What is Ipamorelin used for here?

This product is sold exclusively as a laboratory chemical for research, not as a medicinal product, and is not intended for use in humans or animals. Ipamorelin holds no EU market authorization as a medicinal product.

How are the identity and purity of Ipamorelin confirmed?

Identity is checked by mass spectrometry (an intact-mass result matching the expected mass supports identity but does not by itself prove the exact sequence), together with an HPLC purity result on the batch certificate. The report is produced by Janoshik and submitted by the manufacturer; current batch values are on our CoA page.

What does "selective" mean for Ipamorelin?

In preclinical models, Ipamorelin stimulated GH release without significantly raising ACTH and cortisol levels, unlike the less selective GHRP-6. This selectivity is documented in animal models (Raun et al., 1998, conscious pigs). Whether it appears to the same extent in humans has not been conclusively established by controlled clinical data.

What is the difference from GHRP-6 and GHRP-2?

GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 are potent but less selective GHS compounds: in animal models, they affected ACTH/cortisol release more strongly than Ipamorelin, in addition to GH. Ipamorelin showed comparable GH release in these models with less effect on the cortisol axis. All three are research chemicals and hold no EU market authorization as medicinal products.

How does Ipamorelin differ from CJC-1295?

Ipamorelin is a GHS receptor agonist (ghrelin receptor), while CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog that binds a different receptor. Both are studied in connection with the GH axis but act through different signaling pathways.

Is Ipamorelin combined with CJC-1295?

The idea of combining a GHS (Ipamorelin) with a GHRH analog (CJC-1295) is derived from the pharmacology of two different receptors. Controlled studies directly investigating exactly this combination are lacking, however, and a defined quantitative added benefit over the individual substances cannot be derived from the available literature.

What dosages have been used in research?

In pigs, Raun et al. reported an ED₅₀ of 2.3 nmol/kg intravenously. In the phase 2 study on postoperative ileus (Beck et al., 2014, PMID 25331030), Ipamorelin was administered at 0.03 mg/kg intravenously twice daily. In non-validated community self-reports, quantities on the order of 200-300 µg are mentioned (self-reported). These figures are study or anecdotal reports, not a dosing recommendation, and there is no EU-approved treatment protocol for humans.

What side effects have been reported in research?

In the pig model used by Raun et al., Ipamorelin affected cortisol levels less than GHRP-6. GHS compounds can raise GH and, indirectly, IGF-1, which theoretically could be associated with water retention, joint discomfort, or effects on blood sugar. No independent long-term human safety data are available; any statement about tolerability should be treated as preliminary.

Is Ipamorelin on the WADA prohibited list?

Yes. Growth hormone secretagogues and GH-releasing peptides are prohibited at all times on the WADA list (category S2, peptide hormones and growth factors). This is relevant to the context in which such substances are discussed; here they are sold exclusively as a research chemical.

Why does Ipamorelin contain non-natural amino acids?

The sequence Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂ contains alpha-aminoisobutyric acid and D-configured amino acids. These building blocks have been associated in the literature with increased resistance to enzymatic degradation, but they also place higher demands on correct synthesis, which is why purity and chirality control are important.

How is Ipamorelin stored?

The lyophilized powder is stored at -20 °C. After reconstitution, it is refrigerated at 2-8 °C. A fixed, validated shelf life after reconstitution cannot be stated without a batch-specific stability study; lab practice follows general discard conventions.

What is Ipamorelin reconstituted with?

In laboratory practice, bacteriostatic water is used. Let the liquid run slowly down the vial wall and swirl gently, do not shake. Bacteriostatic water is a laboratory reagent and not a guarantee of a specific shelf life for the solution.

Does Ipamorelin hold an EU market authorization as a medicinal product?

No. Ipamorelin holds no EU market authorization as a medicinal product. It is sold exclusively as a research chemical.

Is buying Ipamorelin for research legal in the EU?

There is no uniform EU-wide category for research peptides; the legal situation depends on presentation, intended use, and the national law of the respective member state. We sell exclusively for laboratory research and not for human consumption. Check the rules with your national competent authority and your institution, seek qualified legal advice if needed, and treat this as general information, not legal advice.

How quickly is Ipamorelin delivered?

Shipping is from the EU with tracking, typically within 2-3 business days within the EU. Current transit times, countries, and conditions are on our shipping page.

Buy Ipamorelin: A Selective GH Secretagogue for Research

Q: Are there human studies on Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin has been investigated in clinical trials, including a phase 2 study in postoperative ileus (Beck et al., 2014, PMID 25331030). Ipamorelin holds no EU market authorization as a medicinal product. For anti-aging or performance applications, controlled efficacy data and an EU-approved indication are lacking.

Ipamorelin belongs to the growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) studied for their comparatively selective release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. In preclinical models, Ipamorelin stimulated GH release without significantly raising ACTH and cortisol levels. This selectivity toward the ACTH/cortisol axis, documented in animal models and described in the publication by Raun et al. (1998), distinguishes Ipamorelin from older GHS compounds such as GHRP-6. Whether this profile is confirmed in humans has not been conclusively established by controlled clinical data.

