Buy Ipamorelin: Selective GH Secretagogue for Research

Ipamorelin holds a unique position among Growth Hormone Secretagogues (GHS). As the first selective ghrelin mimetic, it stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland without significantly affecting cortisol, prolactin or other hormones. This selectivity - documented in the key publication by Raun et al. (1998) - fundamentally distinguishes Ipamorelin from older GHS such as GHRP-6 or GHRP-2 and makes it one of the best-tolerated research peptides in this class.

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 from GHRP-1 by Novo Nordisk and is a selective 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 give Ipamorelin high stability against enzymatic degradation.

Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand of the GHS receptor, is known as the "hunger hormone" and has wide-ranging effects on appetite, gastric emptying and energy metabolism beyond GH release. Ipamorelin, by contrast, activates the GHS receptor more selectively and avoids many of the unwanted ghrelin effects.

Why is Ipamorelin being researched?

Key Studies

Raun et al. (1998, European Journal of Endocrinology): The original publication describing Ipamorelin as "the first selective growth hormone secretagogue". In conscious swine, Ipamorelin released GH with an ED₅₀ of 2.3 +/- 0.03 nmol/kg, comparable to GHRP-6 (ED₅₀ = 3.9 +/- 1.4 nmol/kg). Crucially, unlike GHRP-6, Ipamorelin did not significantly affect either ACTH or cortisol levels. The authors also showed that GH release was dose-dependent and no tachyphylaxis occurred.

Ishida et al. (2020, JCSM Rapid Communications): This review of the history and mechanism of action of Growth Hormone Secretagogues placed Ipamorelin in the context of GHS research and confirmed its unique selectivity.

Postoperative Ileus - Phase II Study: A randomised, controlled proof-of-concept study evaluated Ipamorelin in patients after bowel resection. The study investigated safety and efficacy as a ghrelin mimetic for postoperative ileus and demonstrated a favourable safety profile.

Bone Mineral Density: Raun et al. showed in a further study that treatment of adult female rats with Ipamorelin and GHRP-6 increased bone mineral content (BMC), measured by DXA - indicating anabolic effects on bone.

Mechanisms of Action

Ipamorelin exerts its effects through a clearly defined signalling cascade:

GHS Receptor Agonism: Ipamorelin binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on somatotrope cells of the pituitary gland. This binding activates a Galphaq/11-mediated signalling cascade that leads to GH release.
Selective GH Release: Unlike other GHS, Ipamorelin does not significantly affect the ACTH/cortisol axis or prolactin secretion. This selectivity is attributed to its specific binding characteristics at the GHS receptor.
Pulsatile Release: Ipamorelin mimics the natural pulsatile GH secretion rather than producing a sustained, unphysiological GH elevation.
IGF-1 Stimulation: The GH release secondarily leads to hepatic production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which mediates the anabolic and regenerative effects on tissues.
No Tachyphylaxis: Raun et al. showed that repeated administration of Ipamorelin does not cause attenuation of the GH response - a problem that can occur with other GHS.

Quality Criteria When Buying

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

HPLC Purity ≥98%: Particularly important as the non-natural amino acids (Aib, D-2-Nal, D-Phe) can promote synthesis errors.
Mass Spectrometry: Confirmation of correct molecular mass and amidation status at the C-terminus (Lys-NH₂).
Janoshik Verification: Every Ipamorelin batch at PeptidesDirect is independently tested.
Chirality Control: The D-amino acids in the sequence must be present in the correct configuration.

Dosages in the Research Literature

Animal Models (Swine): Raun et al. used dosages in the range of 1-100 nmol/kg intravenously in conscious swine, with an ED₅₀ of 2.3 nmol/kg.

Animal Models (Rat/Mouse): Typical research dosages range from 100-300 µg/kg subcutaneously.

Human Research Protocols: Published literature reports dosages of 100-300 µg subcutaneously, often 1-3 times daily, frequently in combination with CJC-1295 (a GHRH analogue).

These figures are derived from published research literature and do not constitute dosage recommendations.

Storage

Ipamorelin is supplied as a lyophilised powder:

Before Reconstitution: Store at -20 °C. The non-natural amino acids give Ipamorelin good storage stability.
After Reconstitution: Store at 2-8 °C in the refrigerator. Use within 2-4 weeks.
Reconstitution: With bacteriostatic water. Run slowly down the vial wall, swirl gently.
Aliquoting: For multi-week use, division into single doses is recommended to avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

Why Buy Ipamorelin from PeptidesDirect?

Janoshik-verified: Independent analytics with HPLC, mass spectrometry and peptide content determination.
EU Shipping: No customs, no import fees. Delivery in 2-3 business days with tracking.
Research-Grade Quality: ≥98% purity, correct stereochemical configuration.
Price: Ipamorelin 10 mg for €42.49.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ipamorelin used for? Exclusively for in-vitro and preclinical research. Ipamorelin is not an approved medication and is not intended for human consumption.

What makes Ipamorelin "selective"? Compared to other GHS such as GHRP-6 or GHRP-2, Ipamorelin stimulates GH release without significantly affecting ACTH, cortisol or prolactin. This selectivity minimises side effects in research models and makes the GH effects easier to interpret.

What is the difference from GHRP-6? GHRP-6 is a potent but less selective GHS. It stimulates not only GH but also ACTH/cortisol release and increases appetite more than Ipamorelin. Ipamorelin has comparable GH release (similar Emax) but a more favourable side effect profile.

Is Ipamorelin frequently combined with CJC-1295? Yes. The combination of Ipamorelin (GHS receptor agonist) with CJC-1295 (GHRH analogue) is one of the most frequently investigated GH stimulation protocols in research. Both act through different receptors and complement each other mechanistically.

Are there human studies on Ipamorelin? Yes. There are Phase II studies on its use in postoperative ileus. The safety data from these studies confirm the favourable side effect profile. No approved clinical studies exist for anti-aging applications.

Ipamorelingrowth