified personnel in a laboratory setting, stored and reconstituted per its Certificate of Analysis, and kept refrigerated once reconstituted. It is not evaluated or approved by the FDA for any human or veterinary use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ipamorelin often paired with CJC-1295?
They act on two different receptors in the same hormonal pathway (ghrelin receptor vs. GHRH receptor), so researchers frequently combine them to study a more pronounced pulsatile GH-release pattern. See our combined CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin entry for that research.
Is Ipamorelin legal to purchase?
It’s legal to sell and purchase as a research chemical for laboratory use in the U.S. It is not approved by the FDA as a drug or supplement for human consumption.
Is this page medical advice?
No. This page summarizes published literature for research and educational context only. It does not recommend a dose, protocol, or use in humans or animals outside a laboratory setting.
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