Ipamorelingrowth

Highly selective growth hormone releaser that triggers natural GH pulses without raising cortisol or prolactin. Clean GH stimulation with minimal side effects - the most targeted growth hormone peptide available.

What Is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin (development code NNC 26-0161) is a synthetic pentapeptide with the amino acid sequence:

Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂

It was derived by Novo Nordisk from GHRP-1 and is an agonist of the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a). The sequence contains several non-natural amino acids (Aib = alpha-aminoisobutyric acid, D-2-Nal = D-2-naphthylalanine), which studies have associated with increased resistance to enzymatic degradation.

Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand of the GHS receptor, is known as the "hunger hormone" and, besides GH release, has further effects on appetite, gastric emptying, and energy metabolism. In the animal models used by Raun et al., Ipamorelin did not significantly affect the ACTH/cortisol axis; effects on appetite or gastrointestinal motility were not assessed there, and individual rodent studies did report increased food intake under repeated administration.

Why Is Ipamorelin Studied?

Key Studies

Raun et al. (1998, European Journal of Endocrinology): The original publication characterized Ipamorelin as a selective growth hormone secretagogue. In conscious pigs, Ipamorelin released GH with an ED₅₀ of 2.3 ± 0.03 nmol/kg, comparable to GHRP-6 (ED₅₀ = 3.9 ± 1.4 nmol/kg). Unlike GHRP-6, Ipamorelin did not significantly affect ACTH or cortisol levels in this animal model. The authors also reported a dose-dependent GH release.

Postoperative ileus (phase 2 study): In a randomized, controlled proof-of-concept study (Beck et al., 2014, International Journal of Colorectal Disease, PMID 25331030), Ipamorelin was investigated as a ghrelin mimetic in patients following bowel resection, administered at 0.03 mg/kg intravenously twice daily. Ipamorelin holds no EU market authorization as a medicinal product.

Bone mineral content (animal model): In a study in adult female rats, treatment with Ipamorelin and GHRP-6 was associated with increased bone mineral content (BMC), measured via DXA. This is a preclinical finding and not evidence of an effect in humans.

Mechanisms of Action (largely preclinical)

The following signaling cascade describes findings from cell and animal models:

GHS receptor agonism: Ipamorelin binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on somatotropic cells of the pituitary gland. This binding activates a Gαq/11-mediated signaling cascade that leads to GH release.
Selective GH release: In the animal models, Ipamorelin did not significantly affect the ACTH/cortisol axis or prolactin secretion. The mechanistic basis of this selectivity has not been conclusively established.
Transient GH release: In the models, Ipamorelin triggered a temporary, episodic rise in GH rather than a sustained elevated level.
IGF-1 stimulation: GH release secondarily leads to hepatic production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which has been associated with the anabolic and regenerative effects.

Quality Criteria When Buying

Ipamorelin contains non-natural amino acids, which places specific demands on synthesis:

HPLC purity: The percentage purity value for each batch is stated on the batch certificate. Current values can be found on our CoA page.
Mass spectrometry: Confirmation of molecular mass and the amidation status at the C-terminus (Lys-NH₂).
Batch certificate: Every Ipamorelin batch at PeptidesDirect is accompanied by a Janoshik lab report (submitted by the manufacturer), viewable on the CoA page.
Chirality control: The D-amino acids in the sequence must be present in the correct configuration.

Dosages in the Research Literature

The following figures describe what has been documented in published studies and in the self-report community. They are not a dosing recommendation. There is no EU-approved treatment protocol for humans.

Animal model (pig): In conscious pigs, Raun et al. reported GH release with an ED₅₀ of 2.3 nmol/kg intravenously (for comparison, GHRP-6: 3.9 nmol/kg, GHRP-2: 0.6 nmol/kg).

Human study: In the phase 2 study on postoperative ileus (Beck et al., 2014, PMID 25331030), Ipamorelin was administered at 0.03 mg/kg intravenously twice daily. This figure comes from a study report and is not a treatment protocol.

Community self-reports: In non-validated anecdotal reports, quantities on the order of roughly 200-300 µg are mentioned. These figures are self-reported, not collected under controlled conditions, and do not constitute a recommendation.

Storage

Ipamorelin is supplied as a lyophilized powder:

Before reconstitution: Store at -20 °C.
After reconstitution: Refrigerate at 2-8 °C. A fixed, validated shelf life after reconstitution cannot be stated without a batch-specific stability study; common lab practice follows general discard conventions.
Reconstitution: Use bacteriostatic water. Let it run slowly down the vial wall, swirl gently, do not shake.
Aliquoting: For use over several weeks, splitting into single doses can help avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

Why Buy Ipamorelin at PeptidesDirect?

Batch certificate: Janoshik lab report (HPLC, mass spectrometry, peptide content) for every batch, viewable on the CoA page.
EU shipping: Shipped from the EU with tracking, typically within 2-3 business days. Details on the shipping page.
Research-grade quality: Purity is documented per batch on the batch certificate.
Current price: see product card above.